The key to a successful home décor project can rely on several factors, including things like measurements, style, function and vision. One of the most key features of any project, whether it’s custom window treatments, bedding or accent pillows is the type of fabric used in creating whatever items you are making. By selecting the right fabric for the project, you will not only have a visually stunning finished project, you will also be assured that there will be lasting value in your home décor project. Here are some of the most popular and best-loved fabrics and some of the items they are generally used to create.
ANTIQUE SATIN – Is a satin fabric with horizontal (weft) slubs which imitate spun shantung silk. It is typically composed of approximately 60% rayon (the face yarn fiber) and 40% acetate (the back yarn fiber). Occasionally the warp and weft yarns are dyed different colors to give an iridescent effect. Antique satin may also be printed. It is used for draperies and also suitable for bedspread fabric as it can be quilted.
BROCADE – A class of richly decorative shuttle-woven fabrics, which are more often made in colored silks and with or without gold and silver threads. Brocade is typically woven on a draw loom. It is a supplementary weft technique, that is, the ornamental brocading is produced by a supplementary, non-structural, weft in addition to the standard weft that holds the wrap threads together. The purpose of this is to give the appearance that the weave actually was embroidered on. We often use Brocades for more traditional and period design projects.
BEADED - This refers to any style of fabric that has beads embroidered into the design. Beading can be done at the time the fabric is made or can be re-embroidered after the product is made. We love beaded window treatments, but keep in mind that they are better used for decorative purposes than function.
CALICO - A tightly-woven cotton type fabric with an all-over print, usually a small floral pattern on a contrasting background color. We like to use Calico fabrics for quilts and accents.
CASEMENT – casual drapery fabric in loose or tight, open or closed, plain or novelty weave. Often given interesting texture, color and pattern through tyed complex-yarn arrangements and weave variations. Usually semi-sheer, translucent or opaque.
CHANTILLY LACE – One of the most popular of bridal laces often used for the trimming on bridal veils. It is made by the bobbin method and has designs outlined by thick cords. Lace draperies capture all of the romance of the south, while blending with traditional styling. There’s even a song about a girl named Chantilly Lace!
CHIFFON - A plain, woven lightweight, extremely sheer, airy, and soft silk fabric, containing highly twisted filament yarns. The fabric, used mainly in window scarves and jabots, can also be made from rayon and other manufactured fibers.
CREPE - A lightweight fabric of silk, rayon, cotton, wool, man-made, or blended fibers, and characterized by a crinkled surface and may be plain or a weave and include the following types of crepes: Canton crepe (heavier with ribs), Chiffon crepe (soft finish), Crepe de Chine (sheer, limp),Crepon crepe (fine ribs), Flat crepe (smooth surface), and Plisse crepe (puckered or crinkled surface).These surfaces are obtained through the use of crepe yarns (yarns that have such a high twist that the yarn kinks), and by chemical treatment with caustic soda, embossing, or weaving (usually with thicker warp yarns and thinner filling yarns).
DAMASK - A glossy jacquard fabric, usually made from linen, cotton, rayon, silk, or blends. The patterns are flat and reversible. Damask can be used to make draperies and upholstery. It is one of our favorites!
GINGHAM - A medium weight, plain weave fabric with a plaid or check pattern. End-uses include dresses, shirts, and curtains. So the next time you are looking to brighten up a room, think Gingham (not Gangham-style) for the window treatments!
JACQUARD - Woven fabrics manufactured by using the Jacquard attachment on the loom. This attachment provides versatility in designs and permits individual control of each of the warp yarns. Thus, fabrics of almost any type or complexity can be made. Brocade and damask are types of jacquard woven fabrics.
LACE - A decorated openwork fabric created by looping, interlacing, braiding, or twisting threads. [t is made (either on a background fabric of net or without a background fabric) with a design formed by a net work of threads made by hand or on special lace machines, with bobbins, needles, or hooks. The pattern in lace is usually open and most often floral in design. Machine-made lace is most commonly seen today and many patterns formerly only made by hand, are imitated by machine. Lace is the traditional bridal fabric, but it is also used for draperies and as a covering for a table skirt and many other uses for your home.
LINING - Fabric made in the same shape as the outer fabric, a lining supports and protects the outer fabric and hides seams as well. Linings are found not only in apparel, but also in draperies and occasionally curtains and bedspreads. Items that are lined tend to wear better and last longer than unlined items and the appearance of a lined item is usually better than that of an unlined one. Custom window treatments made with linings help protect the outer fabric from the sun.
MATELESSE’ – a heavy upholstery-weight textile in Jacquard weave with two sets of warps and wefts. Surface appears puffy or cushioned. Also called double cloth.
PANNE' - A type of lustrous, lightweight velvet fabric, usually made of silk or a manufactured fiber, in which the pile has been flattened in one direction. Panné velvet has a longer or higher pile than regular velvet, but shorter than plush. It is pressed flat and has a high luster made possible by a tremendous roller-press treatment given the material in finishing. It is now often made as knit fabric. We love a great Panné bench seat or ottoman!
PERCALE - A medium weight, plain weave, low to medium count (180 to 250 threads per square inch) cotton-like fabric. End-uses include sheets, blouses, and dresses.
SATIN - A basic weave, characterized by long floats of yarn on the face of the fabric. The yarns are interlaced in such a manner that there is no definite, visible pattern of interlacing and, in this manner, a smooth and somewhat shiny surface effect is achieved. The shiny surface effect is further increased through the use of high luster filament fibers in yarns which also have a low amount of twist. A true satin weave fabric always has the warp yarns floating over filling yarns. Typical examples of satin weave fabrics include: slipper satin, crepe-back satin, faille satin, bridal satin, moleskin, and antique satin.
TAFFETA - A lustrous, medium weight, plain weave fabric with a slight ribbed appearance in the filling (crosswise) direction. For formal wear, taffeta is a favorite choice. It provides a crisp hand, with lots of body. Silk taffeta gives the ultimate rustle, but other fibers are also good choices. Taffeta can be used for custom balloon valances, as well as other types of window treatments.
TAPESTRY - A heavy, often hand-woven, ribbed fabric, featuring an elaborate design depicting a historical or current pictorial display. The weft-faced fabric design is made by using colored filling yarns, only in areas where needed, that are worked back and forth over spun warp yarns, which are visible on the back. End-uses include wall hangings and upholstery.
TWEED – upholstery weight textile in plain balanced or variation weave, (originally) twill weave or variation. Plain and twill weaves may be combined in some novelty tweeds. Tweed was first made of wool in Scotland. Today’s tweeds may be of wool, nylon or a combination of natural and man-made fibers in solid colors, also heathered effect or plaid.
VELVET - A medium weight cut-pile constructed fabric in which the cut pile stands up very straight. It is woven using two sets of warp yarns; the extra set creates the pile. It is woven on a special loom that weaves two piece of velvet at the same time. The two pieces are then cut apart and the two lengths of fabric are wound on separate take-up rolls. Velvet, a luxurious fabric, is commonly made with a filament fiber for high luster and smooth hand. Velvet is a type of tufted fabric in which the cut threads are very evenly distributed, with a short dense pile, giving it its distinct feel. Velvet can be made from any fiber. We use Velvet fabrics to stimulate a feeling of warmth and grandeur in many of our design projects.
VOILE - A crisp, lightweight, plain weave cotton-like fabric, made with high twist yarns in a high yarn count construction. Similar in appearance to organdy and organza. Used in blouses dresses and curtains. Custom window treatments are a great way to change a room and add warmth and personalization.
Knowing what fabric to use is half the battle when it comes to creating fine custom window treatments, home décor and furnishings. Interiors by John Henry can help you bring out your best design and personal style for any space in your home. Contact us today for a consultation.
