What are the different types of velvet? Complete guide

What are the different types of velvet? Velvet is an essential fabric in sewing, appreciated for its soft feel and elegant appearance. However, there are several variations, each with very different characteristics depending on its use.

Some velvets are thick and durable, while others are more flexible or decorative. It is therefore essential to know them well to choose the fabric suited to your project and achieve an optimal finish.

In this article, you will discover the different types of velvet, their specific features and uses in sewing.

What is velvet?

Velvet is a fabric characterized by a soft surface called “pile”, which gives it its unique appearance.

Its characteristics:

• soft feel
• matte or shiny appearance
• more or less long pile
• more or less thick fabric

Depending on its composition and structure, velvet can be used for both clothing and decoration. By choosing velvet suited to your project, such as the fabrics available from Verotex, you will achieve a cleaner and more durable result.

Why is it important to choose the right type of velvet?

Each type of velvet has a specific use.

It allows you to:

• match the fabric to the project
• make sewing easier
• achieve an attractive finish
• avoid mistakes

Choosing the right velvet significantly improves the final result, especially for structured pieces or garments.

What are the different types of velvet?

There are several types of velvet, each suited to a particular use in sewing.

Plain velvet

What is it used for?

Plain velvet has a smooth and soft surface.

Use:

• elegant clothing
• decoration
• accessories

Characteristics

• even appearance
• silky feel
• chic finish

Terry velvet

What is it used for?

Terry velvet is a soft and absorbent fabric.

Use:

• baby clothes
• household linen
• accessories

Characteristics

• very soft
• absorbent
• comfortable

Tip: ideal for comfortable projects.

Corduroy

What is it used for?

Corduroy is recognizable by its raised ribs.

Use:

• trousers
• jackets
• skirts

Characteristics

• heavyweight fabric
• durable
• easy to sew

Tip: align the ribs carefully when cutting.

Pinwale corduroy

What is it used for?

Pinwale corduroy is a fine version of corduroy.

Use:

• lightweight clothing
• shirts
• children's clothing

Characteristics

• fine ribs
• more supple
• lighter

Tip: perfect for delicate projects.

Crushed velvet

What is it used for?

Crushed velvet has a shiny, flattened appearance.

Use:

• costumes
• decoration
• clothing

Characteristics

• very shiny
• supple
• sometimes stretchy

Tip: handle with care to avoid marks.

Velboa

What is it used for?

Velboa is a very soft synthetic velvet.

Use:

• stuffed animals
• costumes
• accessories

Characteristics

• very soft
• lightweight
• easy to sew

Tip: ideal for creative projects.

Table: types of velvet and uses

Type of velvet	Use
Smooth velvet	clothing, home décor
Terry velvet	household linen, baby
Corduroy	clothing
Pinwale corduroy	lightweight clothing
Crushed velvet	decoration
Velboa	accessories

This table helps to better understand the different types of velvet.

How to choose your velvet?

Here are the criteria to consider:

• type of project
• fabric weight
• ease of sewing
• desired result

Choosing the right velvet makes it easier to work with.

Which fabrics go well with velvet?

Velvet can be combined with many different materials, but it is important to pay attention to the balance between the fabrics to achieve a harmonious result.

The key factor to consider is the fabric weight. Heavy velvet, such as corduroy, will not pair easily with a very lightweight, fluid material like chiffon. This difference in structure can throw off the garment's balance and make sewing more difficult.

Conversely, it is recommended to combine velvet with fabrics having a similar weight. This produces a more uniform result that is easier to work with. For example, materials such as heavyweight cotton, denim, or some of the canvas fabrics available from Verotex pair very well with velvet.

For cozier or winter projects, velvet can also be lined with soft fabrics such as sherpa. This combination is particularly suitable for jackets, coats, or accessories, as it provides both warmth and comfort.

What equipment should you use to sew velvet?

Sewing velvet requires a few equipment adjustments to achieve a neat and durable result.

• use a polyester thread, which is stronger and suitable for the thickness of velvet
• avoid cotton thread, which is often too fragile for this type of fabric
• use a size 90 needle, preferably a new one, as velvet can quickly wear it out
• be careful when cutting: velvet has a pile direction that must be respected to maintain an even appearance

A reliable machine like a Juki makes it easier to work with this type of fabric, particularly to achieve even seams despite its thickness.

Conclusion

Understanding the different types of velvet makes it easier to choose the right fabric for your sewing project. Each type of velvet has its own characteristics, whether in terms of thickness, texture, or use.

Corduroy is ideal for easy-to-sew, durable garments, while smooth velvet or velour panne is better suited to elegant pieces. For more comfortable projects, such as accessories or children's clothing, fabrics like terry velvet or velboa are particularly interesting.

It is also important to consider the direction of the pile and the choice of fabric to achieve an even result. By using suitable fabrics, such as those offered by Verotex, and the appropriate equipment, you will be able to work with velvet more easily and achieve a neat finish.

FAQ about the different types of velvet

Which velvet is easiest to sew?

Corduroy is the easiest.

Which velvet for a garment?

Smooth or needlecord velvet is ideal.

Is velvet difficult to sew?

Yes, but with the right techniques, it remains accessible.

Which velvet for a creative project?

Velboa is perfect.