Nap (fabric)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3f/Velours_pourpre.jpg/220px-Velours_pourpre.jpg)
Primarily, nap is the raised (fuzzy) surface on certain kinds of cloth, such as velvet or moleskin. Nap can refer additionally to other surfaces that look like the surface of a napped cloth, such as the surface of a felt or beaver hat.
Starting around the 14th century, the word referred originally to the roughness of woven cloth before it was sheared.[1][2] When cloth, especially woollen cloth, is woven, the surface of the cloth is not smooth, and this roughness is the nap. Generally the cloth is then "sheared" to create an even surface, and the nap is thus removed. A person who trimmed the surface of cloth with shears to remove any excess nap was known as a shearman.[3]
Nap typically has a direction in which it feels smoothest. In garments, nap direction is often matched across seams, because cloth will not only feel but look different depending on the direction of the nap. For this reason, sewing patterns frequently show the nap direction, or warn that more fabric will be needed if the fabric has a nap.
Piled nap
Since the 15th century, the term nap has generally referred to a special pile given to the cloth.[2] The term pile refers to raised fibres that are there on purpose, rather than as a by-product of producing the cloth.[4] In this case, the nap is woven into the cloth, often by weaving loops into the fabric, which can then be cut or left intact. Carpets, rugs, velvet, velour, and velveteen, are made by interlacing a secondary yarn through woven cloth, creating a nap or pile.
Raising the nap
In the finishing process of
Sueding and emerizing
Fabric sueding is carried out on a sueding machine with abrasive covered rollers; the machines can suede both sides of fabric, whether woven or knitted.[7] Creasing and variations in the center selvedge are two major concerns with sueded fabrics.[8] Fabrics that have been sueded or emerized are known as 'sueded fabrics' or 'emerized fabrics.' [9][10][11]
Sueding
Sueding is a
Sueding action
The abrasive material on the machine's rollers cuts and shreds surface fibres, resulting in a soft texture with a short pile.[12]
Trademarked sueded fabrics
Alcantara and Ultrasuede are trademarked names for a plush microfiber with a feel resembling soft suede; this type of material is more durable and resistant to liquids and stains, and can be used in upholstery, accessories, clothing or shoes.[13][14]
See also
References
- ^ Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 19 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 167.
- ^ a b "nap". The Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd ed. 1989.
- ^ "Last name: Shearman". The Internet Surname Database. 28 January 2015. Retrieved 28 January 2015.
- ^ "Pile". The Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd ed. 1989.
- ^ a b c Knecht, Edmund (1911). Chisholm, Hugh (ed.). Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 10 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. pp. 378–382. . In
- ^ "Teasel". The Oxford English Dictionary. 2nd ed. 1989.
- ^ Textile Manufacturer & Knitting World 1977: Iss 1. Textile Manufacturer. 1977. p. 19.
- ^ Textile Technology Digest 1996-06: Vol 53. Textile Information Center. 1996. p. 62.
- ^ ISBN 978-1-56367-300-9.
- ^ a b A.T.A. Journal. Adsale Publishing Company. 2006. p. 24.
- ^ "Definition of SUEDE". www.merriam-webster.com. Retrieved 2021-08-03.
- ISBN 978-0-03-050723-6.
- ^ "Alcantara: sustainability and versatility". Alcantara. Retrieved 2021-08-03.
- ^ "The Indian Head Connection - Skinner & Sons | Fabrics.net Fabrics.net". Retrieved 2021-08-03.