Fabric 101: Velveteen 

Velveteen is a plush fabric that resembles velvet, but it’s actually quite different when you take a closer look. Think of velveteen as velvet’s durable, more structured cousin; it has a similar softness to the touch but features a shorter pile and is made from cotton instead of silk, which contributes to its sturdy character.

Velveteen’s construction involves a weave that typically gives it a firm texture and a more matte appearance compared to velvet. This gives it a less formal appearance, and is more often used for outerwear and home decor items.

• Learn more about the difference between velveteen, velour, and velvet

Fabric	Velveteen
Texture?	Fuzzy texture
Stretch?	No stretch
Weight?	Medium to heavy weight (200+ GSM)
Stiff or flowy drape?	Stiff, structured drape
Nap?	Napped fabric with a short pile
Typical fiber content?	Usually cotton
Opaque or sheer?	opaque
Shiny?	Mostly matte, but may have a slight sheen
Fraying?	Expect a standard amount of fraying
Pilling?	Can be prone to pilling
Cool or warm weather?	Better for cool weather
What to make?	Mainly used for upholstery or for structured clothing, like coats
What needle to use?	Universal or heavy weight needles

What kind of fabric is velveteen?

Velveteen is a cousin of velvet fabric. It has a short, fuzzy pile that has that signature velvet-like texture, but it is much more durable and does not have that same elegant shine to it. This is because velveteen is typically made from cotton, making it matte and much more stiff and structured.

Velveteen is much more affordable and is often used in upholstery and home decor projects because of its durability. Depending on how heavy the fabric is, it can also work well for some bottom-weight garments as well as coats and blazers.

What can you make with velveteen fabric?

Velveteen is most often used in home decor and upholstery because it’s heavy weight and sturdy, but also gives an interesting, textured appearance. Velveteen on the more medium-weight end of the scale can also be used for garments. Mainly, you’ll see it used for structured skirts and some fancy-looking coats and jackets. You can also use velveteen to add some interest to accessories, like bags and hats.

Properties of velveteen fabric

• Texture: Velveteen’s surface texture is akin to velvet, but it is made from cotton with a shorter pile. This gives it slightly rougher, fuzzier quality.
• Elasticity: Velveteen fabric does not stretch. There isn’t even going to be much give along the bias. It’s an extremely sturdy fabric.
• Weight: Typically, velveteen is on the heavier side. Some velveteen will be more of a medium-weight, which is the kind that can be used for garments. However, a lot of velveteen is so heavy that it’s really only usable for upholstery and home decor.  
• Drape: Velveteen typically has an extremely stiff drape. The combination of cotton fibers and the tightly woven nature of the material make it quite structured overall.
• Fiber composition: Typically, velveteen is crafted using 100% cotton or sometimes a cotton blend.
• Pile: Velveteen is a napped fabric with a short pile. This short pile gives it a distinctly fuzzy feel. It’s not smooth like velvet material, which has a higher pile.
• Opacity: Velveteen is an opaque type of fabric.This is because the fabric is woven with a technique that creates a short, dense pile on the surface, which works to block light.
• Shine: Unlike velvet, velveteen is a mostly matte fabric. It may have a subtle shine if it catches the light just right, but for the most part expect a non-shiny material.
• Fraying: Velveteen does fray, like any woven fabric, but it’s somewhat resistant to fraying due to the nature of its tight weave.
• Durability: Velveteen is known to stand the test of time. Tensile strength and abrasion resistance are two of its strong suits, which means it can withstand pulling and rubbing to a good extent. That being said, the can snag if it rubs against sharp objects, and it might pill over time, especially in areas of frequent contact.
• Wrinkling: Velveteen is generally more wrinkle-resistant than traditional velvet.
• Breathability: Velveteen is not the most breathable fabric, making it less ideal for hot, humid climates.

How easy is velveteen to sew?

Velveteen is a somewhat difficult fabric to sew. While the shorter pile makes is slightly easier than velvet, it’s also typically an extremely dense material that not all sewing machines can handle.

• Needle Choice: You may need to use a heavy duty needle to help you get through all those velveteen layers.
• Stitch Length: Opt for a slightly longer stitch length to help you get through the thick fabric.
• Cutting: You need to take the fabric’s nap into account. It’s the direction in which the pile of the fabric runs. Always cut your patterns in the same direction, usually with the nap going downwards. The color changes slightly depending on the direction it’s viewed from.
• Pressing: Ironing can be tricky; you’ll want to use a velvet or velveteen remnant as a  press cloth. It allows you to apply heat without crushing the pile.
  

More tips on how to sew with pile fabrics (like velveteen)

How to care for velveteen fabric

Velveteen is a fairly durable fabric that is much easier to care for than its cousin, velvet. Even so, to maintain its softness and texture, you’ll need to give it some extra care. 

• Washing: Turn the fabric inside out and use cold water to keep the fabric from shrinking. Don’t crowd the washer; give your velveteen plenty of space.
• Drying: Use low heat settings or skip the dryer. Instead, lay your velveteen garment flat on a clean, dry towel away from direct sunlight. This prevents the pile from getting crushed and helps maintain the fabric’s texture.
• Avoid wringing: Never wring out velveteen, as this can lead to wrinkles and distort the fabric.
• Ironing: Use iron on the reverse side of the fabric to avoid crushing the pile. If necessary, place a cloth between the fabric and iron to protect it. You can also use a steamer with the steam slightly away from the material.
• Storing: If you want to keep your velveteen items looking crisp, it’s usually best to hang them up or lay them flat immediately after use or washing.