All About Damask Fabric

Damask fabric is used in upholstery, draperies, cloth wallpaper and tablecloths. It is characterized by the contrast of a lustrous background material with a raised design. It has been used extensively in antique upholstered furniture and historically has also been used to make jackets and other heavy outer garments. Classic Damask fabric is made from silk, although currently it is made of various other materials such as cotton, linen, wool and synthetic fibers. The style of weaving is the most distinguishing characteristic of Damask fabric today. It tends to be expensive, not only because of the high cost of silk but also because of the dense weave requiring a great deal of thread. Manufacturing companies also sell damask in bulk by the bolt, which is advised if a large project is being undertaken. Purchasing a single bolt of damask ensures uniform weave and color. The patterns used in damask are often geometric or botanical in theme, although the pattern may also integrate animals or simple scenes. This weaving style originated in Asia, spread across the Middle East, and reached into Europe thanks to the efforts of traders like Marco Polo. By the 12th century, the fabric had been named after Damascus, which was quickly rising to fame as a center of textile production. The ornate fabrics exported from Damascus were well known, leading many people to associate the fabric with the city. Italy also housed numerous well known manufacturers of damask. Damask fabrics are closely associated with luxury. The designs are often multicolored, causing them to stand out clearly against the satin background of the fabric. Damask continues to be made from silk, although materials like cotton, linen, wool, and synthetic fibers are also used in the manufacturing of damask. Synthetic damask tends to be much more durable than damask made from organic materials, although it does not have the same feel. In the 1900s, the invention of the Jacquard loom made damask much easier to create. Jacquard fabric was woven with the direction of a series of punch cards which could be used to alter the position of the warp threads in the fabric. These punch cards automated the weaving process, allowing manufacturers to mass produce damask patterns and making the resulting fabric much less expensive than it once had been. Modern Jacquard weaving is accomplished with computer controls.