Velvet Fabric: History, Properties, Use, Care, Where to Buy

Introduction to Velvet Fabric

Velvet fabric is a plush and opulent material. It has a rich pile of neatly cut threads with a flawless nap. Velvet’s short pile fibers give the fabric its signature softness and shine, as well as its distinctive drape.

The luxurious Velvet fabric was first crafted from silk, making it ideal for use in formal attire. Nowadays, the fabric can be made using synthetic materials, allowing it to be incorporated into everyday garments.

KEY TAKEAWAY

• Velvet fabric is a plush and opulent material with a rich pile of neatly cut threads and a soft, shiny, and draping texture.
• Velvet fabric was traditionally made from silk but can now be made from synthetic and naturally derived fibers.
• Velvet fabric is commonly used in daily wear, home decor, sewing projects, and dyeing. It requires special care when washing and should not be ironed.

What is the History of Velvet Fabric?

The fabric’s origins can be traced back to Baghdad in 750 A.D. when the material was first introduced. Since then, production has moved to the Mediterranean, and the cloth has made its way across Europe.

During the Renaissance, production costs were reduced by advances in loom technology. The manufacture of Velvet reached its peak in Florence, Italy.

Properties of Velvet Fabric

• It has good heat retention abilities.
• It isn’t easy to wash and care for.
• Because of its silk composition, Velvet is also quite pliable.
• It is a breathable fabric that is comfortable to wear.

How is Velvet Fabric Made?

Velvet is created using a unique loom called a double cloth, which weaves two separate sheets of Velvet at once. The Velvet pile height is uniform and rarely exceeds half a centimeter.

Silk was traditionally used to create Velvet, but nowadays, synthetic and naturally derived fibers are used instead. Because of its high cost, pure silk Velvet is a luxury item of the past that is difficult to come by now. The majority of Velvet sold under the silk Velvet banner is a blend of silk and rayon.

Where is Velvet Fabric Made?

Most of the world’s Velvet supply is produced in Asian countries like China. Most Velvet fabrics can be made using rayon and silk. China, on the other hand, is the largest producer of both these textiles. As a result, it dominates the market for Velvet textiles.

Typical uses of Velvet Fabric

Velvet fabric is used for various garments along with different products.

Daily wear

Velvet is used more in women’s fashion than in men’s. The fabric is especially used to make gowns and evening dresses due to its smooth and exquisite nature.

It is also common practice to manufacture hats out of more rigid varieties of Velvet, and this fabric is frequently used for the lining of gloves.

Home Décor

Velvet is a popular fabric to be used in upholstery. Curtains, duvets, bed skirts, pillowcases, and even wall hangings can be made from this fabric.

Because of its plush texture, Velvet is occasionally used in bedding. The insulating blankets between the sheets and duvets are typically made of this material.

Sewing with Velvet fabric

Velvet fabric is a soft fabric that requires special attention when sewn. The beautiful textile is simple to cut with a pair of fabric scissors. If one wants to get ideal results with their sewing, one should be sure to employ the appropriate sewing essentials, sewing notions, and supplies.

In many ways, cutting Velvet is the same as cutting silk or other luxurious textiles. First, you must realize that Velvet must be cut layer by layer. When sewing patterns and designs on the fabric, you should use a longer stitch to reduce tension in the material.

It would help if you also used a size 70/11 microtex sewing needle when working with classic Velvet. A larger needle may be necessary if you work with dense Velvet. The sewing threads used can be All-purpose polyester or cotton, depending on the composition of the fabric.

When finishing your Velvet, ensure that you stay away from topstitching, excess bulk, and heavy pressing.

You should use the best sewing machines like the Brother SE600 for the best results. Velvet Fabric can be sewn in various ways, so long as you keep these minor tips and tricks in mind.

Dyeing with Velvet fabric

To some, it may come as a surprise, but Velvet can be dyed. Designers and buyers with specific tastes can both benefit from the method.

The fabric can be dyed, depending on the composition of the material. If made using silk or other synthetic fibers, the Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye can be used as the best fabric dye available.

How to care for Velvet Fabric?

Velvet is a fabric that requires special attention and care when being washed or dried. If not cared for properly, the material can flatten, lose shape and even shrink.

Washing

• You can dry clean and machine-wash the fabric too.
• Use lukewarm water to wash the textile.
• You should use a gentle laundry detergent for washing
• The machine setting should be set to a regular cycle
• Fabric softeners can be used
• Avoid the use of bleach
• The fabric can be dried by air-drying it on a flat surface or by hanging it to dry. 
• Alternatively, you can tumble dry the garment on low, but be sure to take it from the dryer before it dries out.

Ironing

• Never iron your Velvet fabrics.
• Ironing your Velvet could destroy the piles and make the fabric lose structure.
• Use steam to remove any wrinkles the fabric may have.

Where to buy Velvet Fabric?

Retailers of both fabric and garments carry Velvet fabric in their inventories. Customers can also purchase Velvet fabric from online merchants and websites such as Amazon and Fabric.com, which have the highest quality and best Velvet fabric currently on the market.

It can be sold in several ways depending on the seller;

• By yard
• By Inches
• Can be cut to order

Velvet fabric is commonly used to create garments and for home decoration projects.  Both stretch and non-stretch options are available when selecting velvet fabrics.  Most are made from 100% polyester.  A variety of finishes are also available, including glitter and crushed. This buying guide will help you select the perfect velvet fabric for the project you have in mind.

Best Velvet Fabrics

Here are our velvet fabric reviews.

1. Ben Textiles Royal Velvet Fabric

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This Ben Textiles velvet fabric is made of 100% polyester and is available in 10 different solid colors.  It is sold by the yard, so you can get exactly as much fabric as you need for your project.  This fabric is suitable for a variety of projects, from home decor to garment creation.  It needs to be hand-washed or dry-cleaned.

• 100% polyester
• 58 inches wide
• Cut to order

2. Richland Textiles Velvet Knit Fabric

This Richland Textiles velvet fabric comes in a lovely gold sparkle finish and is sold by the yard, so you can get exactly as much as you need for your project. It has four way stretch and stretches up to 40%, making it a great choice for garment creation such as evening wear and dance wear.

• Sparkle finish
• Medium weight
• 4 way stretch

Check Today's Price on Amazon

3. New Home Fabrics Soft Velvet Fabric

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This New Home Fabrics velvet is designed for use in home decor projects such as drapes and upholstery.  It has a width of 55 inches and can be ordered by the yard, so you can get however much you need for your project. It is available in 25 different solid colors.

• 55 inch width
• 100% polyester
• Soft, non-stretch

4. FWD Stretch Velvet Fabric

This FWD stretch velvet fabric is cut to order and available in 26 different solid colors. It is made with 10% spandex, so it is able to stretch four ways, making it a great choice for garment creation, such as dancewear and costumes.  It can also be used on decorative projects.

• 90% polyester, 10% spandex
• Cut to order
• 60 inch width

Check Today's Price on Amazon

5. Vogue Group Micro Velvet Fabric

This Vogue Group micro velvet fabric is made from 100% polyester and is cut to order, so you can order as much as you need for your project. It is available in either wine or black. It is suitable for a variety of projects, like garments such as dresses and skirts and home decor projects such as throw pillows.

• 100% polyester
• 45 inches wide
• Cut to order

Check Today's Price on Amazon

Velvet Fabric Buyer’s Guide

Crafters often use velvet fabrics when creating garments for formal wear, everyday wear, and dance wear.  It can also be used for home decoration projects. There is a range of factors to consider when selecting a velvet fabric.  This buying guide will help you select the perfect velvet fabric for whatever application you have in mind.

One factor to consider when selecting a velvet fabric is whether you want the fabric to stretch or not.  Several of the fabrics in this buying guide stretch up to 40% because they include some spandex, which makes them a great choice for projects such as creating dancewear, where movement in the garment is expected.  By contrast, velvets that do not stretch are suitable when creating home decor projects such as curtains and throw pillows.

The fabrics in this buying guide also come in a range of colors and finishes, so it is easy to find one that will suit the look you want to create.  Some also have glitter or crushed finishes to add a special touch to any project.

Another factor to consider when selecting a velvet fabric is how much you need to complete your project.  All of the fabrics in this buying guide can be cut to order, which means you can get exactly as much as you need for your project, whether it is large or small.

By considering these factors and using this buying guide, you will be able to find the perfect velvet fabric for any project you have in mind.

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

To sum up, Velvet is unparalleled in the textile world. Some people might be discouraged by the idea of buying Velvet clothing because of the cost associated with the fabric. However, it is a luxury fabric that is still in high demand despite its high price.

Moreover, its high quality and soft texture make it an excellent fabric choice for garments. 

Sources

Masterclass

Sewport

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