Status, sophistication and the absolute effect of handmade work - today we will talk about what luxury looks like, embodied in fabric. For a long time, jacquard was considered an attribute of royalty and those close to the court. Imitating tapestry patterns, it looks great and retains this property for a long time. With the advent of the industrial method of manufacturing this fabric, it has become much more accessible, but it still remains a very sophisticated solution, no matter what its use is in question.
First, let's figure out what jacquard fabric is. This is a large-patterned double-sided material formed by a special interweaving of hundreds of weft and warp threads. The complex structure of the fabric and the multi-stage technique of its production make it possible to achieve a stunning effect of a relief pattern. Even plain fabric looks incredible, but jacquard fabrics with threads of several shades are more often produced. Due to the fact that threads of different colors differ from each other in composition and properties, the image is multi-level, with numerous color transitions. This way, on a loom, without subsequent dyeing, you can get a very expressive material, which differs from fabrics with simple weaving, which are decorated with a printed design.
There is also a technique for applying a pattern to the finished jacquard fabric - this is necessary when the composition includes fibers with completely different characteristics, for example, cotton and polyester.
History of fabric
The French researcher and innovator Joseph Marie Jacquard/Jaccard invented an industrial method for producing jacquard fabric, or rather, created a special machine for its production. This device could weave pre-set complex patterns, and it was much easier than manually arranging the threads according to the pattern of the design. A strict sequence of work on the pattern was created separately for each pattern, and was fed to the machine using special perforated cards with holes, with the help of which the device understood when to perform which operation. The Frenchman's invention was generously rewarded by the then government of the country; a monument was even erected to him in Lyon.
The fabric was named after the discoverer of this method, which greatly simplified and reduced the cost of expensive production. Therefore, the name has no translation; in English it is written as jacquard, not gakkard.
DIY dress with tulip skirt
Any girl with basic knowledge of cutting and sewing can sew a dress from jacquard. A great option would be a dress with a short fluffy skirt. A similar one is present in the Dolce & Gabbana collection and its price is about 1 thousand dollars. The work will not take much time and will significantly save your budget.
For sewing you need to prepare:
- jacquard of your favorite color;
- interlining;
- zipper, preferably hidden;
- fabric scissors;
- suitable threads;
- pins or needles;
- pattern paper;
- chalk;
- iron;
- measuring tape and ruler.
The first step is to prepare a pattern; for this you need to take measurements and decide on the desired length of the skirt. Bodice patterns can be found on the Internet, where there are a lot of programs that create ready-made drawings , or you can use special magazines. Then you need to transfer it to paper and cut it out.
The skirt in this style of dress is a classic sun model, which is a circle. You can create a skirt pattern directly on the fabric folded 4 times.
You should get the following details:
- front bodice detail with fold;
- 2 back parts;
- 1 one-piece skirt piece.
Be sure to take seam allowances into account. To finish the seams, you need to cut out the facing elements .
Next we sew the dress on a machine.
What is jacquard made from?
In the old days, fabric with woven patterns was made from natural fibers - in most cases, these were cotton, linen, wool and silk. Nowadays, such materials from raw materials of natural origin are also produced, but a significant part of the items of modern weaving factories are fabrics containing synthetic fibers. We are accustomed to the fact that natural fibers are valued much higher than artificial ones, but the addition of lycra fibers to jacquard fabric makes the material elastic, breathable and easy to use and care for.
At the same time, there are ways to reduce the cost of the material. One of them is the technology used to produce thermojacquard. How does it differ from the classic one? The creation of patterns here is entrusted to thermal printing using a hot press. At the same time, no one argues that an embossed pattern woven using traditional methods looks completely different.
Popular styles of women's dresses
Dresses of various styles are made from jacquard, ideal for any event, but it is necessary to highlight the most advantageous ones, which ideally emphasize the advantages of any figure.
Among the most popular:
- The Sheath Dress is a laconic dress that perfectly emphasizes the beauty of the fabric. It's great for small events like a party or formal reception. And in combination with a plain jacket, it’s perfect for the office;
- lush jacquard dresses with a tight corset, accentuating all the beauty on the decorated skirt, heavy folds and a light feminine gait;
- A straight, closed dress is a great option for work. It goes well with satin jackets. A thin belt in a contrasting color at the waist or an interesting detachable collar will help diversify the silhouette;
- Dress-suit is an ideal solution for special occasions. It amazes with its severity and special grace. The upper part of this style is cut like a jacket, which makes it more impressive;
- a shirt dress is an ideal style for “on duty”, which is suitable for get-togethers with friends, going to the cinema or a simple walk with the family;
- The tulip dress emphasizes the waist making the figure truly feminine. The jacquard material conveys smooth lines and makes the boyish figure look like an hourglass.
Jacquard dresses can be floor-length or short. Lush and tight-fitting, a strap around the neck or a deep neckline will look very impressive.
What is sewn from different types of jacquard?
What types of jacquard fabric are considered the most popular and actively used in the textile industry?
Satin is a type of material based on cotton fiber, sometimes a little synthetic is added to achieve practical properties. The fabric is made primarily for sewing comfortable bed linen. Satin can be not only white, but also colored.
Cotton jacquard is also a cotton fabric; lycra is often added to its composition. There are clothes and furniture. Considering the thickness and texture of the resulting material, it can be used when sewing clothes (jacket, coat, raincoat, blouse, dress, and other clothing models are very stylish and noticeable). To do this, you should choose a suit or dress option. An excellent use of cotton jacquard will be decorative textiles in home interiors and upholstery materials for furniture. It is hardly possible to find more elegant interior items than chairs or a sofa with woven upholstery. A bedspread with such a pattern will not leave connoisseurs of the classics indifferent.
Stretch jacquard is a semi-synthetic or synthetic material with excellent stretch and excellent breathability. This fabric is most often used for clothing - trousers and suits are also made from it. Another popular area of use is orthopedic mattresses; quilted jacquard is used here.
Satin jacquard is a curtain and decorative fabric, the main raw material for which is polyester. It is optimal for making bedspreads; things such as curtains, blankets and decorative textiles are sewn from it. The fabric does not wrinkle at all, does not shrink after washing in the machine, and caring for it is reduced to minimal actions. Even a tablecloth for banquets and feasts can be made from satin jaquard fabric.
There is also knitted jacquard - warm clothes are sewn from it, including accessories for autumn and winter. It consists of natural and synthetic fibers, has a special softness (soft), and is characterized by a less complex pattern.
Reviews from grateful customers
Oksana, 32 years old: “My windows are on the sunny side, I didn’t buy any curtains, nothing helped. The apartment is hot and the curtains periodically deteriorate due to the scorching rays of the sun. It happened that they not only lost their color, but actually crumbled. This is a living room, you can’t hang ordinary blinds, and you just had to endure it. One day, a friend described jacquard curtains to me and assured me that they would solve my problem. So I dared to buy expensive, but very chic satin-jaquard curtains. A real miracle happened. Not only has the apartment become much more beautiful, it’s also not so hot. These curtains are a real miracle. I recommend to everyone".
Sun curtains
Irina, 21 years old: “I’m always cold in winter, so I have to wear pants and a warm sweater. However, as a true woman, you really want to look elegant and seductive in the cold season. One day I came across a very interesting dress model, which was created from jacquard knitwear. This fabric is tightly woven and thick, making it very warm. The relief pattern looks original, so thanks to this material I solved my problem - I look beautiful and feel warm.”
Max, 42 years old: “I have a cat at home, he likes to sharpen his claws on furniture. The mustachioed guy has already ruined more than one chair for me and simply destroyed my favorite sofa. I no longer knew what to do. Should I put a cover on the upholstered furniture? The furniture store recommended jacquard upholstery to me. For 2 months now, my new sofa has been suffering all the abuse from the cat and is still intact. I am very pleased with the purchase and sincerely hope that it will serve me for a long time, and the cat will not be able to ruin even an inch of the upholstery.”
Jacquard sofa
Jacquard fabric has a different composition, so the material differs in its quality. The huge volumetric pattern makes it possible to create beautiful bedspreads, curtains and a variety of outfits. Upholstered furniture is also distinguished by its uniqueness and has an original attractive appearance.
How to properly care for jacquard?
If you have acquired a stylish item made of expensive jacquard (silk or another option), it is better to entrust its care to specialists. At the same time, fabrics of the middle and lower price segments, despite the fact that they are made using similar technology, do not lose their properties when washed and cleaned at home. Literally not a single characteristic suffers after correctly performed manipulations. Remember a few important points!
- Bright jacquards (black, yellow, cornflower blue, red and others) should not be in contact with direct sunlight, and they are also afraid of thermal effects.
- Avoid creases when drying and storing items made from jacquard materials.
- To prevent the structure of the fabric from being damaged, do not rub or clean any stains from the surface with serious mechanical force.
- Jacquard with a pattern can be washed at low temperatures with delicate detergents.
- Can be squeezed out in the drum of a washing machine.
- Ironing is only allowed from the inside out!
Do you want to purchase such fabric to sew new things from it for your wardrobe or interior? You will be surprised to see what texture jacquard can have! In our online store you can find fabrics for every taste - from jacquard lining with thermal printing to exclusive offers. At the same time, the range is rich in other types of textile materials - viscose, brocade, knitwear, half-linen, poplin and other fabrics that are so appropriate in the summer and throughout the year. In the catalog on the website you will find hundreds of items with photos, each fabric has a detailed description. Reviews and other useful information can be found in our communities on social networks.
Strengths and weaknesses of the canvas
It is very difficult to highlight the positive or negative features of jacquard fabric, since everything depends on the quality of the material, and it can be different. Still, there are several general points that can be attributed to the advantages of this canvas:
- Presentable appearance.
- Fabric density. In addition to the fact that the threads are intertwined, they also twist, which is why the material is dense and is about 250 g/m.
- Jacquard does not deform.
- It does not require special care.
- Has a pleasant tactile sensation.
- The material is durable and wear-resistant.
- Even after numerous washes, things have a rich, bright color.
- Products made from such fabric will never go out of fashion, so you can safely buy them for any money.
You might be interested in this All about fabric roller blinds on internal and external windows
The best samples
The only drawback of these fabrics is their high price, especially when it comes to natural material.
Flaws
Jacquard coverings, like any other textile, have their drawbacks. But compared to the benefits, they are quite insignificant. Judge for yourself:
- easily accumulates dust, so it should be cleaned more often and should not be used in children's rooms;
- The product should not be washed frequently. It is carried out with strict adherence to the temperature regime, the choice of detergent, and the washing machine program.
A large list of advantages completely covers the insignificant disadvantages of jacquard textiles.
