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Velvet - The Luxurious Fabric with Characteristic Pile

Velvet is a particularly noble fabric with a characteristic thread pile. The term originally comes from the archaic word 'Sammet' and was derived from the Greek 'hexamitos' (six-threaded). An additional thread system is worked into a plain or twill base fabric, forming the characteristic loops that are cut open at the end. This creates the soft, luxurious pile that gives velvet its unique sheen.

Properties of Velvet

  • Short pile of maximum 2 millimeters length
  • Stiff fabric with particularly soft, luxurious feel
  • Nap direction - looks different with and against the grain
  • Elegant appearance with characteristic sheen
  • Versatile for use in fashion and interior design

Uses for Velvet

Elegant dresses, jackets, skirts and pants
Stretch velour and nicki for figure-hugging clothing
Upholstered furniture and sofa covers in living areas
Pillows, curtains and blankets for luxurious ambiance
Accessories and bags with noble appearance

Care Instructions

1 Never iron directly on the velvet side - always from the back or with thick cloth in between
2 No pressure when ironing - otherwise iron marks will appear
3 Gentle washing or professional cleaning recommended
4 Best stored hanging to avoid pressure marks

Sewing Tips for Velvet

Cut in single layer and lay all pattern pieces in the same nap direction

Use universal needle size 70/10 that doesn't damage the pile

Use sharp rotary cutter or good dressmaking scissors for precise cuts

Frequently Asked Questions about Velvet

What is the difference between velvet and velour?
Velour is the French word for velvet. In Germany, velour often refers to a particularly soft fabric with longer pile. Velvet, on the other hand, has a very short pile of maximum 2 mm, which gives it its characteristic, noble appearance.
What are well-known types of velvet?
Well-known velvet types include panne velvet (mirror velvet with smooth, shiny surface), velvet brocade (particularly noble with woven gold and silver threads) and corduroy (with characteristic stripes from the weft pile). Each variant has its own characteristics and applications.
Why is the nap direction important with velvet?
Due to the pile, velvet has a nap direction. The fabric looks and feels different with and against the grain. If the pattern pieces don't all have the same pile direction, visible color differences may occur in the finished project. Therefore, you should always ensure uniform nap direction when cutting.

Related Fabrics

Corduroy Velour

Velvet at Stoffmarkt

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