Pique Fabric: History, Properties, Use, Care, Where to Buy
Table of Contents
Introduction to Pique Fabric
Despite its distinctive texture, Pique fabric is a light, airy fabric created with a double covering of threads. The fabric’s exceptional ventilation and comfort can be attributed to the space between the sections.
Cotton or cotton blends are typically used in the construction of this garment. Pique dress shirts and ties can be made with silk in higher-quality fabrics. Fabrics made of polyester are available. However, they tend to be manufactured in bulk and of inferior quality to those made of cotton.
KEY TAKEAWAY
- Pique fabric is a light, airy fabric with a distinctive texture, created with a double covering of threads. It is highly breathable, soft, and comfortable to wear.
- Pique fabric is primarily made from cotton or cotton blends, though higher-quality fabrics may use silk. Fabrics made of polyester are also available but tend to be of inferior quality.
- Pique fabric is commonly used for daily wear garments, home decor items like kitchen towels, and sewing projects. It can be dyed in various shades and requires low maintenance for care.
What is the History of Pique Fabric?
In the late 18th century, textile factories produced the fabric in the Lancashire area of England in the United Kingdom.
The word “pique” originates from the French term “Piquer,” which refers to a quilt. Manufacturers gave the material “Pique” because the texture resembled the hand-woven designs found on Marseille quilts. This was the origin of the fabric’s name.
Properties of Pique Fabric
- It is a highly breathable fabric
- It is a soft and delicate fabric.
- It is fine and smooth in texture
- It has good moisture-wicking abilities
- It is wrinkle-prone
- It is comfortable to wear.It is a highly breathable fabric
How is Pique Fabric Made?
There are two layers of Pique fabric woven simultaneously, creating a textured effect. Two times as many threads make up the upper layer as the lower one. The fabric’s pancake texture is a result of this contrast.
Like many commercial textiles, Pique fabric is machine-made and not hand-woven. Knitting in this style incorporates both warp and weft stitches. Using weft knitting, a single string is spun several times to form a cloth. Unlike hand knitting, warp knitting employs a different thread for each knit.
Where is Pique Fabric Made?
The manufacture of Pique fabric is primarily concentrated in England and Asian nations like India, Pakistan, and China. Because China dominates the global textile market. The vast majority of the fabric is manufactured close to the locations where end-users and garment manufacturers can purchase it.
Common uses of Pique Fabric
Pique fabric is used for various garments along with different products.
Daily wear
Clothes and fabrics alike can benefit from the use of Pique fabric. Many outfits are available, from causal items like robes and pajamas to more formal attire such as cotton dresses and white shirts. Some pique-knit shirts are suitable for white-tie affairs.
Home décor
Pique fabric is a common material for kitchen towels and tea towels. Cotton’s feel and absorbency make these goods ideal for kitchen use. Thanks to the cotton component, tea towels made of pique fabric are durable enough to withstand numerous washings.
The more you think about it, the more creative ways you can use it to brighten up your house.
Sewing with Pique fabric
Pique fabric is a fabric that may be prone to creeping and puckering as you sew it. Since it is a medium-weight fabric, it is more rigid, so it needs to be sewn carefully. However, Sewing patterns and designs on the fabric can be done without hindrance if one ensures using the correct sewing essentials and sewing notions and supplies.
Consider the fabric’s longevity while selecting the sewing thread for your Pique sewing venture. For cotton pique, cotton thread is a good option. It’s well worth the extra money to sew with silk pique fabric when you can match the gloss with silk thread.
The best sewing machines, such as the Brother SE600, produce better outcomes for sewing fabric. It is easy to sew the fabric to construct clothes and outfits of your choosing with these tips and tactics in mind.
Dyeing with Pique fabric
People familiar with the material may be surprised to learn that Pique may come in various shades of hue. Customers that like their own personal style can benefit from the method.
Depending on the fibers that make up the fabric, it might be possible to color the fabric. It is possible to use Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye, the best fabric dye available, on items that have been manufactured using cotton, polyester, and other types of synthetic threads.
How to care for Pique Fabric?
Pique fabrics aren’t so hard to care for since the fabric is wrinkle-free and has low maintenance like other cotton fabrics.
Washing
- Use cold-warm water to wash the fabric.
- Handwashing is always the safest and most effective cleaning
- You also machine wash the fabric
- The machine setting should be set to a normal cycle
- You should use a gentle laundry detergent.
- Fabric softeners can be used.
- The fabric can be dried by air-drying it on a flat exterior
- Alternatively, you can tumble dry the garment on low, but be sure to take it from the dryer before drying out.
Ironing
- Using a shark steam iron, press the fabric on the wrong side
- Use a low heat setting and a press cloth
- You can use pins to hold the fabric together.
Where to buy Pique Fabric?
Since Pique may be found in both fabric stores and garment shops, the former two should be your best bet for tracking it down. Customers may also purchase pique fabric from online merchants and websites like Amazon and https://amzn.to/4b6kxLB.
These two companies carry the best Pique fabric currently available, like the cotton-based Textile Creations Diaper Cloth or the stunning Liverpool Pique Knit Solid.
It can be sold in several ways depending on the seller;
- By yard
- By Inches
- Can be cut to order
Pique fabric takes its name from its weaving style, and generally features a raised pattern in the fabric. Usually, this pattern is in the shape of small squares or other geometric patterns. Pique fabric comes in many different weights, so it is quite versatile and can be used for many different projects. Generally, pique is used for sewing apparel items, though heavier-weight fabrics can be used for baby items, kitchen items like towels, and other home décor projects as well.
Best Pique Fabrics
Here are our pique fabric reviews.
1. Telio Paola Pique Knit
This knit pique fabric belongs to a line that features pique fabrics in over thirty different colors. This fabric is unique in that it actually is composed of two fabrics that have been fused together. This fabric has a full-bodied drape and since it also features 25% four-way stretch, it would be a great fabric to make apparel items like skirts, dresses, and more.
- This fabric is medium to heavyweight
- Fabric is a blend of 96% polyester and 4% spandex
- Machine wash, tumble dry on low heat
2. Textile Creations Diaper Cloth
Even though this fabric comes in a line called diaper cloth, this pique fabric is actually versatile enough to be used for a multitude of other projects. The fabric is great for making baby items, but can also be used for both adult and children’s apparel as well. This fabric can even be used to make window treatments like lightweight curtains.
- Fabric is medium weight and is available in 58” widths
- Fabric is 100% cotton
- Machine wash on cold, tumble dry on low heat
3. Telio Mika Pique Sweater Knit
As the name implies, this line of fabric would be perfect for many different types and styles of sweaters. Make cardigans, pullovers, or even hoodies with this lightweight, soft fabric. This fabric features 40% stretch across the grain and 10% stretch vertical, which is great for apparel items that have to have some flexibility and movement.
- Machine wash cold, let drip dry
- This fabric is a blend of 80% polyester, 18% rayon, and 2% spandex
- Available in 59” widths
4. Sunbrella Fusion Style: Pique
This line of Sunbrella fabric is available in over ten different colors. This textured fabric is soft but durable enough that it can be used for upholstery. The fabric is versatile enough that it can be used both indoors and outdoors.
- Fabric features 50,000 double rubs
- Machine wash to clean the fabric
- Fabric is medium weight and is made from 100% Sunbrella acrylic
5. Liverpool Pique Knit Solid
This knit pique fabric is made by fusing two lightweight fabrics together to make a medium-weight fabric that is perfect for making different apparel items like skirts and dresses. This fabric also features a 25% four-way stretch, which is great for constructing apparel items that are flexible when worn.
- Fabric is a blend of 95% polyester and 5% Lycra spandex
- Machine wash on cold, tumble dry on low heat
- Available in 58” widths
Pique Fabric Buying Guide
Pique fabric is very versatile. Pique is a knit fabric that comes in weights ranging from lightweight all the way to heavyweight. Pique can be made from natural fibers like cotton, or from synthetic fibers like polyester, or blends of synthetic and natural. Pique isn’t just for use indoors. Since pique actually refers to the type of weave, there are lines that carry outdoor pique fabric. Pique can be used for anything from apparel to upholstery.
Affordability
Generally, pique fabric is quite affordable. It can often be purchased for under or around ten dollars a yard. However, there are lines of specialty fabrics, like outdoor fabrics or those meant to be used for upholstery projects, that can range in the twenty-five to thirty dollars per yard range. These fabrics are generally quite durable, while other lines are considered more of luxurious fabric.
Versatility
Pique fabrics are wonderfully versatile, and since different lines are made from different fibers, are different weights, and contain different amounts of stretch, pique can be used for many different projects. Pique can be used for upholstery, baby items, children’s and adult apparel items, window treatments, kitchen towels, and more. There are even lines of pique that can be used both indoors or outdoors.
Recommended Reading:
- Chapter 1: The 7 Sewing Essentials for Beginners
- Chapter 2: The Beginner’s Guide to Sewing Machines
- Chapter 3: The Ultimate Guide to Setting up your Sewing Room
- Chapter 4: Everything You Need To Know About Sewing
- Chapter 5: Sewing Fabric 101: A Virtual Tour of the Fabric Store
Conclusion
The fact that pique woven fabric can withstand sweat, activity, and many wash cycles without losing its comfort level made it a popular choice for athletic wear. Pique fabric also looks great when worn next to the skin. However, it also has a long tradition of application in formal wear and domestic textiles.
Whether you plan to make robes or dress shirts with your upcoming sewing ventures, you should explore using this fabric because of its flexibility.
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