Prints vs Wovens : Unraveling the Differences

Starting your journey into fabric design can be both exciting and overwhelming. There are so many types of fabrics, materials, and pattern styles, it’s no wonder that many new designers don’t know where to begin. While you can apply your artwork or design on any type of fabric, each fabric has its own strengths, advantages, and best end uses. Let’s unravel the basics by looking at the two most popular types of fabrics in Home Decor:  Prints and Wovens.

Vibrant Prints

Imagine painting an intricate floral pattern, each petal highly detailed and shaded beautifully. This is the allure of printed fabrics. Created by applying a thin layer of ink or pigment onto the surface of a prepared fabric, prints can literally contain millions of tiny dots within a single yard of fabric, resulting in impressive color and incredible detail. 

These prepared fabrics are known as base cloths and are coated in a finish that helps the color adhere to the fabric for long-lasting results. Using a method that is much like inkjet printing, the precision and accuracy that is attainable can create incredible detail that is only limited by the texture of the base cloth, and your imagination.

Beyond unmatched color capabilities, prints also offer variety within a single price point. Using a single base cloth, designers can create an unlimited number of different patterns. This gives print manufacturers the advantage of offering a large variety of designs that can meet a broad range of needs, without the complexity. 

Woven Wonders

Now imagine entering a beautifully styled living room full of highly textural fabrics from velvet brocades to plush boucles. That’s the magic of woven fabrics. Created by crossing yarns in the horizontal and vertical directions into components known as weaves, wovens often showcase novelty yarns or unique constructions so inviting, that you can’t help but run your fingers across their surface. Each thread tells the story of craftsmanship and care.

In Home Decor and Commercial Interiors, wovens are not only appreciated for their variety but also for their durability. In fact, in commercial interiors, wovens are chosen 9 of out 10 times for this reason alone. Long-lasting, wovens can withstand many years of use if properly cared for, living in high-traffic areas with ease.

Though the way that wovens are manufactured hasn’t changed in decades, they continue to evolve. While the process is complicated, the result offers an incredible array of textures, layers, and unique styles that can’t be easily mimicked. From highly constructed and detailed options to sustainable components and methods, wovens continue to make an impact in all types of environments.

As you embark on your own fabric design journey, remember that both prints and wovens have their own unique charm and advantages. Whether you’re drawn to the vivid colors and intricate details of prints, or the tactile richness and enduring durability of wovens, there’s something for every taste and style. So, explore, experiment, and let your creativity soar. Your fabric adventure awaits!

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