Sett

Definition:

Sett refers to the spacing of yarns in a woven fabric, expressed as the combination of ends per inch (EPI)—warp threads—and picks per inch (PPI)—weft threads—per square inch. In velvet manufacturing at MTG Velvet, sett defines the structural integrity of the base weave, which supports the pile—the plush, raised surface that distinguishes velvet. It determines the fabric’s density, strength, and overall texture.

How Sett is Measured:

Sett is calculated by totaling the EPI (warp yarns per inch) and PPI (weft yarns per inch), often assessed using a pick glass to count threads in a woven sample. For velvet, sett applies to the base fabric, providing the foundation for the pile’s attachment. At MTG Velvet, we establish sett during loom setup and weaving, ensuring the spacing aligns with the fabric’s intended purpose and quality.

Role in Velvet Manufacturing:

At MTG Velvet, sett is a blueprint for fabric structure. A high sett—such as 100 EPI and 80 PPI (180 total)—creates a dense, tightly woven base, ideal for lightweight velvets in apparel or curtains, where a fine, smooth texture supports a delicate pile. A lower sett, like 60 EPI and 50 PPI (110 total), suits heavier velvets for upholstery, offering a looser, sturdier weave for a thicker pile. Sett balances the fabric’s firmness with its plushness.

Factors Influencing Sett:

Sett depends on yarn thickness (measured in denier or Tex) and loom configuration. Finer yarns allow a higher sett, packing more threads per inch, while thicker yarns necessitate a lower sett to avoid overcrowding. The reed count and weaving tension also shape sett, controlling warp and weft spacing. At MTG Velvet, we adjust sett to harmonize the base weave with the pile, ensuring structural integrity without sacrificing softness.

Sett and Quality:

A higher sett often yields a tighter, more refined base, enhancing the pile’s consistency—crucial for MTG Velvet’s luxury fabrics. Yet, quality varies by use; a lower sett might suit a plush, durable velvet for furniture, prioritizing resilience over density. Sett’s role in defining weave structure ensures the fabric stands up to wear while retaining velvet’s tactile allure, a balance we perfect in production.

Comparing Sett to Other Metrics:

Sett aligns with thread count (EPI + PPI) but emphasizes spacing as a design choice, not just a count. Unlike GSM, which measures total weight including the pile, or pile height, which focuses on plush depth, sett targets the base’s yarn arrangement. For velvet, this focus on structural spacing is key, guiding MTG Velvet’s crafting of fabrics that endure and enchant.

Practical Use at MTG Velvet:

Though not always detailed in product listings, sett informs our fabric’s performance. A high-sett velvet might be marketed for its sleek sophistication, while a lower-sett option could highlight robust plushness. Understanding sett helps customers appreciate the engineering behind MTG Velvet’s range, from airy elegance to hearty luxury.

Conclusion:

Sett is the woven heartbeat of velvet’s strength, threading integrity into every inch of fabric. At MTG Velvet, it’s a calculated harmony of EPI and PPI, ensuring our velvets blend durability with decadence. More than a technical term, sett is the framework of our craft, anchoring the pile that elevates our fabrics into timeless expressions of quality and comfort.