| Fabric Name | Velvet |
|---|---|
| Fabric also known as | Velveto, velveteen |
| Fabric Composition | Can be made from silk, cotton, synthetics (like polyester), or blends |
| Fabric Breathability | Moderate |
| Moisture-wicking Abilities | Low |
| Heat Retention Abilities | High |
| Stretchability (Give) | Low |
| Prone to Pilling/Bubbling | Moderate, especially for lower-quality synthetic velvet |
| Country Where Fabric Was First Produced | Historically associated with Eastern cultures; commercial production began in Europe during the medieval period |
| Biggest Exporting/Producing Country Today | China and India are significant producers of modern synthetic velvet |
| Recommended Washing Temperatures | Usually dry clean only; some modern synthetics can be machine washed |
| Commonly Used In | Upholstery, evening wear, curtains, and other luxurious or decorative items |
What is Velvet Fabric?
Velvet fabric is a sumptuously soft fabric distinguished by its dense pile and rich texture, which gives it a distinctive, luxurious feel and an elegant sheen. Traditionally made from silk, velvet is woven on a special loom that weaves two layers of material simultaneously. The layers are then cut apart to create the pile effect, with threads distributed evenly for a smooth, consistent texture. This production method gives velvet its classic plushness and depth of color, making it a favorite for high-end fashion, upholstery, and curtains.
Over time, velvet fabric has evolved to include a variety of fibers such as cotton, linen, and synthetic materials, making it more accessible and versatile. This adaptability allows for a range of uses, from lavish gowns and tailored jackets to decorative home furnishings. Each type of velvet, whether crushed, embossed, or plush, offers unique characteristics and aesthetics, contributing to its enduring popularity in both historical and contemporary design.
The Manufacturing Process of Velvet
The production of velvet is a complex process that has evolved with technological advances in textile manufacturing. Understanding this process is crucial for anyone in the garment industry, as it affects the texture, quality, and use of the velvet produced.
Basic Steps in Velvet Production
- Yarn Preparation: The first step in making velvet is preparing the yarn. The type of yarn used can vary from silk to synthetic fibers, depending on the type of velvet being produced.
- Weaving: Velvet is typically woven on a special loom that weaves two thicknesses of the material simultaneously. The two pieces are then cut apart to create the pile effect, with very little waste.
- Cutting the Pile: After weaving, the fabric undergoes a cutting process where the loops of the pile are cut to create the soft, raised texture that velvet is known for. This step is critical and requires precision to ensure that the pile is uniform.
- Dyeing and Finishing: The next step is dyeing, where velvet can be treated with various colors and finishes. Dyeing must be handled carefully to maintain the softness and luster of the fabric. Finishing may include adding a stain-resistant or water-resistant coating, depending on the intended use of the velvet.
Different Types of Velvet Fabric
Velvet is a luxurious fabric distinguished by its dense pile and soft texture, with several types each suitable for different applications. Here’s an overview of the most notable types of velvet:
Crushed Velvet
This type achieves its textured appearance by twisting or crushing the fabric while wet. The process creates a lustrous, dappled surface that is popular in fashion and upholstery for its unique visual appeal.
Embossed Velvet
Embossed velvet features designs pressed into the pile with a heat stamp or a metal mold, creating raised patterns, typically floral or geometric. This technique adds intricate detail to the fabric, making it a favorite for decorative and high-end fashion uses.
Lyons Velvet
Originating from Lyon, France, Lyons velvet is made from silk and known for its heavy, dense structure, making it suitable for structured garments like jackets or hats. It is one of the more luxurious and durable types of velvet.
Panne Velvet
A type of crushed velvet where the pile is pressed in a single direction under high pressure, resulting in a lustrous surface with a short, dense pile. This fabric is used for both apparel and decor, offering a soft cloth-like feel.
Stretch Velvet
Incorporating spandex or similar elastic materials, stretch velvet is flexible and comfortable, ideal for clothing that requires movement such as dresses and tops. It combines the plush texture of velvet with the versatility of stretch fabrics.
Devoré Velvet
Also known as burnout velvet, this fabric involves a process where part of the velvet is dissolved, creating intricate patterns against a sheer background. It’s particularly prized in the creation of stylish evening wear and accessories.
Velveteen
Unlike traditional velvet fabric, velveteen is typically made from cotton, offering a matte finish with a dense, short pile. It’s less lustrous but highly durable, making it suitable for clothing and soft furnishings that require a velvet-like texture without the sheen.
Corduroy
While not a traditional velvet, corduroy features a similar pile concept but is distinguished by its ribbed texture. The fabric is constructed from tufted cords, or ‘wales,’ that provide texture and depth and are commonly used in the making of pants and jackets.
Advantages of Using Velvet Fabric in Apparel
- Luxury and Comfort: Velvet is highly regarded for its softness, adding a luxurious and comfortable touch to garments. It’s also skin-friendly and does not irritate, making it suitable for direct contact with the skin.
- Aesthetic Appeal: The fabric’s lush pile gives it a unique luster and rich appearance, often used in formal wear and high fashion due to its elegant visual qualities.
- Durability and Maintenance: Velvet made from synthetic fibers like polyester is durable and less prone to wrinkling, maintaining its structure and appearance over time. Additionally, many velvet fabrics are treated to prevent color fading and are generally easy to care for, supporting hand and machine washing depending on the fiber content.
- Thermal Insulation: Velvet is also noted for its good thermal insulation, making it a popular choice for colder-season apparel.
Disadvantages of Using Velvet Fabric in Apparel
- Maintenance Issues: Velvet can be prone to crushing and marking if not stored properly. It also requires specific cleaning techniques to avoid damaging the pile, and darker velvets can show lint and dust more prominently.
- Cost: High-quality velvet fabric, especially those made from natural fibers like silk, can be expensive. This cost factor can make velvet less accessible for some users and consumers.
- Static and Creasing: Velvet generates static electricity which can attract dust and lint, making maintenance a bit challenging. It also tends to crease easily, and these creases can be difficult to remove, especially in velvets made from natural fibers.
These characteristics define how velvet is used in the apparel industry, influencing everything from the design choices to the care instructions provided to consumers.
Uses of Velvet Fabric in the Garment Industry
Evening Wear: Velvet fabric is a popular choice for evening wear due to its luxurious appearance. It is commonly used in gowns, suits, and jackets.
Casual and Everyday Wear: Recently, velvet has been used in more casual settings, such as in blazers, trousers, and even sneakers, demonstrating its versatility.
Costumes: Due to its rich appearance and texture, velvet is often used in theatrical costumes and period attire.
Upholstery: In the apparel industry, velvet fabric is also used for decorative purposes, particularly in accessories like bags and shoes.
Winter Collections: Velvet is particularly popular in fall and winter collections due to its warmth and depth, making it a seasonal favorite.
Caring for Velvet Fabric Garments
Proper care is essential to maintain the appearance and longevity of velvet fabric. Here are some key guidelines for handling velvet garments:
Dry Cleaning: For most types of velvet, especially those made from natural fibers like silk, dry cleaning is recommended to preserve the fabric’s texture and color.
Hand Washing: If the velvet is a polyester blend, it may be possible to hand wash it gently. Always use cold water and a mild detergent, and avoid wringing or twisting the fabric.
Hanging vs. Folding: Velvet garments should ideally be hung on padded hangers to avoid crushing the fabric’s pile. If folding is necessary, do not place heavy items on top of the velvet.
Avoiding Pressure Marks: When storing velvet, care should be taken to avoid pressing anything into the fabric, as this can cause permanent marks.
Brushing: Use a soft brush to gently lift the pile of the velvet and keep it from matting.
Ironing: Ironing velvet should be done with caution. Always place a thick cloth between the iron and the velvet and use a low heat setting. Iron on the reverse side to prevent crushing the pile.
How much does velvet fabric cost?
The cost of velvet fabric can vary widely depending on the type and quality of the material. Here’s a breakdown of velvet fabric prices:
- Standard Velvet: Common types of velvet, such as those made from polyester, can range from as low as $12.99 to around $30 per yard. This category includes stretch velvet and basic crushed velvet options, which are often used for both apparel and upholstery (Fabric Warehouse).
- Premium Velvet: Higher-end velvets, such as silk velvet or high-quality cotton velvet, typically cost more due to their superior texture and appearance. Prices for these materials can start around $45 per yard and go up to $134 for specialty types used in luxury decor or high-fashion garments (Walmart.com).
- Specialty Velvet: Unique or designer velvet fabrics, like embossed or patterned velvet, can also be priced higher, generally ranging from $20 to $50 per yard. This category includes fabrics designed for specific applications that may include intricate patterns or enhanced durability for upholstery (Fabric Mill).
- Bulk or Wholesale Purchases: For those buying in bulk or directly from wholesalers, prices may be lower. It’s common to find discounts or reduced rates per yard when purchasing larger quantities.
The type of velvet, its fiber content, and the manufacturing process all contribute to the final price. Explore the many possibilities of velvet in your next fashion project or learn more about sourcing the best materials by visiting our detailed guides and resources at Valtin Apparel.
FAQs About Velvet Fabric
1. Is velvet a good material for clothes? Yes, velvet is an excellent material for clothes due to its luxurious texture and aesthetic appeal. It’s particularly favored in formal wear and winter clothing because of its softness and good insulation properties.
2. What is velvet fabric called? Velvet fabric is simply called “velvet.” There are various types of velvet, like silk velvet, crushed velvet, and synthetic velvet, depending on the materials used and the manufacturing process.
3. Is velvet a hard fabric to sew? Yes, velvet can be challenging to sew because of its thick, piled nature and the tendency for the fabric to shift and mark easily. Extra care is needed to handle the fabric properly during the sewing process.
4. What’s the difference between velvet and crushed velvet? The main difference lies in the texture. While traditional velvet has a uniform, smooth pile, crushed velvet has a mottled appearance due to the pile being pressed or twisted in different directions.
5. What is the softest type of velvet? Silk velvet is considered the softest type of velvet due to its fine fibers and high-quality construction, offering a luxuriously smooth texture.
6. What is the name of the cheap velvet? Cheap velvet types are typically made from synthetic fibers like polyester. One common type of inexpensive velvet is called “panne velvet,” which has a stretchy feel and is cost-effective.
7. What is chenille vs velvet? While both are soft and used in similar applications, chenille fabric is made by placing short lengths of yarn between two core yarns and then twisting the yarn together, giving it a caterpillar-like texture. Velvet, on the other hand, is characterized by its dense pile and smooth back.
8. Why is velvet clothing so expensive? Velvet clothing can be expensive due to the complex manufacturing process and the materials used, especially if the velvet is made from natural fibers like silk.
9. What is the difference between silk velvet and synthetic velvet? Silk velvet, made from natural silk fibers, is softer and has a more luxurious sheen compared to synthetic velvet, which is made from synthetic fibers like polyester and can be less expensive but less plush.
10. How can you tell high-quality velvet? High-quality velvet typically has a dense, even pile that feels soft to the touch. It should have a uniform color with a rich luster, and the pile should not easily flatten when brushed against the direction.
