JACQUARD

Jacquard

Our exclusive selection of jacquard fabrics represents the pinnacle of complex textile weaving, offering intricate patterns and structured elegance for discerning designers. Whether sourced from our pristine designer stock or our curated Fabric House collection, every metre reflects a commitment to quality and aesthetic depth. These materials are chosen for their ability to transform garments and interiors into statement pieces, characterised by their woven-in designs rather than printed motifs.

Why choose jacquard?

Selecting jacquard from Fabric House means embracing a circular approach to fashion without compromising on luxury. Our inventory consists of recovered treasures—high-end surplus materials from renowned production lines—that have been saved to offer them a second life. This model allows designers to access premium, pristine condition fabrics that might otherwise be inaccessible, ensuring that valuable resources are utilised to their full potential.
By integrating these materials into your collections, you support a more sustainable textile industry. The durability and timeless appeal of jacquard ensure that creations made from these fabrics are designed to last, countering the culture of disposable fashion. Each piece in our range is selected for its superior craftsmanship, offering a unique opportunity to work with materials that possess both history and high-performance quality.

Origin & characteristics

The history of this textile is inextricably linked to Joseph Marie Jacquard, who revolutionised the weaving industry in the early 19th century with his mechanical loom invention. Unlike printed fabrics, the pattern in a jacquard fabric is incorporated directly into the weave structure. This technique allows for complex, multi-coloured, and highly textured designs that are often reversible. The result is a fabric with significant visual depth and a luxurious handle, distinguishing it from simpler plain weaves. Technically, jacquard material fabric is defined by its versatility in weight and composition. It can be woven from a variety of fibres, including silk, cotton, wool, and synthetic blends, which dictates the final drape and sheen. These fabrics typically possess a sturdy structure and excellent stability, making them ideal for tailoring. The weaving process allows for raised patterns (brocades) or subtle, tone-on-tone designs (damasks), providing a vast spectrum of aesthetic possibilities for technical and decorative applications.

Uses & applications

Due to the robust nature of the weave and the diversity of fibre blends available, jacquard is uniquely suited for both apparel and interior design. Its ability to hold shape makes it a favourite for structured garments and durable home furnishings.

Tailored Apparel: Ideal for constructing blazers, formal jackets, and structured trousers that require a fabric with body and resistance to creasing.

Evening Wear: Frequently used for corsetry, cocktail dresses, and heavy skirts where the fabric's sheen and pattern provide a sense of occasion.

Upholstery: Heavier weight jacquards are perfect for armchair covers, sofas, and dining chairs due to their abrasion resistance.

Soft Furnishings: Excellent for heavy drapes, curtains, and decorative throw cushions that add texture to a room.

Accessories: Suitable for manufacturing ties, scarves, and structured bags.

Buy online

At Fabric House, we strive to make professional-grade textiles accessible to designers and brands of all sizes. Our online platform allows you to order jacquard fabrics with flexible quantities and low minimum order requirements, facilitating both small capsule collections and larger production runs. We strongly recommend utilising our sample service to assess the weave, weight, and colour of the material before finalising your purchase. This ensures the fabric perfectly matches your technical specifications and design vision.

FAQ

What is jacquard fabric?

Jacquard is a type of fabric defined by its weaving method rather than the fibre used. It features an intricate pattern that is woven directly into the warp and weft, rather than being printed or embroidered on top. This results in a stable, textured material where the design is an integral part of the structure.

How is jacquard fabric made?

The fabric is produced on a special loom that controls each individual warp thread independently. Historically controlled by punch cards and now by computers, this mechanism raises and lowers specific threads to create complex, detailed patterns. This process allows for higher thread counts and more durable designs compared to basic weaves.

Can you wash jacquard fabric and does it shrink?

Care depends largely on the fibre content (e.g., cotton, silk, or polyester). While synthetic blends may be machine washable, natural fibre jacquards often require dry cleaning to maintain their structure and finish. Incorrect washing can lead to shrinkage or distortion of the pattern, so it is essential to check the specific care instructions for each fabric.

Can you dye jacquard fabric?

Yes, but the success depends on the composition of the fibres. Natural fibres like cotton, linen, and silk accept dye readily, while synthetic blends may require specialised dyes. Because the pattern is woven in, dyeing a solid colour will result in a textured, monochrome effect rather than a flat colour.

Related Categories:

• Printed fabrics
• Jacquard jersey
• Silk fabrics
• Wool jacquard