Who is Jacquard?
Ever looked at a fabric and wondered how it came to be, and who was the clever person that thought to make it a possibility. We take a look at a fabric that we have all used, worn or admired at one time or another. Some interesting facts and insight into a Jacquard weave.
A Jacquard weave is created through a loom process, turning possibly average into exceptional fabrics. Jacquards can be one or multiple colours and can be used to create simple or complex patterns. The back side of the Jacquard is the mirror image of the pattern on the front.
The loom is programmed to raise each individual warp thread independently of the other threads. Instead of being printed or dyed onto the fabric, the design of the textile is incorporated into the weave.
Image credit Robert Glod via Flickr
The process is rather time consuming and labor intensive in comparison to a basic weave. In saying that, Jacquard fabric finishes created via this process are more stable than the basic weave. The combination of colours and yarn types that can be used make for some beautiful results with patterns, designs, landscapes, portoratis and complex colour gradations.
Jacquards can be used in so many different applications with the weight and composition of the fabric left to the desired outcome. From lightweight for apparel or heavier weight for jackets and colder month apparel.
Not only used in the fashion industry, Jacquard weaves are used in homewares, in particular drapery and upholstery, as it is durable, lustrous and heavy.
Image credit care of Tissura By berzowska from Montreal - Flickr
One of the most popular end uses of Jacquard is for curtains. It doesn’t stretch and its weight and thickness will prevent the elements from coming in or leaking out, a great advantage for lowering energy consumption.
The Jacquard loom was invented by Joseph-Marie Jacquard a French weaver, in 1804. The Jacquard machine is a device fitted to a loom and this technology has been used since then. The combination of the loom and the Jacquard machine is then called a Jacquard loom.
Image Credit Joop anker - Jaquardweefgetouw
Up until the 1980’s the original system of using punch cards to create the pattern and design on the fabric was still being used. Now a computer programme is used based on the original punch card system and they can have thousands of hooks. The technology has allowed the capacity to increase significantly and single end warp can extend to more than 10,000 warp ends. Which allows for infinite versatility in repeats and designs.
Jacquard manufacturers are scattered throughout the world. Manufacturing locations include Turkey, Italy, Belgium, India and Germany where the vast majority of your Jacquard fabrics will be manufactured.
Thanks to this technology, invented over two centuries ago by Mr Jacquard, we are still using and enjoying beautifully designed and manufactured fabrics today for all kinds of applications from fashion to homewares and commercial industries.