For many centuries since its appearance, brocade was so expensive that only kings, emperors and the highest clergy could afford it. It has long been an attribute of luxury. The material was made by hand from expensive silk threads, onto which metal threads, usually gold and silver, were wound in a special way.
Today, many people can afford brocade outfits, since fabric is produced to suit every taste and budget.
What kind of brocade is there?
In those distant times, this amazing material was made only in China and delivered to the countries of the Old World either by sea or along the Great Silk Road. Considering that the material was dense and heavy, and included natural silk, silver and gold threads, then One can imagine how much this precious fabric, even for that time, was valued at.
The emperors of Byzantium were the first to try on unique clothes, and later this fashion spread to other countries.To receive expensive brocade outfits as a gift from the emperor meant great honor and favor. In museums today you can see clothes made from ancient, well-preserved fabric with elegant patterns. The highest church leadership still dresses in precious, majestic attire on major holidays.
By the way! Brocade is a patterned fabric, very heavy, the design is made using metal threads: gold, silver or their alloys with other metals. Sometimes the decor is replaced with a flattened ribbon. Since the thread is thin, it is twisted with the same silk warp and used in weaving as a weft.
In modern production, the silk base has been replaced with viscose, cotton, wool, and expensive, precious metal threads have been replaced with thin lurex fibers full of shine and imitation of wealth, as a result of which the fabric has become much lighter and easier to wear and care for.
Many varieties of brocade have appeared on sale made from artificial fibers using lurex and inexpensive metals. This fabric is not only beautiful, but also affordable. Let's look at the main types of such fabric.
For your information. The term "brocade" means a simple translation of the word "fabric".
Silk
As at the time of invention, this type is made on the basis of natural silk. There are two options - embroidered and jacquard. The fabric is not elastic, but does not require ironing, holds its shape and looks great in the form of folds and draperies. In India, it is fashionable to make wedding clothes from it. Hollywood actors love to wear it in evening suits and clothes for special occasions. The price is quite high.
By the way! This type of material has its own variant names in different countries: brokat, baberek, glaset, mor or altabas.
Viscose
The fabric is much lighter than other types.It is almost not subject to creasing and drapes well. Located in the middle price range. Lurex weft, sometimes the material simply has an even sheen without a pattern. When sewing clothes, it is necessary to use lining fabrics.
Brocade-lycra
The main properties of this type of fabric: light, smooth and elastic. It is used to make elegant clothes for every day. The material is so light that products made from it are comfortable to wear in summer. They sew T-shirts, tops and light open dresses. The fabric is in the cheap price segment.
Lycra brocade was chosen by dancers and gymnasts. Bright clothes that fit the body are very comfortable both on stage and at sports competitions. Does not require additional lining products.
Jacquard
Manufactured on special machines. During the fabric production process the threads are woven into a three-dimensional convex pattern, pre-selected and programmed. Products made from it must be sewn with a lining, as you can get puffs on other clothes or discomfort when worn on a naked body.
Cotton
The basis of the fabric is cotton threads. Dresses, jackets and trousers are made from this type of material. Men's clothing is also made from it. The material is easy to wear, wrinkles little, and tolerates transportation well. It is used to decorate interiors; tablecloths and curtains look good from it.
Woolen
This type of brocade uses wool instead of silk. Both women's and men's jackets look beautiful and elegant from it. All products require lining. It is often used to make bags, clutches, and luxurious hats.
Nanjing
This kind made only in China. Valued for its delicate and airy patterns. There are four subspecies of Nanjing brocade:
- Kuduan atlas;
- brocade with gold thread;
- "kujin";
- patterned brocade.
Modern weaving machines can do everything, except the production of patterned Nanjing brocade. It is made by hand on ancient wooden machines using special secret technologies.. The machine is very difficult to use; at least two weavers work on it. You need to synchronously control the levers, operate the pedals in parallel and monitor the output of the product.
This is interesting! Nanjing Brocade is one of the cultural heritage sites of China.
Yamdani
In India, Yamdani brocade is especially valued among the population, being the most expensive. Her made from real silk with the addition of a special zari thread. This is a synthetic silver or gold thread. The material is not mass-produced in factories; special orders are made for it when costumes are needed for weddings, ceremonies or holidays.
Kinhab
In this silk Indian brocade the pattern is embroidered with metal threads in the form of an elegant floral ornament. It is used in the manufacture of particularly exquisite outfits.
Brocade, despite its age, always remains a modern fabric and is widely used by designers to create various elements of evening dresses. Beautiful women's dresses and extravagant suits are made from it. If it is necessary to emphasize the solemnity of an event, brocade products will always be in place. Designers even use the material to create jewelry and interior design.
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