European Interiors With Matelasse Furnishings

Matelasse (pronounced as matt-le-say) is actually a word of French origin which refers to padded, lined or quilted fabric. Thus, as the word mean, it is used for describing a fabric which creates an illusion of being quilted but is actually not. Most often jacquard looms are used for creating matelasse fabrics along with cotton as the most common material picked for the special weaving procedure which provides the fabric its real signature look.

Characteristics
The matelasse fabrics carry a particularly characteristic trait of raised patterns, indentations and padded appearance to provide an illusion of being quilted. It is the use of specialty looms in the production of matelasse cotton which facilitates intricate designs and patterns to appeal the varied tastes and preferences of people.

Utilities
Cotton matelasse is popularly used for making home furnishing items like bedspreads, coverlets, slip covers, shams etc. In fact, matelasse coverlets and matelasse beddings are quite a proffered choice among people in general.

Fashion Quotient
Matelasse fabrics are associated with European home decor styles as they generally constitute of Jacquard weaving products. The matelasse coverlets and beddings resemble to the hand stiched quilts made in France during the 17th century.

Maintenance
These fabrics call for special maintenance as the authentic luxury matelasse fabrics are prone to shrinking and get damaged if tried washing at home using home washers and dryers. Thus, it is advised to use professional cleaner for cleaning these special fabrics.

Amazing Facts
Though matelasse cotton is exclusively used for manufacturing designer beddings, coverlets and other home furnishing products, but interestingly, globally renowned fashion designers like Dolce & Gabbana, Ellen Tracy and Michael Kors have used this fabric for making dresses and clothings as well!

History
The special looms used for the production of matelasse cotton were invented by a Frenchman named Joseph Marie Jacquard in 1801. His innovative procedure is still used for making matelasse fabrics which else wise could only be produced through long hours of hand-stitching by skilled workers.

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