How to Tell If it Is Genuine Velvet?

Velvet is a way of finishing the fabric and is not a type of fabric itself.

Velvet is a luxurious woven fabric often used for special occasion clothing and formal wear. It can be made from silk, cotton or a synthetic fiber and can contain Lycra for a bit of stretch. This warm and durable fabric drapes well and can be used for furniture upholstery as well as garment construction. The threads on the surface of the fabric are cut uniformly to give velvet its plush hand.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Straight pin

Instructions

1. Run your hand over the surface of the fabric. Velvet is a soft, plush pile fabric that feels smooth to the touch.

2. Crush a small area of velvet in your hand and hold it like that for a minute or two. Due to the delicate nature of velvet, it is easy to create permanent creases in the pile.

3. Dribble some water on an small patch of the velvet. If the water causes damage, the fabric is velvet. Genuine velvet is easily damaged by moisture.

4. Place one hand on top of the piece of velvet fabric and one hand below. If the fabric is thin, it is not genuine velvet.

5. Stick a straight pin through a piece of velvet. Genuine velvet is easily damaged by pins and needles. If damage occurs, the fabric is velvet.

References

• Fabrics Manufacturers: Velvet Fabric
• The-Sewing-Partner.com: Velvet Fabric-An Elegant Member of the Pile Family
• Shop Well With You: Fabric Guide