The term "nap" as it applies to fabric generally refers to the direction in which the open ends of the fibers naturally lie, such as in a velvet piece. Normally, the fabric nap would be in the down direction. However, to achieve a darker, richer color, sometimes these fabrics are used with the nap in the up direction. This darker color is the result of the reduced reflection of light off the fibers.
To determine whether or not a piece of upholstery fabric has a nap, run your hand in both directions up and down the length of the fabric. If you can see a change in the color or if you can tell that it feels softer or smoother one direction than the other, the fabric has a nap.
You have to be certain that all attached upholstery pieces and all loose cushions with a nap are turned the same direction. Likewise, ottomans should be turned with the nap facing the same direction as the chairs. If the fabric is on a piece of furniture that is used often, sitting or touching can produce areas that appear darker or lighter than the rest of the piece, since it can permanently change the lay of the nap. Folds and tufting can also produce variations in color.
From garmento.org
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| Paolo Buffa sofa jessgrahamvintagedesigns.com |
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| Crimson mohair velvet ebay.com - chezchazz |
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| Finn Juhl Diplomat armchairs treadwaygallery.com |
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| Orange mohair velvet stagevelvets.com |
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| Knoll velvet upholstery fabric archiexpo.com |
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| Navy mohair velvet ebay.com (walshdesigns) |
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| Wrought iron and upholstered chair by Augusto Bozzi for Saporiti 1stdibs.com |
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| Brown mohair velvet walshdesignsinc.com |
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| Tufted velvet upholstery howtocleanstuff.net |
OMG!! That green sofa or chair on the bottom photo with the cushion is SO LOVELY I would fall over if I seen it in real life. (And then plead, beg and pray my Hubs would let me have it. *haha*
ReplyDeleteCrimson Mohair is pretty and I also really like that blue couch up at the top.
Thank you for the lesson on nap.
=D
I'd love to see a full picture of that green piece at the bottom. I bet it's amazing. That crimson velvet is so beautiful that it makes you want to wrap up in it, and the Paolo Buffa is, well...just saying Paolo Buffa is enough for me!
DeleteThe only nap I knew about is the one I just woke up from...Very informative. I'm glad I get to learn something and look at beautiful fabrics at the same time. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteGlad you enjoyed the post. Velvet is so rich and beautiful, but it can be a disaster to upholster with if you don't know that every piece has to be cut the same direction. The same goes for corduroy and velour. Even rugs have a nap.
DeleteI sure could use a nap right now. Got a serious case of the Mondays. After your previous post, I decided to check out Pinterest before bed last night. BIG MISTAKE. Staying up until 2:30 pinning is no way to start the week.
ReplyDeleteWhat is it about Pinterest that's so addictive? This thing could become a serious health hazard...or at the very least, a threat to relationships around the world. I wonder if serious pinners even speak to their families anymore.
DeleteLove the lines of the Augusto Bozzi chair. Thanks for the post...
ReplyDeleteI wasn't familiar with the designs of Augusto Bozzi until I wrote this post. Now I can't wait to learn more about him.
DeleteHave you started your upholstery course yet .... you're already sounding like an expert! Velvet is a tricky fabric to work with, not least because it creases so easily - but the results on a newly upholstered piece always look exquisite!
ReplyDeleteSad story about the upholstery class...I registered online and there was a computer glitch of some kind. I received a confirmation saying my admissions form had been sent, but the community college said they never received it. The class filled up before all this came to light.
DeleteI found several really good video tutorials online, and I'm going to teach myself. My SIL is going to buy me all the tools I need and get me properly set up in the workshop behind my house.
I learned to sew when I was 9 years old, and was quite a good seamstress for most of my adult life, so I already have the knowledge of fabrics and sewing that I need. I was quite a good seamstress most of my adult life, till I got too lazy to make my own clothes...LOL I've decided I should put those skills to good use upholstering now.
I enjoyed my first online upholstery lesson, look forward to the next one!
ReplyDeleteI'm about to tackle my first major upholstery project soon, and I plan to post about the pitfalls and progress.
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