Thread Count

Definition:

Thread Count refers to the total number of warp (vertical) and weft (horizontal) threads per square inch of woven fabric. In velvet manufacturing at MTG Velvet, thread count is a vital measure of the base weave’s fineness and quality—the foundational layer beneath the plush pile that gives velvet its signature softness. While the pile often steals the spotlight, thread count reveals the precision and craftsmanship of the fabric’s structure.

How Thread Count is Measured:

Thread count is calculated by counting the warp threads (ends per inch, or EPI) and weft threads (picks per inch, or PPI) within a one-inch square, typically using a magnifying tool like a pick glass. For velvet, this applies to the base fabric, as the pile is a separate layer woven into it. At MTG Velvet, we monitor thread count during production to ensure the base supports the pile’s lushness while meeting quality standards.

Role in Velvet Manufacturing:

At MTG Velvet, thread count shapes the character of our velvets. A high thread count—such as 200 or more threads per square inch—indicates a tight, fine weave, perfect for lightweight velvets used in apparel or delicate drapery, where smoothness and drape are key. A lower thread count, like 100–150, suits heavier velvets for upholstery, offering a sturdier base that balances durability with the pile’s thickness. The interplay between thread count and pile height defines the fabric’s overall refinement.

Factors Influencing Thread Count:

Thread count depends on yarn thickness (yarn count) and loom settings. Finer yarns, like a 40/1 cotton, allow more threads per inch, boosting the count, while coarser yarns (e.g., 20/1) reduce it. The loom’s reed and weaving speed also affect how tightly threads are packed. At MTG Velvet, we calibrate these elements to tailor thread count to each fabric’s purpose, ensuring the base weave enhances the pile’s luxurious feel.

Thread Count and Quality:

A higher thread count often suggests a smoother, more refined base, prized in luxury velvets for its silky texture—ideal for MTG Velvet’s premium apparel fabrics. However, quality isn’t solely about numbers; a lower thread count might suit a plush, durable velvet for furniture, where strength trumps fineness. For velvet, where pile adds complexity, thread count focuses on the base, making it a nuanced indicator of craftsmanship we perfect at MTG Velvet.

Comparing Thread Count to Other Metrics:

Thread count integrates EPI and PPI, differing from metrics like GSM or yarn count. GSM measures total fabric weight, including the pile, while thread count isolates the base weave’s density. Yarn count details yarn thickness, but thread count shows how those yarns are woven together. At MTG Velvet, thread count offers a precise view of structural quality, complementing the pile’s tactile allure.

Practical Use at MTG Velvet:

While not always highlighted in product descriptions, thread count informs our fabric’s performance. A high-thread-count velvet might be marketed for its sleek elegance, while a lower-count option could emphasize robustness. Understanding thread count helps customers appreciate the artistry behind MTG Velvet’s diverse range, from airy sophistication to sturdy opulence.

Conclusion:

Thread Count is the silent backbone of velvet’s brilliance, weaving fineness and strength into the base fabric. At MTG Velvet, it’s a deliberate craft that underpins our velvets, ensuring they shine in both form and function. More than a number, thread count is the foundation of our commitment to quality, threading luxury into every square inch.