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What is Velvet?

Mary McMahon
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Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 54,400
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Velvet is a soft pile fabric that has been manufactured for almost 4,000 years in one form or another. It has long been considered a luxury fabric because it requires more thread to manufacture than other fabrics, as well as multiple steps. Velvet can be made from any type of thread, although traditionally, it was made with silk, making it even more costly. In the modern era, cotton and synthetics have been used in the manufacture of velvet, and several related fabrics, such as velour, velveteen, and corduroy, have been invented for consumers on a budget.

Usually, velvet is woven as a double cloth on a specialized loom. The warp threads go through two pieces of cloth, instead of just one, and when the fabric is finished, a blade cuts the two pieces of fabric apart along the warp. Each piece of fabric must be taken up on a separate roll as it is cut. The resulting material is known as a "pile" fabric because the thread sticks up, forming a soft pile.

After cutting, velvet is often sheared to ensure it is all even, and then dyed. The fabric takes dye extremely well, and when made with silk, it is often highly lustrous. Special effects can be created by twisting the fabric while it is wet, producing crushed velvet. In addition, some is woven with multiple threads of different colors, producing vivid designs. The fabric is usually brushed while moist so that it sets with a grain, producing the characteristic feel that consumers prize.

Velvet and brocade have been produced for centuries, with early examples showing up in Egypt. Royalty and people of high class were usually the only consumers who could afford it, and the material was used to make robes, the dresses of upper class women, and other luxury items. The warm and heavy fabric was very popular in the winter, especially in Northern Europe.

It is necessary to carefully maintain velvet because it is easy to damage. Creases and folds in the fabric can flatten the pile or cause it to become lumpy. It can be steamed, carefully, with the use of a velvet board, which prevents the steamer from crushing the pile. The fabric should be dry cleaned and stored in such a way that creases will not form. It also requires special care when sewing.

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Mary McMahon
By Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a HomeQuestionsAnswered researcher and writer. Mary has a liberal arts degree from Goddard College and spends her free time reading, cooking, and exploring the great outdoors.

Discussion Comments
By calpat — On Feb 18, 2011

I had no idea that velvet was being made so long ago. I always thought of it as a more modern invention. I've never pictured the ancient Egyptians as being clad in velvet robes or anything like that.

It must have been quite an ordeal to make velvet back then, before all of the machines that we have now! It's hard to believe that all velvet fabric had to be sewn by hand!

By upnorth31 — On Feb 17, 2011

I have always loved velvet apparel for more dressy occasions. In fact, when I was a teenager, I had a black crushed velvet skirt that I wore pretty much every chance I got during the winters.

I like regular velvet too, but there is just something about the look and feel of crushed velvet that I just can't get enough of!

By claire24 — On Feb 15, 2011

I didn't know that velvet had to be cleaned so carefully. I've always just thrown mine in the wash with the rest of my clothes. Are you supposed to take such care with it even when it is made out of synthetic materials instead of silk? I don't think I've ever had any really expensive velvet clothing.

Mary McMahon
Mary McMahon

Ever since she began contributing to the site several years ago, Mary has embraced the exciting challenge of being a...

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