Whether you’re a fabric enthusiast or not, you’ve probably heard of jacquard. This luxurious material is woven in complex and distinguishing patterns, making for a durable and particular textile in its design. If you don’t know much about the different types of fabrics but have heard people speak appreciatively about jacquard, you may be wondering what it is exactly, what are its properties and what makes it special. Check the following if you want to disentangle the mysteries of this fabric and get a comprehensive idea of what jacquard is and how you can use it to make your surroundings more aesthetically pleasing.
What is jacquard?
In simple terms, jacquard is an intricate woven pattern on fabric. In weaving, this design is achieved with the help of the Jacquard loom. However, this name is somewhat misleading, as the Jacquard machine is a device fitted to a plain loom to achieve the desired pattern. This process simplified the creation of elaborate, ornate materials such as brocades, damasks, and even tapestry. Nowadays, you’ve probably heard the term used in relation to clothing pieces and upholstery. In this way, jacquard can be achieved into and from any yarn.
Unlike printed designs, you can notice the intricate patterns of the jacquard when you turn an item inside out. This is part of the unique appeal of the fabric and what makes it a favorite among connoisseurs. The main advantage of that is that it allows you to use the items on the reverse, so, in essence, you’re getting two pieces in one when purchasing jacquard.
The history of the fabric
Jacquard has a long history going back centuries. Identified as far back as the times of the Byzantine Empire, skilled craftsmen were lacing winding, maze-like patterns into the sumptuous clothing of the nobility and wealthy individuals of the time. Golden thread was very popular during the time, and silk was similarly highly sought after. Because the process of creating such a garment was long and arduous, often lasting months for a piece to be completed, jacquard was a status symbol, chiefly reserved for the royalty, aristocracy and clergy. Moreover, the costs of jacquard would have been entirely unattainable for the common people, given the usage of expensive fabrics and even beading and jewels.
Nowadays, jacquard is much more accessible due to the creation of the Jacquard machine by French merchant and inventor Joseph Marie Jacquard at the dawn of the 19th century. The creation of this programmable loom, which uses punched cards that are bound together in a continual sequence, has drastically simplified the weaving process, making it both less labor-intensive and time-consuming. Instead of waiting months for your jacquard-weave items to arrive, you can now get them much faster due to the machine’s creation. The development of this device didn’t only revolutionize textiles, but it is also considered a precursor of modern-day computerized systems. In this way, the history of jacquard is forever interwoven with the history and development of contemporary technology.
Benefits of the material
The benefits of jacquard are numerous and easily observable. The material is very resilient and elegant, lending itself well to any situation. When buying jacquard fabrics, you’re purchasing high-quality, long-lasting items that will never go out of style. Due to its unique qualities, jacquard makes for perfect upholstery. Resistant to the common issues you’ve encountered in your upholstered furniture, such as color fading and piling, you are guaranteed not to have to worry about the state of your furniture ever again.
The beauty of the jacquard also resides in the fact that it never goes out of style. It is also stain-resistant so that accidental spills won’t be a tragedy anymore, and you won’t have to replace an item because a pesky spot just won’t come out no matter how much you scrub at it. This high-performance fabric ensures that you’ll always be at the top of your cleaning game. It’s great not having to fret so much over the hygiene of your furnishings. With jacquard on your side, everything will be easy to clean and keep fresh for longer.
Jacquard clothing is also similarly strong. It won’t wrinkle as quickly as other types of clothing, and it doesn’t fall apart in the wash. The colors stay bright for longer, and the structure of the item maintains its form for longer. So if you’re in doubt about which fabric you should choose, and jacquard is one of the options, you should always choose it. It is insusceptible to the wear and tear of daily life, soft and pleasant to the touch and beautifully decorated. You can have your pick from a wide range of colors and patterns. Specific designs use dozens of shades and elaborate color schemes, so you’re sure to find something that fits your style. Whether you like geometrical shapes, abstract figures, depictions of plant life, or the crisp, minimalistic, monochrome design, you’ll find it perfectly encapsulated in a jacquard piece.
The many uses of jacquard
The versatility of jacquard makes it a perfect choice for a wide variety of items. Home décor is a favorite use of many since it is not only utilitarian but has complex patterns that make for an avant-garde decorative look. There are several fabrics you can choose from that are produced using a jacquard machine, including:
- Brocade: This richly decorated fabric is traditionally spun from silk, but nowadays, you can find it created with cotton blends or even synthetic fabrics like polyester. It can sometimes have interwoven silver or gold threading, making it a favorite for special occasion wear.
- Damask: Similar to brocade, given the richness of its patterns, damask is also different from it as it is a reversible fabric. Woven from silk, wool, linen or synthetic fibers, the material is used for many high-quality pieces, whether in furnishings or clothes.
- Brocatelle: A silk fabric used extensively in high-quality upholstery, as well as curtains, brocatelle has a raised, embroidered look.
- Cloque: A type of material with a thick, quilted appearance, this type of material has the appearance of many unevenly raised figures in its structure, which are achieved via intricate weaving techniques.
You don’t have to be an expert in fabrics to see that jacquard is special. If you want to enjoy its many practical benefits and its gorgeous ornamental design, don’t hesitate and purchase jacquard-woven items right now. You won’t regret it.