Ideally, when most fashion designers or sewists go to the fabric store, they always go there with a particular fabric in mind. Despite that, some will come out of the store with fabrics completely different from what they had intended.
Well, you may think that is an absolute display of a lack of professionalism. Still, the truth is some fabrics have striking qualities that make them irresistible to the exploring minds of designers.
Brocade is one of such fabrics that can leave the mind of a fabric shopper with the feeling of wanting to experiment with the fabric at first sight: the natural woven pattern of the fabric has made it one of the most cherished fabrics for various decorative purposes.
However, not so many people know what is a Brocade fabric even though it is part of their everyday wear, and this is why I have written this helpful article.
What are Brocade fabrics?
Brocade is a fabric with several pattern designs naturally woven into it.
In the early stage of this fabric, it was highly desired and reserved by various traditions and cultures for making ornamental garments for royals and rich households.
However, today, the fabric has become more or less an ordinary fabric used in making various clothing articles as well as interior furnishing.
What is Brocade fabric made of?
Brocade is a product of several blends of material. Initially, Brocade was made exclusively with silk.
In recent times, you can find Brocade fabrics made of silk but with a blend of other materials like cotton or polyester.
What type of fabric is Brocade?
Brocade is patterned woven fabric.
How is Brocade fabric made?
Firstly, you should know about the process of making Brocade fabric is that 3 yarns are woven together to form the fabric. Normally, every woven fabric is composed of warp and weft yarns, forming its basic structure. But in the case of Brocade, an extra weft is included, which forms the pattern the fabric is characterized with.
Weavers traditionally make brocade fabric on conventional looms, which is quite laborious and requires attention to detail.
The process of making the fabric was simplified with the advent of the computerized jacquard loom, which was invented in the latter years of the fabric.
What are Brocade fabrics used for?
Brocade, over the years, has been used for many purposes, but the most common and popular use for the fabric is draperies and upholsteries.
They are also used in making costumes, vestments, formal or evening clothes, and woman’s fashion, especially in making Sarees for Indian women.
What can I sew with Brocade?
There are lots of things you can make with your brocade fabrics.
With this fabric, you can make items like coats, pants, jackets, and skirts.
You can also make curtains and napkins with the fabric.
What is a synonym for Brocade?
Well, there are other names you can call Brocade like embroidery, needlework, needlecraft, sampler, applique, crochet, sewing, lace, decoration, bargello, quilting, crewel, arabesque, cross-stitch, and many more.
When was Brocade fabric invented?
The history of Brocade fabric is traced far back to China, between 475 to 221 BC.
Is Brocade expensive?
Yes, Brocade fabric is expensive.
Compared to other fabrics, Brocade is considered the most expensive.
Although it is not difficult to know the reason for this: the process of making Brocade is far more complicated than the others. And even though the introduction of Jacquard looms has made the fabric production more efficient, the process of making the fabric is still quite complex.
What is the difference between Brocade and Damask?
Both Damask and Brocade are made with Jacquard looms, making it difficult for an inexperienced eye to tell the difference between them.
I have carefully highlighted the major difference between these fabrics below.
- The patterns of Brocade usually appear raised and embossed, while Damask’s patterns are usually flattened.
- The patterns of Brocade are usually irreversible, while Damask’s can be reversed.
- The patterns of Brocade usually come in multiple colours, while the Damask pattern can come in either single colour or multiple colours.
- The shining effect of Brocade patterns is a result of the metallic thread used for the patterns, while those of Damask result from the satin weave technique.
What are the different types of brocades?
There are different types of Brocade fabrics, and some are briefly explained below.
1. Silk brocade
Brocades were originally made from silk and are still very much made with the material today.
Silk Brocade is considered the smoothest and most lustrous of all the brocade types. Plus, they are extremely durable and tensile.
2. Cotton Brocade
Just as you may have rightly predicted from its name, cotton Brocade is made from cotton.
Compared to silk brocades, this type of Brocade is considered to be less elegant. Although the fabric boasts a less complex pattern-making process making them an ideal option for casual garments.
3. Synthetic Brocade
This type of Brocade is made from synthetic material.
Unfortunately, despite that they are sold at lower prices compared to silk and cotton brocades, they are still less popular. Although there are obvious reasons for this, they are not as comfortable as the two fabrics and are believed to be environmentally harmful.
4. Zari brocade
Initially, this Brocade type is unique and identified with its thread made with gold, copper, or silver. But presently, this has been replaced with synthetic materials designed to imitate the appearance of the metallic zari.
5. Continuous Brocade
The continuous Brocade is a type of weave for Brocade that allows remnants of thread to be either left hanging at the Brocade’s back side or cut off.
6. Discontinuous Brocade
Unlike the continuous Brocade where thread remnants are left hanging, in this type of Brocade, thread remnants are weaved back into the fabric to create more patterns.
Can Brocade be washed?
Yes, you can wash Brocade fabric. In most cases, the fibre type used in weaving your Brocade fabric will determine how it should be washed. While some may require hand washing, you will have to dry clean most Brocade fabrics.
If you want to hand wash your Brocade fabric, use cold water and gentle detergent, and do not agitate the fabric.
Is Brocade fabric thick?
No, Brocade fabric is neither thick nor soft. Brocade is a fabric type that can be considered a fairly or medium-thick fabric.
This fabric is slightly heavy and is popular for making draperies, dresses, and upholstery. The material of Brocade is characterized by a woven floating thread which gives the fabric its lustrous surface and sheen.
How to clean Brocade fabric
The first thing to know before you start cleaning your Brocade fabric is the type of fiber it is made of: the fiber used in weaving the fabric will determine whether to wash with your hand or dry clean.
Your garment label will provide you with the needed information regarding this and the care instruction, so please read it before starting. You should know that regardless of the fiber, the best way to clean a Brocade fabric is by dry cleaning them.
This is so true of this fabric type that is lined or expensive. To wash Brocade fabric by hand, wash them in clean, cool water with a mild detergent and refrain from scrubbing the fabric rigorously or wringing or twisting the garment in an attempt to get rid of excess water.
How to keep Brocade fabric from fraying
Regardless of what your Brocade fabric is made of, making tight zigzag stitches at the fabric edges is the best way to prevent them from fraying. But if your Brocade is made of 100% polyester, you can just burn the edges of the fabric with a lighter to meld the end threads together.
Can you dye Brocade fabric?
Yes, Brocade fabric can be dyed. Brocade fabrics take dyeing very well, and the result is always very pleasing to the eye. An African textile (native to Nigeria) is another term for dyed Brocade, and this fabric is made through a process called tie and dye.
Can you iron Brocade fabric?
Yes, you can iron Brocade fabric. How? Before you iron, your Brocade fabric, ensure you adhere to the dos and don’ts of the process. You will see details on how this fabric can be ironed below.
How to iron Brocade fabric
- Turn the Brocade fabric inside out and iron on the wrong side.
- Place a press cloth between the fabric and iron. Never should you iron on the fabric directly.
Note: the fiber your Brocade fabric is made of will determine the temperature settings for the iron.
How to care for Brocade fabric
Brocade fabric is easy to care for, just wash them in cool water and with mild detergent or soap. Do not scrub this fabric too hard or wring it after cleaning it.
How to sew Brocade fabric
- Change your sewing machine needle to a sharp point needle.
- Cut out the fabrics using very sharp scissors.
- Use a Serger machine to sew serge around the edges of the fabric to protect it from unraveling.
- Set your iron to a cool temperature and iron the Brocade pieces to protect the fabric fiber. This is highly recommended for Brocades made with silk.
- The fabric pieces should be pinned together at the point where the Brocade needs to be lined up to match the intended pattern.
- Sew the fabric edges together, working slowly while holding onto the slippery fabric. Do not attempt to finish the whole side in a hurry; instead, work in small sections.
- Open the seam and use a cool iron to press the seam flat.
- Sewing and ironing should continue in this manner until you are done making the Brocade garment.
- Change the fabric to the right side and iron at a cool temperature.
