With the onset of cold weather, you especially want warmth and comfort. Fabrics with a long pile come to the rescue: velvet, velor, plush. They are soft, warm, gentle and remind of a carefree childhood. Plush deserves special attention. Find out what kind of material it is below.
Features
The main difference between plush is a thick pile, the length of which can reach 16 millimeters or more, but not shorter than 3 mm. The material with the longest pile is classified as a type of faux fur.
What is this plush fabric? The definition of the material at one time was given by the French. Peluche in translation means "villus", that is, a fabric covered with pile.
The difference between plush and velvet
These two materials are often confused, but they have significant differences, although their production technology is almost the same. And the scope is similar. Velvet is thinner and more delicate, has a short and dense pile. Plush can be thick and coarser. His hair is much longer.
Views
Plush can be of different types, but it differs in three ways:
- fabric composition;
- the way of educationvilli;
- finishing.
Traditionally, the basis of plush fabric is cotton fabric. Although it can be knitted. The villi are cotton, silk or wool. Increasingly, synthetic fibers, mainly polyester, are used for these purposes. Such material is much cheaper and more durable, besides, it has a number of advantages over natural fabrics.
Another plush material is distinguished by the type of pile. It can be:
- looped - it is similar to terry cloth, the pile resembles loops;
- cut - making it similar to velvet when the loops are cut in half;
- one-sided - the pile is located only on the front side;
- double-sided - there are also villi from the inside out.
Moreover, the last two options can be both looped and split.
Plush can be smooth - it is a standard type of fabric or with a patterned finish, embossed. Drawings and patterns are achieved by alternating different pile heights, which form the pattern. The embossed material has fibers of the same length, and a special hot press is used to create a relief.
The most expensive and exquisite plush is shaped. All types of finishes are used for its manufacture.
Application
The scope of the fabric is great these days. However, when this material was just being produced in Europe, its cost was rather big and only very we althy people could afford to buy plush. Fabric making was verytime-consuming process.
What is plush used for now? This is:
- First of all, making toys. No other fabric can replace plush in tailoring soft and fluffy bears, hares, dogs.
- Production of clothes. Especially for children. Lightweight and pleasant to the touch material is ideal for delicate baby skin. The production of clothing for adults is also gaining momentum: both women's and men's. For the most part, these are models for the home, but depending on the texture of the plush fabric, you can also sew outfits for going out. For example, dresses, skirts, jackets, vests. Often, plush with a thick woolen pile is used for interior decoration and insulation of outerwear.
- Along with fleece, plush can be found in the production of interior trim for shoes, both demi-season and winter. Depends on the type of material.
- Fabric with pile is used for sewing furniture covers and upholstery. The more textured and interesting the pattern, the more spectacular the furniture looks. Accordingly, the more expensive it is.
- Production of home textiles: curtains, curtains, tablecloths, pillows, bedspreads, blankets. On sale you can find a variety of interior items for every taste and budget. Of course, the decoration with plush material looks very sophisticated and expensive, subject to a sense of proportion and style.
Benefits
Plush has a lot of positive qualities due to its special structure and composition.
- This material is not only attractive to the touch, but also has an aesthetic appearance.
- Plush almost neverwrinkled.
- It is very durable and easily resists mechanical stress such as abrasion, stretching, tearing.
- Quality plush is not deformed. And it doesn't matter if it has a woven or knitted base.
- Low peeling, that is, the villi almost do not roll together into ugly lumps.
- Long hair holds heat well.
- Plush is a fabric that drapes well and lays down in beautiful and spectacular waves.
- Thanks to modern technology, the material has a high degree of color fastness and retains an attractive appearance for a long time.
- Has a wide range of applications.
Flaws
There are undoubtedly many pluses, but there are also minuses. And quite significant.
- Long bristle is great at picking up dirt and dust, which is not good for babies and allergy sufferers.
- But caring for this material is quite problematic.
- If plush products are used for a long time, fluff may begin to fall out of them.
- Plush is a material that is difficult to sew, so it will be difficult for beginner craftswomen to cope with it, especially if the pile is very long.
- The thicker and longer the hairs, the heavier the finished product will be in weight.
Care Tips
We figured out what kind of material - plush. And if you are not afraid of the possible difficulties associated with proper care for him, you will need useful tips:
- Plush fabrics can be washed inwater, the temperature of which is not higher than 30-40 degrees.
- If you wash in a machine, set the mode to "delicate". And do not press at high speed. The number of revolutions of the drum during the spin cycle should be minimal.
- When hand washing, it is not recommended to twist the product.
- For larger items like sofa covers, it's best and easier to go to a dry cleaner.
- If the product has stubborn stains, it is advisable to entrust the item to specialists.
- Plush cannot be ironed. In order to straighten the pile after washing, vertical steaming is recommended.
- It is better to dry products in the shade, avoiding direct sunlight. This will help keep the color vibrant.
- Synthetic fibers are easier to care for than natural fabrics.
- Do not use aggressive detergents.
- Always follow the directions on the label.
What kind of fabric - plush - and how capricious it is, you decide. But it is unlikely that you will find more cozy and pleasant things than plush.
