Corduroy Curtain fabric is a type of woven cloth that has been slatted or cut to produce a ribbed texture. It can be produced in both Wool or Cotton, and is commonly used for clothing, furniture, curtains/drapes, and accessories. It is a form of velvet that has been woven with two primary yarns, creating a plain or twill weave base, and then interspersed with a third yarn which creates floats in the filling direction, passing over at least four warp threads. Textile producers then use blades to sever the float yarns, forming a series of ridges known as wales that appear on the surface of the fabric. The width of these wales determines the fabric's "wale number," with standard corduroy having around 11-12 wales per inch.
A very heavy and durable fabric, corduroy can be made in a range of colors and styles and is suitable for a variety of different garments and soft furnishings. It can be easily manipulated with a sewing machine, although we recommend that a heavier needle size is used to reduce the chance of the fabric breaking or jamming in the machine. It is important to use a sharp pair of Dressmaking scissors or rotary cutter and to be careful to keep the cutting surface clean and clear of fluff or lint, as this will have a direct impact on the quality of the finished garment.
Typically produced using either 100% cotton or a Cotton Polyester blend, corduroy can be purchased in a variety of widths and thicknesses, depending on the end use. The width and thickness of the wale will determine the fabric's suitability for different clothing styles, with a thicker and softer wale working best for a jacket or coat, while thinner wales are better suited to skirts and trousers.
When considering what garments to make from this fantastically durable fabric, we advise that simple lines and shapes are best. This allows the wales of the fabric to stand out, giving the garment a unique style and appearance. Garments such as skirts and dungarees are ideal for a thicker, soft corduroy while standard or medium weight fabrics can also be used to make dresses, skirts and shirts.
Originally a coarse and rugged type of woolen cloth, modern corduroy first appeared in the 18th century, with textile manufacturers in England developing the fabric from the popular, which was already available for use in garments that required warmth or a padded look. Others believe it is a more practical marketing ploy, created by British textile manufacturers to make the fabric seem more luxurious and desirable than its humble beginnings in working-class country clothing.