EMBOSSING VELVET

Velvet is a woven fabric, its pile formed from warp (lengthwise) yarns woven into the backing. It is woven on a double piece loom which creates two fabrics simultaneously. Velvet pile is sandwiched in-between the layers. As the cloth comes off the loom , the "pile sandwich" is split to create two pieces of velvet - each with an erect pile.

In contrast, velveteen and corduroy are woven on a plain loom. Their pile is formed from filling (crosswise) yarns looped into the backing fabric. Velour is knitted. (From "Sewing Velvet" by J.B. Martin Company).

Velvet can come in many fibers, Cotton, Rayon, Silk, Acetate or combinations of these. Choose the one most suitable for your project.

The higher the pile the more distinct the embossing becomes. Also, some velvets have a more "open" pile. I find these make the best impressions.

You certainly can use velveteen and other pile fabrics. You just need to test first. Some produce only so-so results.

ITEMS TO EMBOSS WITH:

Rubber stamps

Cookie Cutters (no plastic)

Metal Charms

Heavy Embroidered Lace

Lace Appliqués

Crochet Motifs

(Thanks to Bill Jones of the Theater Arts Department of San Francisco State University for the lace ideas).

The thing to keep in mind is the simpler the design the better an embossing it makes. You can even cut your own "stamps" out of erasers to have a truly one-of-kind design! Tiny details will not show up due to the nature of the pile fabric.

Embossing

Start with a few scraps to practice on. Using either a plant mister filled with water or a can of 'spray starch', lightly mist the pile of your fabric. (I have just about the same result with water or spray starch).

Place your stamp (or other embossing tool) face up on the ironing board. Lay the velvet pile side down over the stamp. Using a press cloth, press the velvet with a dry iron (setting suitable for fiber type) for 20 to 30 seconds (the longer you can leave it the stronger the impression!).

You may need to move the iron around a bit if you have steam holes, be careful not to move the fabric. Or use a pressing cloth to help diffuse the steam hole pattern.

Lift up the velvet and VOILA! A perfectly embossed pattern.

Practice on a few more scraps (this is an easy way to decide which design works best).

Your embossed velvet will not lose its pattern through cleaning (be sure to clean the fabric as per the manufacturers instructions).

Since the design is permanent, plan your project accordingly.

Planning Your Design

Since you will be working from the wrong side of the fabric, you can easily mark the design placement on the wrong side with a chalk pencil or disappearing marker. Use a light touch so as not to crush the pile.

Design Project

Let's plan a holiday vest that's fast to make and stunning to wear!

You may want to check out your favorite place that sells rubber stamps or make your own.

Materials:

3/4 yard Hunter Green Velvet - Round Red Glass Beads - Lining - Your favorite Vest Pattern

Begin by either purchasing or making your own holly leaf stamp. To make your own use a flat white rubber eraser (look in the office or art supply section of your favorite store). Trace the holly leaf design below, on to the eraser. Using an Exacto knife, carefully cut away the sections that are not part of the design.

Your holly leaf may turn out a little "primitive" (mine did) because it's tricky cutting the veins in the middle. After doing a test embossing I really liked the way it looked!

Cut out vest fronts and back. On the wrong side, chalk a placement line for your holly "vine". Be sure to allow for all seam allowances (shoulder seams too!).

Emboss your holly leaf all along the placement line. Turn the leaf different directions to get a more pleasing layout.

Sew Round Red Glass beads to the "stem" areas of the holly leaves.

Assemble vest as per your patterns instructions.