Printed Velvets

Pattern on a pile surface

Printing onto velvet gives a different effect from printing onto a flat cloth: the pile catches the light unevenly, so colours look deeper and shift as the fabric moves. It reads as a much richer surface than the same design on cotton.

It suits statement pieces rather than large plain expanses — cushions, throws, curtains, jackets, bags and Christmas decorations. All the usual velvet rules apply: cut every piece with the pile running the same way, use a walking foot or plenty of pins because the layers slide, and steam from the back rather than pressing the face.