What is velvet fabric?

August 30th, 2023

TL;DR: Full Article Summary

Velvet is a plush, high-pile fabric originally made from silk but now widely available in affordable synthetics and cotton. It comes in two main types: Woven (denser, for formal upholstery) and Knitted (softer, for casual use). Velvet is a statement fabric that adds luxury, warmth, and excellent insulation (for drapes). Modern, performance velvets (like FibreGuard) are highly durable, permanently stain-resistant (often cleaning with just water), and made with eco-friendly, certified-safe materials.

What is velvet fabric?

Definition: Velvet fabric material is a lavish, unique kind of fabric recognised for its sophisticated look and soft, plush feel.

Smooth, plush texture: Velvet's key feature is a short, dense, and even pile (a raised surface of cut threads) that stands upright. This is what gives velvet its characteristic tactile texture.

Lustre and light: Thanks to its thick pile, velvet reflects light in a manner that produces a delicate lustre, resulting in a distinctly luxurious depth of colour

The history of velvet fabrics

100% pure silk velvet is one of the most expensive and labour-intensive fabrics in the world. Its production is slow, and the raw material (silk fibre) is costly. The result is that pure silk velvet is a rare, high-end luxury item, often costing hundreds of dollars per yard, according to the Italian Artisan.

According to sources cited by Wikipedia, the start of velvet production dates to approximately 750 A.D. in Baghdad, but its reach expanded as the fabric began to be distributed throughout Europe via the Mediterranean.

The A Weaver's History of Velvet points out that Renaissance-era advancements in loom technology revolutionised the velvet manufacturing process. This radically reduced production costs of velvet fabrics. This shift allowed velvet to become more available to a wider range of people, rising above its connection with the elite classes.

Related read: What is chenille upholstery fabric?

What is velvet fabric made of and is it natural?

Velvet furnishing fabrics can be made out of a range of fibres, from natural ones like cotton to synthetic fibres like polyester.

Is Velvet Fabric Natural?

Yes, it can be, but it is often synthetic or a blend. Always check the label!

Traditionally, Yes: Sewport explains that the earliest and most luxurious velvets were made exclusively from silk (an animal-derived natural fibre), making them a 100% natural product.
Commonly, No: Today, as Bryden Apparel explains, to make velvet more affordable, durable, and practical for widespread use (especially in upholstery), it is most often made from polyester or a cotton/synthetic blend.

What are the types of velvet furnishing fabrics?

There are several different velvet fabric types, as the fabric can be woven from a variety of different materials using a variety of methods.

Our velvet fabrics are either woven or knitted.

Woven velvet: durability, construction and more

Woven velvet is a luxurious velvet typically used for high-end upholstery and formal drapery.

Woven velvet is made from interlocking threads, interlaced (warp and weft), on a specialised double cloth loom.
The tight weave resists snagging and holds its shape under pressure.
Woven velvet is best for furniture where a tailored, opulent, and elegant look is desired.

Knitted Velvet

Knitted velvet has a more casual, soft look than the 'high drama' effect of woven velvet:

Knitted velvet is made by interlooping threads (like a sweater) on a circular knitting machine, with loops cut on the face to create the pile
Knitted velvet tends to have a less dense pile and often a slightly longer nap than traditional woven velvet, giving it a more casual, soft look.
Ideal for relaxed, even high-traffic, interiors or slipcovers where flexibility is needed.

How to use velvet in upholstery and drapery?

Velvet is a statement-making fabric that instantly adds warmth, depth, and luxurious glamour to any room.

Using Velvet in Upholstery

Velvet brings a cosy, yet sophisticated feel to furniture. It's often chosen for pieces meant to be the focal point of a room, thanks to their plush and luxurious feel.

Be aware that that plush velvet pile will naturally shade lighter or darker depending on which direction the pile is brushed in.

Using Velvet in Drapery

The rich texture and sheen of velvet bring an opulent touch to any room. Velvet drapes add a theatrical, grand elegance and offer significant practical benefits due to their weight:

Insulation & Sound: The dense, heavy pile of velvet makes it an excellent insulator (keeping heat in/out) and a great sound-dampener, perfect for bedrooms or rooms with hard floors.
Theatrical Drape: Velvet hangs in deep, sumptuous folds. For the most luxurious look, allow the curtain to "pool" or "break" slightly on the floor. For a more tailored look, have the hem just barely skim the floor.

The benefit of FibreGuard velvet fabrics

Our velvet collections blend traditional construction techniques with enhanced functionality. You get the rich, tactile, and plush texture of velvet that is prized for its elegance and warmth, but without the headache of delicate maintenance.

Here are the 3 key benefits of FibreGuard velvet:

1. Unmatched Stain Resistance and Easy Cleaning

Permanent Stain-Free Technology: FibreGuard's stain-free protection is engineered into the core of the yarn before weaving. This makes these the stain-resistant properties are permanent, to last for the life of the fabric.
Water-Only Cleaning: All common household stains can be removed with just water and some mild soap, if necessary: even our softest, plushest velvets. Keep in mind that immediate stain removal will ensure the best result. Learn more about our four cleaning steps.
No Aggressive Chemicals: You don't need harsh chemical cleaners or professional steam cleaning, making maintenance simple and cost-effective.

2. Superior Durability

High Martindale/Wyzenbeek Scores: Our fabrics often achieving very high rub counts (sometimes over 100,000 double rubs), making them suitable for intensive use in both residential and demanding contract settings like hotels and restaurants.
Long-Lasting Appearance: They are designed to withstand frequent use and cleaning without losing their structural integrity or vibrant colour. Even in high-traffic spaces like the Highway Hotel in Plympton, South Australia (check out the full case study)!

3. Safety and Eco-Conscious Features

OEKO-TEX® STANDARD 100 Certified: All FibreGuard fabrics are certified under this standard, guaranteeing that they are completely free from harmful chemicals (including PFAS) and are safe for human contact, including for children and pets.
Eco-Friendly Options: Many FibreGuard velvet collections are made from recycled polyester, offering consumers a more sustainable fabric choice.

Conclusion

To sum up, allows you to choose an opulent, soft fabric for your home or project and live with it worry-free: it's luxury made practical. Would you be interested in seeing what colours are available in the FibreGuard velvet ranges? Take a look at our stain-resistant velvets on the Twinbru textures platform.

5 Key Takeaways: Velvet Furnishing Fabrics

Plush Definition & Modern Materials: Velvet is a soft, plush fabric defined by its dense pile. While historically made from costly silk, it is now widely made from synthetic fibres, cotton, and wool, making it accessible and affordable.
Two Main Constructions: Velvet is categorised as either Woven (denser, tailored, and durable, used for formal upholstery) or Knitted (softer, less dense, and casual, used for flexible applications).
Luxurious Statement Piece: Velvet is a statement fabric that adds instant warmth, depth, and luxurious glamour to any room. Its dense weight also provides excellent insulation and sound-dampening for drapery.
Enhanced Durability & Stain Resistance: Modern versions, like FibreGuard velvet, offer permanent stain-free technology (often cleaning with just water) and superior durability, with very high rub counts suitable for intensive use.
Safe and Sustainable Options: FibreGuard velvets are OEKO-TEX® certified (free from harmful chemicals) and many of our collections utilise recycled polyester, ensuring they are safe for people and pets while offering eco-friendly choices.