What is Velvet? Fabric Guide & Explanation

Well, have you ever wondered about what kind of shimmery fabric velvet is? Its soft, smooth texture makes it the most favorite choice of people. Velvet is a common fabric that is used in furniture, curtains, and even clothes. Nowadays, velvet fabric is sought to be the classy fabric as it steals the heart of many people with its astonishing fabric.

Today, velvet is trending in fashion as this fabric is different from other fabrics, in terms of expensiveness, fine fabric, lovely shine, and thick material feasible for use for furniture and clothing.

Velvet when used for furniture draping looks considerably classy as it blends with the furniture so well due.

Now, let's discuss everything about velvet fabric.

What is velvet?

Known exceptionally for its ultimate shine, velvet is a fabric that is made with a blend of silk, polyester, viscose, rayon. It is to note that velvet does not have any stretching capacity and this makes it a great fabric to be used as it does not lose its quality until a long time.
As velvet is a high-class fabric, it can easily be used in upholstery as it possesses a superior and exclusive look thereafter.
Velvet, a fine fabric is formulated with a special loom which are the blends of synthetic and natural fibers. Among velvet, velveteen, and velour, velvet is the most expensive fabric due to its weaving method and composition.

What’s the purpose of using velvet?

Although velvet is a fabric that is mostly used in fashion, nowadays people are using velvet for interior designing too. This is because of its aesthetic and sophisticated nature. Velvet is not just cushiony but it's also a comfortable fabric that does not cause any kind of harm to the skin.

Now let’s jump on to various types of velvet!

3 Different types of velvet fabric include:

1. Plain velvet (cotton)
If you are looking for a slight stretch in the fabric, then using plain velvet, also known as cotton velvet would be feasible for you. However, this fabric does not have any shinier texture but it is a little heavy than other forms of velvet.

2. Stretch velvet
Stretch velvet is a stretchable fabric, as the name suggests. Stretch velvet is incorporated with a mix of silk into it which provides this fabric with a little shine. Also, some people even include spandex into this fabric at the time of production to provide that extra stretch factor.

3. Embossed velvet
Do you know that embossed velvet is produced using a heat stamp? Yes, you heard that right. This heat and pressure are applied to the fabric to produce some texture or prints on the fabric. This type of velvet is largely used for upholstery and interior designing. Hence, the name justifies it all.

Choosing the Right Velvet Fabric

Purpose: Consider the purpose of the fabric, whether it's for clothing, upholstery, or home decor. Different types of velvet fabric have different properties and are better suited for different purposes.

Durability: Consider the durability of the fabric, especially if it will be used for upholstery or clothing that will be subjected to wear and tear. Cotton velvet is a more durable option than silk velvet.

Color: Consider the color of the fabric, as some colors may show wear and tear more easily than others. Darker colors tend to hide wear and tear better than lighter colors.

Texture: Consider the texture of the fabric, as some types of velvet have a smoother finish while others have a more textured or crushed look.

Budget: Consider your budget when choosing velvet fabric, as some types of velvet are more expensive than others. Rayon velvet is a more affordable alternative to silk velvet.

By considering these factors, you can choose the right velvet fabric for your needs and ensure that it will last for years to come.

Care and Maintenance of Velvet Fabric

Care and Maintenance Tips	Explanation
Regularly vacuum the fabric	Use a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to gently remove any dirt or dust from the velvet fabric. This will prevent dirt from settling into the fabric and causing damage over time.
Avoid direct sunlight	Velvet fabric should be kept out of direct sunlight as it can cause the fabric to fade or discolor. If possible, place velvet furniture away from windows or use curtains to block out the sun.
Spot clean stains immediately	If you spill something on velvet fabric, it's important to clean it up immediately to prevent the stain from setting. Use a clean, damp cloth to gently blot the stain, and avoid rubbing the fabric as it can damage the fibers.
Professional cleaning	It's recommended to have velvet fabric professionally cleaned every few years to keep it in good condition. Be sure to take it to a cleaner that specializes in velvet or delicate fabrics.
Iron on low heat	If you need to iron velvet fabric, use a low heat setting and place a thin cotton cloth over the fabric to protect it. Avoid using steam as it can leave water marks on the fabric.
Store carefully	When storing velvet fabric, make sure it's clean and dry. Avoid folding the fabric as it can cause creases that are difficult to remove. Instead, roll the fabric and store it in a cool, dry place.

Looking to buy velvet fabric?

Buy velvet fabrics online in India from Sahni Fabrics, the best online store for buying fabrics!
Sahni Fabrics not just specializes in velvet fabrics but also has multiple other fabrics including, silk, linen, ikat, cotton, jacquard.