What is velvet?
This month, Constantia Curtains is focusing on velvets as it is the most luxurious fabrics around. Why? Because it requires more thread to manufacture than other fabrics, as well as multiple steps.
They either made from synthetics or natural fibres with silk being most expensive of them all. Cotton can also be used but, it is less lavish then the rest.
In modern times, cotton and synthetics have been used in the manufacture of velvet, and several related fabrics, such as velour, velveteen, and corduroy, have been invented to suit consumers’ pockets.
Usually, velvet is woven as a double cloth on a specialized loom. The warp threads go through two pieces of cloth, instead of just one, and when the fabric is finished, a blade cuts the two pieces of fabric apart along the warp.
Each piece of fabric must be taken up on a separate roll as it is cut. The resulting material is known as a "pile" fabric because the thread sticks up, forming a soft pile.
After cutting, velvet is often sheared to ensure it is all even, and then dyed. The fabric takes dye extremely well, and when made with silk, it is often highly lustrous. Special effects can be created by twisting the fabric while it is wet, producing crushed velvet.
In addition, some is woven with multiple threads of different colours, producing vivid designs. The fabric is usually brushed while moist so that it sets with a grain, producing the characteristic feel that consumers prize.
For all your fabric, curtain or upholstery inquiries, please contact our store which stocks a wide range of the latest trends:
Constantia Fabrics: 021 761 9648 info@constantiafabrics.co.za
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