Shop stretch velvet fabric by the yard - luxurious knit fabric with 4-way stretch, soft plush surface, and elegant drape. Made from polyester spandex blend with a smooth hand and rich texture. Perfect for stunning dresses, tops, leotards, and special occasion wear.
Uses: Dresses, tops, leotards, etc.
Care: Wash cold on gentle, lay flat to dry. Be mindful of which way the nap runs.
Stretch: 4-way.
Fabric Content: Polyester spandex.
Stretch velvet is pure luxury in fabric form - soft, elegant, and endlessly sophisticated. With its plush surface, beautiful drape, and comfortable stretch, this fabric adds instant glamour to any project. Whether you're creating a show-stopping holiday dress, elegant evening wear, or cozy leotards for dance class, stretch velvet delivers that unmistakable touch of elegance.
The combination of velvet's rich texture with the ease and comfort of stretch makes this fabric perfect for special occasions and everyday luxury. From classic solid colors to sparkly twinkle varieties and modern tie-dyes, stretch velvet offers endless creative possibilities for garments and home decor!
Stretch velvet is a knit fabric that combines the luxurious texture of traditional velvet with the comfort and ease of stretch. It's typically made from a blend of polyester and spandex, giving it both the soft, plush surface we associate with velvet and the flexibility needed for comfortable, form-fitting garments. The fabric features a distinctive "nap" - the direction of the pile fibers - which creates different effects depending on how light hits the surface.
The front of stretch velvet has a plush, fuzzy texture that feels incredibly soft and looks rich and elegant. The back is smooth and has a knit backing, which is what gives the fabric its stretch properties. This combination makes stretch velvet unique - it has all the visual luxury of traditional woven velvet but with the comfort and mobility of a knit fabric.
One of the most distinctive characteristics of stretch velvet is its nap - the direction in which the pile fibers lie. When you run your hand over the surface of stretch velvet, it will feel completely different depending on which direction you're moving:
Why This Matters: When cutting pattern pieces, you must lay them all in the same direction relative to the nap. If some pieces are cut one way and others are cut the opposite way, they'll look like completely different colors when sewn together! This means you'll need to purchase extra yardage to account for one-way layout - typically 1/4 to 1/2 yard more than the pattern requires.
Classic plush surface with 4-way stretch. Available in rich solid colors including black, navy, wine, hunter green, royal blue, red, emerald, pink, dusty rose, charcoal, and gold. This is the most versatile variety perfect for dresses, tops, leotards, and pants.
Features tiny metallic fibers woven into the velvet surface that create a subtle sparkle and shimmer. Perfect for holiday wear, special occasions, and evening garments. Adds extra glamour without being overly flashy.
Has an intentionally irregular, textured surface created by crushing the pile in different directions. Creates a more casual, modern look compared to traditional smooth velvet. Available in colors like dark gray and navy.
Features lurex (metallic) threads for extra shimmer and elegance. Available in sophisticated colors like bordeaux and navy. Perfect for evening wear and special occasion garments.
Modern take on stretch velvet with tie-dye patterns. Available in colors like teal and gray. Creates a more contemporary, casual vibe while maintaining velvet's luxury.
Looking for the perfect pattern? Try the Ballet Leotard & Dress from Peek-a-Boo Pattern Shop - it's specifically designed for stretch fabrics and features 3 different views with optional flutter or basic sleeves and cross-back straps. Perfect for showcasing beautiful stretch velvet!
Yes, always pre-wash stretch velvet before cutting and sewing! Certain dye colors (especially reds, purples, and dark colors) can bleed, and it's much better to discover this before you've sewn your project. Pre-washing also allows any potential shrinkage to occur before you cut your pattern pieces. Wash in cold water on a gentle cycle, then either lay flat to dry or tumble dry on low heat. Remember that polyester doesn't respond well to high heat, so always use low temperatures when washing and drying.
Wash stretch velvet in cold water on a gentle cycle. You can either lay flat to dry (best for maintaining the fabric's integrity) or tumble dry on low heat. Never use high heat as polyester is technically a type of plastic and can melt or become damaged at high temperatures. If you need to iron stretch velvet, use the lowest heat setting and always test on a scrap piece first. Consider using a press cloth to protect the pile surface. The good news is that polyester velvet is much less prone to crushing than natural fiber velvets!
Stretch velvet has a smooth knit backing that can be quite slippery during sewing. The plush front and smooth back create two very different textures that can shift against each other easily. To manage this, use an ample number of clips (not pins, which can leave permanent marks in the pile) to hold layers together. A walking foot attachment can help feed both layers evenly through your machine. Go slowly and don't stretch the fabric as you sew - let the machine do the work. Some sewists also find that placing tissue paper between the fabric and feed dogs helps reduce slippage.
Use a ballpoint or stretch needle in size 80/12 or 90/14 - these needles are designed for knit fabrics and will slip between the fibers rather than piercing them. Use polyester thread, which has a bit of stretch and works better with synthetic fabrics than cotton thread. The polyester thread also won't break as easily when the fabric stretches. Always start with a fresh, sharp needle to prevent snags in the delicate pile surface.
Yes! While stretch velvet is a knit and knits don't fray like wovens, the cut edges can still curl and look messy. Use a serger/overlock if you have one for the most professional finish. If you don't have a serger, use a zigzag stitch or stretch stitch on your regular sewing machine. This also helps the seams stretch with the fabric. For a really clean interior, consider using French seams or Hong Kong finish, though these require more advanced techniques.
Because of the nap (pile direction), stretch velvet looks completely different depending on which direction the pile is running. When light hits the fabric, pieces cut in opposite directions will appear to be different colors - one darker and richer, one lighter and shinier. To ensure your finished garment looks cohesive, all pattern pieces must be laid out with the nap running in the same direction. Most sewists prefer to have the nap running downward (smoothing down feels soft) for a rich, deep color. This one-directional layout means you'll need more yardage than patterns typically call for.
Use a slightly longer stitch length than you would for other knits - around 3.0mm to 3.5mm. This prevents the seams from puckering and allows the fabric to stretch naturally. Test on scraps first to find the ideal setting for your specific machine and fabric weight. A slight zigzag stitch (very narrow) can also work well, allowing the seam to stretch with the fabric. For topstitching (if needed), use a longer stitch length of 3.5mm to 4.0mm to prevent the fabric from rippling.
Stretch velvet sheds pile fibers like crazy when you cut it! Have a small handheld vacuum or lint roller ready to clean up as you work. The fibers will get everywhere - on your cutting table, your clothes, and especially inside your sewing machine. After completing your project, open up your machine and carefully remove any accumulated fibers from the bobbin area and feed dogs. This prevents future sewing issues and keeps your machine running smoothly. Consider cutting stretch velvet outdoors or in an easy-to-clean area if possible.
No - stretch velvet is a knit fabric with significant stretch, so you should only use patterns specifically designed for knits with stretch. Using a woven pattern will result in a garment that's way too big and won't fit properly. Look for patterns that call for "4-way stretch knits" or "stretch fabrics with good recovery." The pattern should take into account the fabric's stretch and drape. Patterns for leotards, fitted dresses, and bodycon styles work particularly well with stretch velvet.
Regular (traditional) velvet is a woven fabric with no stretch, typically made from cotton, silk, or synthetic fibers. It's more structured, less forgiving, and more prone to permanent crushing. Stretch velvet is a knit fabric with spandex, giving it 4-way stretch and the ability to move with your body. Stretch velvet is generally easier to sew (though still challenging!), more comfortable to wear, more forgiving of fit issues, and less prone to permanent crush marks. Traditional velvet is more formal and structured, while stretch velvet is more comfortable and versatile.
To determine which way the nap runs on your stretch velvet, run your hand across the surface:
Mark the nap direction on the wrong side of your fabric with tailor's chalk or a marker before cutting to ensure consistency.
Stretch velvet is available in a gorgeous range of colors perfect for any project:
Crushed velvet (velour) has an intentionally irregular surface pattern, while stretch velvet has a smooth, even pile. Crushed velvet is more casual and modern, while smooth stretch velvet is more formal and classic.
Minky is much plusher and thicker than stretch velvet, with a deeper pile. Minky is better for blankets and baby items, while stretch velvet is better for elegant garments and upholstery.
Velour typically has a shorter pile than velvet and a more casual appearance. Stretch velvet has a more luxurious, formal look. Both are knits with stretch, but velvet has a richer appearance.
Double brushed poly is soft but doesn't have the distinct pile and sheen of velvet. DBP is more casual and versatile for everyday wear, while stretch velvet is specifically for special occasions and luxury projects.
Stretch velvet is perfect when you want:
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