Matelasse is a soft and luxury silk fabric. It has a pouching or quilted
effect. The fabric is medium to heavy-weight. It is sumptuous and durable.
Garments made of matelasse gives good wear and drapes well. Matelasse is
extremely attractive and suits quite plain styles. It is best furnishing
fabric.
Matelasse fabric is weaved using two layers of fabric, double cloth or
compound fabric, stitched or sewn together into a pattern. The patterns are
botanical like leaves, geometric like diamonds or squares; or some other
abstrct shapes. In dresses, the designs are elaborate. The blistered or
quilted effect of the fabric depends upon the cloth construction used.
Matelasse is made on dobby or Jacquard loom. Apart from silk, it is also
made from viscose, acetate, nylon, polyester or their combinations.
Sometimes, the fabric also contains metallic threads. Cotton made matelasse
is widely used for curtains and bedspreads.
Characteristics of Matelasse Fabric
- It is soft and luxurious.
- It has wadded effects.
- It is medium to heavyweight.
- It is durable.
- It wears better.
- It drapes well.
- It is very attractive.
Uses of Matelasse Fabric
- Evening dresses
- Suits
- Ensembles
- Upholstery
- Draperies
- Coverlets
- Pillows
- Bedspreads
