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.
- Evening dresses
- Suits
- Ensembles
- Upholstery
- Draperies
- Coverlets
- Pillows
- Bedspreads

