What is the difference between velvet and velveteen?

Answer 1

Velvet and velveteen are not the same. Velveteen is a plain, woven fabric with the low pile created from filling loops. Side by side, cotton velvet will be deeper in color and have a denser pile than velveteen.

Originally velvet was woven from silk. Velveteen was woven from cotton. They are similar in that they have a pile - like a carpet. I suspect the distinction is not observed much these days. (Polyester velvets for example)

The best way to tell the difference between velvet and velveteen is to check on the label at the fabric shop. It states quite clearly - velvet or velveteen. Velveteen is made of cotton. Velvet is not. Some may argue this point and say there is such a thing as cotton velvet. What they are really referring to is velveteen. Don't let them fob this off on to you as velvet!

Velvet has a sheen to it that velveteen does not. Velveteen is meant to be fake velvet. When you cut velveteen and look at the little bits that come off the edge you will see that it comes off in tiny little bits that look round (sort of) from a distance.

When you cut velvet, it has bits too, but the little bits are straight. Individual threads in velvet have a sheen to them and an elasticity that velveteen does not.

Velveteen also seems to weigh more than velvet.

Velveteen has a rougher hand than does velvet although both are plush. Experience with the fabrics will help you identify them more readily.

When you do the burn test you will readily see the difference between the two - the cotton is velveteen. Velveteen is a beautiful imitation of velvet - but it is still an imitation.

The pile on velvet is usually higher than on velveteen.

Velveteen is usually cheaper than velvet (unless the velvet is on sale) There are times however that you will find velveteen at a higher price than velvet. But by and large velveteen is cheaper. Although these days both are pretty pricey :)