What is Velvet?

Velvet made a comeback! This wonderfully cuddly fabric has a rich, deep shine and, thanks to its warm and luxurious appearance in Autumn and Winter, is here to stay. Are you looking for the right fabric for your latest design? Then Velvet is a daring but beautiful choice.

In this blog you can read all about the characteristics of velvet. We also share some tips that will certainly come in handy when you start working with velvet.

What is Velvet fabric?

Velvet is almost the same as cotton or silk in terms of weave. All these fabrics are woven with short raised loops. The big difference with Velvet is in fact that the loops are cut. This creates small hairs that give velvet its characteristic shine.

Do you stroke the fabric? Then it changes colour. That colour dynamic – from dark to light – is one of the reasons why velvet is such a popular fabric in the fashion world! 

Velvet is not Velour

Velvet is often being confused with velour, but it is not the same. Velour is woven in a different way. This makes the velours heavier and the fabric shines less than velvet.

Benefits of Velvet

Velvet has a lot of benefits. The fabric is strong and durable, and therefore it will last a long time. The chance of pulling, looping or pilling is minimal due to the specific weaving method.

In addition, Velvet feels wonderfully soft and gives a luxurious look to any Fashion item, from T-shirt to a 70s trouser suit. But velvet is not only being used for clothing: it is also a popular choice for bath towels, pillows and other interior accessories.

Disadvantages of Velvet

Of course it is not all rainbows and unicorns. Velvet can sometimes be a bit static. And do you use the fabric for pants? Then shadings or seat sheen can arise. This effect is a kind of shadow on the part where the fabric regularly touches another surface.

Wash, dry and iron velvet

We love Velvet, but Velvet fabrics are not the easiest to maintain.

Here are some focus points:

• Give space to Velvet. To avoid moisture, do not store the fabric in a plastic container.
• Do not iron velvet, or on the lowest setting. This allows the hairs to be flattened or the seams will be pushed through to the ‘right’ side. You can steam velvet.
• You can wash velvet at a maximum of 30 degrees. In the machine, or even better, by hand.
• Velvet is not suitable for the dryer. Are you done washing? Then gently squeeze out the excess water and hang the clothing item to dry.

Printing Velvet

Do you dream of your own print on Velvet, for a truly unique design? Then you are at the right place at House of U. Our luxurious, soft Velvet fabric is completely sustainable, because it is 100% rPET. In other words: polyester made of recycled PET bottles.

Old PET bottles are given a new life and new raw materials are saved. So you can get started with this type of fabric in a sustainable way.

Have your Velvet printed with a beautiful design, simply via your computer. You simply upload your design in our design generator and have it printed on our U-circular Velvet.

Tip: you can print your design directly on a Velvet plaid or Velvet pillowcase.

Always process or cut Velvet in one direction

Good to know: velvet has a so-called nap. This means that you have to process or cut it in one direction. Are you not doing this? Then you will see colour difference.

Fortunately, it is quite easy to find out whether you go with the nap or go against it. Namely by ironing the fabric lengthwise by hand. When the fabric feels smooth, you move with the nap. Does it feel less smooth? Then you move against it.

Tip: place all your pattern pieces against the nap. This means that you iron against the hairs. In this way the darkest and deepest colour nuance is visible. Then the Velvet is at its best!

Still in doubt? Please contact us

Still not sure if Velvet is the fabric that suits your project? Then contact us. We are happy to help you on your way with personal advice or more information about a certain fabric.

If you prefer to get more inspiration first, we would like to invite you to explore the rest of our blogs.

It’s up to you!