John and I wanted to make something more royal and elegant for our formal event. Our tailor suggested the cotton Ottoman fabric which adds a luxurious touch to our formal attire!
But what is this ottoman fabric? It’s a woven textile that comes with a horizontal ribbed or raised pattern. You can use this fabric for forming coats, dresses, jackets, evening wear, upholstery, curtains and trimmings.
What is “Ottoman fabric”?
In the sewing world, the word “Ottoman” is often heard. The Ottoman name comes from the French “Ottoman” which is a weaving art from Turkey. This is a heavy fabric with flat crosswise ribs making it a more sophisticated one.
But is it a fabric type or a design? Ottoman is all of it and in today’s article I’ll be talking about the “Ottoman fabric”.
As a team member of Muslin Dhaka, we have 37 years cumulated experience in fabric & fashion. We share all our wisdom about this awesome fabric.
Ottoman fabric is classically formed entirely from natural silk fibers. That is why you can have a natural sheen in it. The ribbed texture is formed because of the intertwined strands formation of a thin silk yarn and a heavier nubbed silk yarn.
Mostly, the most common ottoman are natural fibers like cotton or a blend of silk. It’s still a luxurious textile for its specific ribbed effect which adds a sophisticated touch to it. So when you style with it you’re already one step ahead!
At a Glance
| Industrial Name | Ottoman fabric |
| Origin | Turkey |
| Other Names | No other names |
| Construction | Ottoman can be prepared by knitting or weaving through pure 100% cotton fabric. Thicker weft threads are interlaced with thinner warp threads to create the ottoman pattern. |
| Weight | 160-300 GSM or more |
| Color | Can come in various range of colors |
| Airflow | Very low |
| Moisture Absorbance | Not for high moisture absorbance |
| Stretch | Elastane fibers make the fabric stretch more |
| Heat Insulation | Low |
| Usage | Upholstery, clothing, quilting, decoration, blankets, bags etc. |
Sneak-peak of Ottoman Fabric’s history
With the rise and cultural notability of the Ottoman empire around the 13th-12th centuries Ottoman fabric has formed its own place. Even its origins come back further to the Seljuk period. However, the Ottomans have reached a new level with their innovation and multiple textile centers.
During the 16th and 17th centuries, the Ottomans gained a new prospect in the textile industry. As Ottomans excelled in weaving diverse fabrics. Starting from luxurious velvets and silks, carpets, and rugs to cotton, and woolen fabrics.
Moreover, the Ottoman textile turned into a big source of revenue for the empire. And started global trading reaching Europe and influencing fashion trends there too. Coming down to the 18th-19th century, when the empire connected with Europe new varieties. For instance, fabrics to use in court attire, etc, so there was a shift towards European-influenced designs.
Though the empire of Ottoman has declined the fabric? It is still admired by the rest of the world even today for its added elegance, and beauty.
What is the texture and appearance of “Ottoman fabric”?
Well, the texture of an ottoman fabric is a ribbed pattern which makes it a more visually pleasing one! The knitting process is done through the intertwining of warp and weft yarns.
So, that’s how ribbed and corded texture is formed by twining weft yarns over some warp yarns and repeating! When weaving is done, for this fabric the series of raised parallel ridges or ribs are seen.
All of it ensures the best properties of Ottoman which is durability and strength. So you get to use it frequently as it is resistant to wear or tear.
Compared to other fabrics, you’ll enjoy a stiff and heavyweight fabric with it. As it is being weaved tight and has thicker yarns. While weaving is done the ridges can be thick or thin but the ultimate result is a strong, dense structure.
Types of Ottoman
Ottoman fabric has two types and it is created through two different processes. They are-
- Knitting and
- Weaving
The weaving is more traditional whereas the knitting of this fabric is done through a machine. Mostly the weaving one is used for apparel and upholstery.
For knitting special double jersey machines are used which use a single needle. A thicker yarn is used for knitting weft and then it is knitted warp. It gets easier to form the ribbed effect through the machines.
Moreover, the stitch pattern for Ottoman is mostly interlocked with a jersey or rib texture. The interlock with the jersey involves both sets of needles which have some part of regular jersey stitches but only that is done by the front or back needle.
The Ottoman fabric when knitted can be used for t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc. So, your Ottoman will be how long and defined depending on the number of stitches it is getting in every section.
Additionally, for rib basis, a method of rib stitch is used in the entire fabric but has some variations in the needle section so that the customer gets the raised effect.
Lastly, the fabric will undergo dyeing, finishing, and pressing so that you get a well-textured Ottoman fabric for your outfit.
With what can Ottoman fabric be made?
Ottoman fabric can be composed of various fibers, both natural and synthetic. Commonly the ottoman can be woven silk, synthetic fibers, or cotton. All of it is mostly known as Ottoman. We see mainly cotton or cotton blend ottoman fabric these days.
This type of fabric care and durability varies.
For instance- Cotton ottomans ask for simple water and detergent. Voila, it’s clean! Whereas, linen needs a professional to clean it so that it doesn’t get wrinkles.
Pro tip: This fabric can be used in all directions. So cut or sew it just the way you want!
Why is Ottoman fabric on demand: Benefits and Drawbacks
Well, the finishing, durability, and diversity that come with it make it a demanding one. So, you must question, why not? Let’s talk about what this ottoman fabric has to offer on both benefits and drawbacks.
Benefits:
- This fabrics are known for their durability, resistance to wear and tear.
- Well, it’s ribbed but along with it, it is soft too. If you use it in seating areas you’ll be able to enjoy a comfortable and soft place to relax.
- You get diverse colors, patterns, and textures with Ottoman which will complement your decor.
- Easy to clean. Clean stains with just a damp cloth or a vacuum cleaner.
Drawbacks:
- Though I love Ottoman, my piku is allergic to this fabric. So, yes for pet parents the fabric can hold allergen. Even though it has pet and kid-friendly fabric that is expensive.
What are the applications of Ottoman fabric?
The Ottoman fabric has a diverse application field. The fabric itself is very high-quality which makes it a suitable one for dresses or home decor. The applications can be –
Apparel: Such as your dresses and skirts. Or any evening wear can be an ottoman. Any fashionable dress like gowns or coats can be ottoman too.
Home decor: When you want to decorate your house different upholstery or pillows or even curtains fabric can be ottoman fabric. This fabric is famous for upholstery these days!
Accessories: Do you know even belts or bags are built with this awesome fabric too? Yes! You’ve heard me right. So, yes you get diversities with ottoman textile material.
How to understand the authenticity of Ottoman fabric?
To enjoy the luxury of Ottoman fabric it’s quite significant that you identify the authentic one. I’ve added a few tips and tricks that can be helpful for you to identify-
- Your first way can be to visually check it by looking at the inconsistencies in color, weaving, etc.
- Secondly, feel the fabric.
- Look for the fiber content. See the certifications.
- Try to purchase from well-known sellers and ask them for fabric certifications.
What are the alternatives to Ottoman?
Linen is known as the alternative to Ottoman fabric. As it is just like the Ottoman in terms of being the strongest one. Even if it’s tougher than cotton and is easier to clean.
So, if you’ve kids or pets and are looking for an alternative in terms of dirt and stains, linen can be the perfect choice.
How to take care of Ottoman?
You’ll be amazed to know that Ottoman fabric demands little care. If your attire has a spot then simply take any absorbent cloth. But never rub it as it may spread the stain.
Moreover, if you’ve upholstery you can steam clean it. Whereas, some ottoman fabrics like washable silk or cotton need to be machine washed so that it’s cleaned without causing any damage.
In case of drying an ottoman try to do air drying as it is much safer. But don’t directly put it under sunlight. Make sure to hang it in such places where that can hold the weight of it, as it becomes heavy while wet.
Other than that, look at the label too. If it asks for dry cleaning or air drying.
Pro tip: Don’t use clothespins. As it can leave marks on the fabric.
Lastly, if you want to iron the dress, do it in very low heat. But ironing is not recommended most of the time. That’s why check the care label for ironing instructions depending on the fabric blend.
Ottoman Fabric by the Yard
The retail price of ottoman fabric starts from $10 per yard. Try to purchase from any renowned seller to get best quality fabric. They can give you special offers if you purchase in bulk.
Even though the price range starts from $10 but it can exceed $150. Depending on the high quality and other additional factors.
5 best ottoman brand
If you’re a newbie and cannot find any trustworthy source to purchase your desired ottoman fabric. I decided to have your back by mentioning a few brands that you can definitely rely on. Those are-
Where to buy:
There are a lot of online & offline fabric store where you can buy ottoman fabric. We suggest to buy from famous store like Amazon, Etsy & joann fabric where you can have ottoman at a reasonable price.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’S)
Does ottoman fabric wrinkle?
As the fabric construction is quite stiff, so there is a high chance it will not have wrinkles. Moreover, the ribs will help the fabric spring back into shape without forming wrinkles.
Can I iron my ottoman fabric?
Honestly, you should not. As ironing will have a bad impact on the ribbed effect.
Is it easy to clean?
Yes. Mostly the cotton ottoman fabrics are easy to clean. But some might need dry cleaning to keep the shape maintained.
Conclusion
Be it your attire or any curtains, when you’re choosing Ottoman fabric automatically it upgrades the style within you. Because of the texture and elegant design.
Not only that, you get premium home decor too. However, I have tried to cover all the details in one plate, hope it helps.
Know luxury fabrics from our articles.
Shariful Alam Pavel, A fashion lover, passionate marketer. Love to share wisdom based on real life experience to enrich knowledge.
Founder of Muslin Dhaka, a brand, speaks the truth about royal muslin and fashion. Explore the digital fashion universe with organic cotton muslin and much more!
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