Velvet is a piled fabric with a soft, dense surface that catches the light. Shopping for it means choosing between fiber contents and pile styles that behave very differently in the garment.
Types of Velvet
- Cotton velvet - matte, sturdy, and washable; good for jackets and structured pieces.
- Silk velvet - the luxury standard; fluid drape, rich sheen, dry clean only.
- Rayon / viscose velvet - drapes beautifully at a lower price; wrinkles more easily.
- Panne velvet - a knit velvet pressed flat for extra sheen; very stretchy, popular for dancewear.
- Crushed velvet - pile pressed in random directions for a textured, patterned look.
- Devoré / burnout velvet - sheer pattern burned out against an opaque ground; usually a silk/rayon blend.
Choosing Velvet
Run your hand along the pile: it should feel even and spring back. Check the nap direction - velvet looks darker brushed one way and lighter the other, so buy enough to cut all pieces in the same direction. Look at the backing: a stable woven backing sews far more easily than a flimsy one. For upholstery or bags, choose a heavier cotton velvet; for evening wear, silk or rayon velvet drapes best.
Best Uses
Evening dresses and gowns, blazers, trousers, skirts, hair accessories, and home accents like cushions. Panne velvet suits stretch garments such as leotards and fitted tops.
Sewing Tips
- Cut velvet in a single layer with the nap running the same way on every piece.
- Use a walking foot and a sharp universal or microtex needle to prevent shifting.
- Pin within seam allowances only - pins leave permanent marks in the pile.
- Avoid pressing directly; steam from the wrong side or use a needle board / velvet board.
- Grade and trim seams to reduce bulk, and consider hand-basting instead of pins.
Care
Most velvet is dry clean only - check the fiber content first, since cotton velvet can often be machine washed. Steam to revive crushed pile; never iron flat. Store velvet garments hanging, never folded for long periods, to avoid permanent creases.
Also see the Velvet in the Fashion Glossary and the velvet definition.
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