All about velvet and its suitability for upholstery.

Velvet is thought to have originated from Eastern culture with pile weaves, woven using silk and linen, analysed as being from 2000 BC Egyptian civilisation. At the time, the technique to create velvet was so complex that it was available only to royalty and the very rich.

Used in the 17th Century fine silk velvets were made in Italy, they were made on narrow looms.  Because the fabric was narrow it had to be joined, trims were often used to cover the seams.  Velvet became more available during the industrial revolution.  It was in widespread use from the 1900’s.

The 1920’s was a popular time for velvet and was embraced by the Art Deco Movement.  It had a revival in the 1970’s and has recently become popular once again.

Construction

Velvet can now be made of cotton, nylon, polyester, mohair, modal to name but a few.  There are now velvets made partly with recycled materials.  Often velvet described as silk will in fact be made from viscose.

The definition of velvet is a cloth with a pile up to 3mm in length.  It’s woven on a special loom.  There are two methods of production.

The first is to use wires to lift the weft yarn that (crosses the length). The pile is created once the wires are withdrawn. The other method is to use a special loom that weaves two thickness of fabric at the same time.  They are then cut apart to create the pile. See illustration above.

Velvet for Upholstery

    • Versatile and can be used for most upholstery projects.
    • Takes colour well
    • Suitable for both upholstery and soft furnishings.
    • Luxurious and soft
    • Can be hardwearing (particaularly if made from synthetic material)
    • Now often available in recycled material
    • The direction of the pile will have an impact on the appearance.  The pile should face down the piece or forward if it’s a seat.
    • Maintain by vacuuming or brushing.
    • Check composition for fire retardancy.  Cotton velvet will have inherent fire retardancy.  There are plenty of synthetic fire retardant velvets on the market.