Black Velour Drape

Black velour drape is commonly used in the entertainment community. Whether you see it on a stage or at a show, black velour drape is everywhere. Used for stage curtains and acoustic drapes, velour is a staple fabric that adds elegance and a richness to any scene. How did black velour drape get its start, and what makes it the go to fabric for taking a setup to the next level?

In this comprehensive look, we’ll find out how velour got its start and how black velour drape became the iconic fabric for events that it is today.

History of Velour

Velour has an interesting history that dates back to the period of time known as rebirth– the Renaissance! The Renaissance period vibrated all over the world, but especially in Europe. Countries like Spain, France, and Britain were developing new and interesting technology like printing presses and exploring the arts. Along with that came the advancement of certain textiles, including velvet.

The Renaissance period noted to have occurred during the 14th through the 17th centuries. While some argue that the Renaissance period occurred in different time frames, no one can suggest it didn’t bring with it a slew of radical changes. As mentioned, it was a period of discovery and enlightenment, especially with the creation of different things. In France, the fashion was a part of that creation, including the creation of different fabrics like velvet.

After velvet was spun into elegant garments for the affluent, those born outside of nobility took their creativity and made a very close imitation. That imitation fabric, named velour, became the distinctive, well used fabric we know today.

Once velour became mass made, it spread throughout the world. Velour peaked around the 1970s when it became all the rage to wear. The iconic velour jogging suit made its debut long ago. After the spike, the trend of velour clothing didn’t make its way back into fashion until the late 1990s and early 2000s. Resurrected, velour was seen in various fashion trends once again.

How Velour is Made

Velour is a knit, napped fabric. The fabric starts off as knit and it follows a meandering (winding) path in order to keep each piece of yarn together. In a weave, the pattern goes back and forth while knit fabric goes up and down, allowing for better stretch and movement.

When the knit establishes itself after processing, the fibers become napped. Napping is a finishing process the fabric goes through. Napping brings the fibers of the fabric up to its surface and cut to the desired length, making it plush. Velour fabric is a plush, soft fabric because of this napping process.

Manufactured velour has well known fibers in mind. Usually, manufactured velour lends itself to a blend of cotton or synthetic materials. Our black velour drape boasts 100% polyester, adding to its soft, lush feel. It is also inherently flame retardant which makes it perfect for applications that also support dramatic lighting scenes.

The Differences Between Velour and Velvet

People often confuse velour and velvet. Velvet is the original fabric created with velour in mind, which came much later. Velvet is not a knit, napped fabric like velour, but is a woven, tufted fabric. It is made with natural fibers like silk or cotton.

Velvet is a less cost-effective fabric over velour. Since velour uses synthetic fibers for manufacturing, it won’t break your bank like velvet can.

As velour is a knit fabric, it has a better stretch over velvet. It lends itself to flexibility, making it a comfortable fabric to wear. Since velvet derives from natural fibers, it does not come in inherently flame-resistant options like velvet. Some manufacturers treat it for flame retardant qualities. 

Black Velour: The Dying Process

Black velour does not start off as black. Fibers chosen to assemble velour fabric are typically a blend or a full synthetic material like polyester. Natural fibers like cotton aren’t very hard to dye, but synthetic fibers are trickier to dye successfully. Since polyester is a synthetic fiber originating from petroleum (which is essentially plastic), it’s molecules are difficult to manipulate in the dyeing process.

Black velour drape is possible with disperse dyes. Disperse dyes are not water soluble. They require high temperatures for the dye to take effect, but once dyed you have elegant black velour.

Velour and Flame Resistance

As previously mentioned, Canvas Etc carries black velour drape that’s made from synthetic polyester but is inherently flame retardant (IFR). However, what consists of making it flame resistant?

Flame resistance or retardancy has been outlined in a guide by the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA. The NFPA creates standards of fire safety and adopted a standard concerning textiles. This standard, called the NFPA 701: Standard Methods of Fire Tests for Flame Propagation of Textiles and Films, governs the retardancy of all fabrics.

What makes this black velour drape IFR? A field test adapted by the NFPA known as the NFPA 705 allows for testing to occur outside a lab to ensure fabrics are truly flame retardant. There are various classifications outlined for the flammability of a garment, but our black velour drape’s classification is inherently flame retardant.

Inherent flame retardancy means that your fabric has not been treated with any chemicals after manufacture and is resistant to fire based on its properties. Also, a fabric that is IFR and washed repeatedly won’t lose its flame resistance. If a fabric becomes treated with special flame-resistant chemicals, it is only considered FR, or flame retardant.

Other classifications define how various fabrics establish utilization in accordance with their ability to remain flame resistant. Black velour drape supports the use of the fabric with high temperature situations such as up lighting because it is resistant to catching on fire.

Uses for Black Velour Drape

Black velour drape is versatile for a number of spaces and rooms. It’s use extends not only for aesthetics, but also:

• Acoustic Drapery: Black velour drape is a heavier weight fabric. Heavier fabrics are ideal for the harnessing the use of acoustic technology. This black velour drape creates excellent environments for sound absorption and noise control.  
• Grand Drapes: Grand drapery is found within theaters and arenas alike. It is the large drapery that covers a stage. Black velour drape is perfect for any stage covering for this use. 
• Pipe and Drape Kits: Pipe and drape kits are a staple for trade show events. Whether you’re installing top and bottom pipe and drape kits, or flowing drape systems over piping, black velour drape is quintessential.
• Cyclorama Curtains: Cyclorama curtains are found in museums or at exhibits. They’re round structures that provide a 360-degree view of demonstration. Black velour drape adds a level of sophistication unparalleled to other fabrics for cyclorama exhibits.

Use black velour drape for above applications and more.

Unique Applications for Black Velour Drape

Black velour drape doesn’t just have to lend itself to draping applications. It’s also perfect for:

• Costumes: Attending a convention or event where you’ll need the perfect costume? Velour’s soft, plush appearance and chic look makes for a beautiful option for any costume you’re sewing.
• Outerwear: As stated, velour’s most compelling creation was the jogging suit! Bring back the sheek style of the upscale outerwear with our black velour drape.
• Upholstery: Breathe new life into old furniture with our black velour drape. This fabric stretches over old chairs and seats easily and adds beauty to any room.

Black velour drape transforms any application with its versatility and stylish look.

Canvas Etc: Your Premier Black Velour Drape Provider

At Canvas Etc, we care about what works best for you. Our black velour drape selection is carefully selected with your every need in mind. Have questions on how to use our black velour drape for your next event or gathering? Contact us today.