Fabric 101: Velvet
Velvet is a plush, woven fabric known for its rich texture and sheen, which comes from the unique way it’s constructed. It’s created by a process where two thicknesses of fabric are woven simultaneously and then cut apart, resulting in a dense pile, giving velvet its signature texture.
- Learn more about the difference between velveteen, velour, and velvet
Fabric | Velvet |
Texture? | Very soft fuzzy texture |
Stretch? | Non-stretchy (unless it’s made with spandex fibers) |
Weight? | Medium to heavy-weight (GSM 150-400) |
Stiff or flowy drape? | Usually a flowy drape, but it can vary |
Nap? | Napped fabric with a high pile |
Typical fiber content? | Traditionally silk, but now frequently polyester or rayon (or a blend) |
Opaque or sheer? | Opaque |
Shiny? | Usually very shiny |
Fraying? | Expect a moderate amount of fraying and significant shedding |
Pilling? | Velvet is prone to pilling |
Other identifying properties? | The color and appearance of velvet will change depending on the way the fibers are brushed |
Cool or warm weather? | Cold weather clothing |
What to make? | Evening-wear, blazers, coats, accessories, home decor |
What needle to use? | Universal needle (usually 80 or 90 depending on the weight of the fabric) |

What kind of fabric is velvet?
Velvet is a type of fabric known for its distinctive plush, fuzzy texture. The fabric is woven on a special loom that weaves two thicknesses of the material at the same time, which are then cut apart to create the velvet pile effect (this is the soft layer you love running your hands over). Think of the pile as a bunch of tiny threads sticking up.
Velvet can be made from various fibers, but is most commonly made from silk, polyester, rayon, or a blend of these fibers. Silk velvet is the most traditional type, and has a distinctively more high-class look than other types of velvet. Rayon velvet does the best at mimicking silk at a lower price point, but nothing really compares to the original.
While most velvet has a smooth, soft texture with the pile intact, you can also get other, more stylized versions of the fabric. From crushed velvet with a textured look to embossed velvet featuring patterns, or burnout velvet that has semi-transparent sections, there’s a range to choose from depending on your style.


What can you make with velvet fabric?
Velvet is most known for its use in evening gowns or chic cocktail dresses. However it can also be used for high end suits and blazers, or even some fancy skirts, pants, and blouses. Velvet is also heavily used in the costuming world, both in historical costuming and in cosplay.
In addition to clothing, velvet can also be used for any number of accessories from bags to scarves. It’s also frequently used for plush cushions, curtains, or even throw blankets.


Properties of velvet fabric
- Texture: Velvet has a soft, sumptuous feel to it, rich and smooth when you glide your hand over it. You might even notice that velvet feels slightly different depending on the direction you’re brushing it.
- Elasticity: For the most part, velvet fabrics don’t have any stretch. There may be some give along the bias, but it’s not significant. That being said, some velvet fabrics today include a small percentage of spandex fibers (also called elastane). This is a type of highly elastic synthetic fiber that is used to make stretch velvet material.
- Weight: Most velvet is in the medium-weight category, but this can vary quite a bit with some velvet being fairly heavy weight. The heavier weight velvet fabrics are more likely to be used for home decor items.
- Drape: Typically, velvet is known for the light, comfortable way it falls. This means it often has a fairly flowy drape, which is why you’ll see it used in clothing that needs to move gracefully.
- Fiber composition: Initially, velvet was crafted from silk. However, today it’s easier to acquire velvet fabric made from synthetic fibers that mimic the look and feel of silk. Rayon and polyester (and blends of them that also contain spandex) are the most common fibers that are used to create slightly cheaper versions of velvet fabric.
- Pile: Velvet is a napped fabric with a fairly high pile (compared to other similar fabrics). This means that it has a distinct and unmistakable texture.
- Opacity: Velvet is known for its dense pile, making it completely opaque.
- Shine: Velvet isn’t shiny in the glossy sense like satin, but it has what’s called a subdued luster. The angle of the fibers in the pile capture light differently, which makes the fabric appear to change its intensity of shine as you move it around. It’s not a mirror-type shine, but more of a soft, diffused reflectiveness.
- Fraying: Expect a moderate amount of fraying from velvet, especially when it’s made from fibers like silk or rayon that are more prone to fraying. Even more than that, however, is the fabric’s tendency to shed fibers. It’s common for fibers from the pile to get everywhere while you are cutting and sewing velvet.
- Durability: Due to its raised fibers, velvet can be susceptible to snags. This means if you catch it on sharp objects like jewelry, you could be looking at some unwanted loops or tufts on your fabric.
- Wrinkling: If the velvet is stored incorrectly it will develop significant wrinkles and creases. If this happens, it’s extremely difficult to remove and fix the fabric. To keep your velvet looking top-notch, hang or drape it carefully. Shaking it out can release minor wrinkles.
- Breathability: Velvet is also not known for its breathability, especially if it’s made from a synthetic fiber. For this reason, velvet is generally classified with winter fabrics.







How easy is velvet to sew?
Velvet is quite tricky to sew. Its pile—those tiny fibers that create its distinctive soft feel—makes it more challenging to handle than many other fabrics because if you’re not careful, you will crush it and ruin the fabric.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Cutting: cut velvet with all the pieces in the same direction is extremely important. The pile will look different depending on the direction it’s viewed from, so keep the top and bottom of the pattern pieces consistent.
- Pressing: The iron can crush the velvets pile or damage it’s fibers, so always use a needle board or press cloth (which can be a remnant length of velvet) or steam from above without touching the fabric.
- Avoid crushing the pile: Never lean on the velvet or put anything heavy on it since the fabric is easily bruised, ruining the smooth texture.
- Needle: Use a universal or sharp needle (usually size 80/12).
- Presser foot pressure: Reduce it to prevent the fabric from stretching.
More tips on how to sew with pile fabrics (like velvet)
How to care for velvet fabric
When you’re caring for velvet, remember it’s a bit high maintenance and can be damaged easily. Use these guidelines to help you keep your velvet in great condition:
- Washing: Hand wash or use a gentle machine cycle with cool water and a mild detergent. If you’re dealing with real silk velvet, dry cleaning is best.
- Drying: Leave the fabric to air dry naturally, but keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Steaming: Velvet can’t typically handle the direct heat of an iron. Instead, grab a steamer and gently steam the inside (NOT the plush side).
- Brushing Up: After steaming, you can use a soft brush to gently lift the pile.
- Storing: Give your velvet some room to breathe in storage instead of pressing it against everything else in your closet. Also, don’t fold it if you can avoid it.
