Threads | Quintessential Velvet Fabric

Quintessential Velvet is the house velvet from the Threads Quintessential Velvet collection, a plain cotton velvet with a dense, even pile and the soft, directional sheen that only a true cut velvet has. There is no pattern to speak of; the interest comes entirely from the way light moves across the pile as you cross a room or run a hand over a cushion. It is a classic cloth dressed in a thoroughly contemporary colour range.

The cloth is 90 per cent cotton and 10 per cent polyester, 140 centimetres wide, with no pattern repeat. It is rated at 50,000 rubs on the Martindale test, so it is rated for upholstery and will stand up to daily use. It comes in an exceptional 23 colourways, spanning warm neutrals such as Flax and Camel through deeper tones like Midnight and Kingfisher to greens such as Bottle, so there is a genuine palette to build a whole scheme from rather than a single accent.

We tend to use Quintessential Velvet on a sofa or a pair of armchairs where the pile needs to be seen and touched, on a tall upholstered headboard, and as cushions in a contrasting or tonal shade. Pair it with a plain linen or a Faraway print elsewhere in the room, so the velvet stays the one piece with real depth of colour. Sold by the half metre; order a sample to see it in your own light.

With no repeat, quantities are straightforward, but velvet has a clear pile direction, so mark it before cutting and keep every panel running the same way, or the colour will appear to change subtly between pieces. Brush rather than rub the pile when cleaning, keep it out of strong, direct sun to protect the depth of colour, and dry clean only.