Bouclé

Strong and robust yet soft and flexible

Often the name of a fabric tells us something about the origin or an important property of the material. In the case of bouclé, that important property is its loop structure, which is created by twisting two threads with different levels of tension. Because of the differing tension, loops or rings are created in the material that give the fabric its characteristic texture. "Boucle" is the French word for loop, and "bouclé" means curled or looped. The fabric can also be made using fancy yarns that already have loops. In both cases, the effect is the same: a strong fabric that feels wonderfully soft.

Despite its loose weave, bouclé feels strong and robust. Clothing made from this fabric is unlikely to crease easily. This makes the material ideal for outer layer clothing. As a fashion fabric, bouclé is often used for blazers and jackets, although the textile is becoming more versatile. However sturdy the fabric may be, bouclé will always feel soft and supple. This makes the fabric ideal for winter clothing that allows for movement. Additionally, bouclé looks so beautiful that it is increasingly being used for home decor and upholstery.

Bouclé has been around since the nineteenth century. Originally, the fabric was usually made from rough wool. Over the years, however, more and more fabric producers have found ways to make the textile from other materials such as cotton and polyester. All the bouclé fabrics in our collection are made of 100 per cent polyester. This synthetic fabric ensures that clothing made from this bouclé holds body heat better and is even more crease-resistant. A bouclé jacket, blazer or pants will retain its shape for a long time without needing to be ironed after every wash.

Bouclé as a fashion fabric

Bouclé was once mainly known as a carpet fabric. Although the fabric can still be used for that purpose, today we mainly see bouclé in clothing with a somewhat formal appearance. Jackets, blazers and other jackets made of this fabric have an unmistakeable look. Perhaps the greatest trendsetter in bouclé jackets was the famous French fashion designer Coco Chanel. In the 1930s, she began designing jackets with materials that were rougher than was then the norm. When her "bouclé jackets" hit the market in the 1950s, they became a huge hit among wealthy ladies.

German fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld once declared there are three items that never go out of style: jeans, white shirts and Chanel's bouclé blazers. This has kept bouclé popular as a fabric in the fashion industry. We are therefore seeing the fabric being used more and more for clothing other than blazers and jackets. Bouclé is, for example, a popular fabric for making long winter coats, as it is not only elegant but also extremely warm. Furthermore, the fabric feels wonderfully soft, which has led to its increasing use in making, for example, elegant hats and scarves.

Because of its irregular surface, bouclé is sometimes assumed to be itchy. Many people who wear the fabric are therefore surprised at how soft and comfortable it feels. That's why bouclé is definitely worth considering as an alternative to wool. People who have an allergic reaction to wool or simply do not find the material comfortable to wear often find a bouclé jacket, scarf, trousers or hat much more pleasant. For carpeting and upholstery, the fabric is still suitable, for example, for covering chairs.

Making Clothes from Bouclé Fabrics

Bouclé is a relatively delicate fabric, so it is important to handle it carefully when washing, drying and sewing. Our bouclé fabrics are all made of polyester and should therefore not be washed too hot, as the material may shrink or deform. Bouclé can be machine washed, but not at more than 30 degrees. The temperatures in the dryer are too high for the polyester fibers, so always let the fabric air dry. Also, do not wring out the fabric. Ironing is usually not necessary, but can be done at a low temperature and always on the reverse side if needed.

Sewing clothes with bouclé is both relatively easy and challenging. The irregular structure of the fabric makes it easier to hide small mistakes, but at the same time, the loose weave makes sewing difficult. Use an 80 or 90 needle and a walking foot to prevent the needle from getting stuck in the loops. The thicker the fabric, the longer the stitches should be. Always cut or trim in the same direction to prevent the fabric from fraying in different directions. Do not press the fabric and guide it loosely through the sewing machine. An anti-slip mat prevents the fabric from sliding too much.

Ordering Bouclé Fabrics Online

Looking for fabrics for clothing that looks elegant yet robust? Then bouclé may be the best option. This fabric has been popular for decades due to its comfort, softness, and luxurious appearance. At Quality Textiles, bouclé is available online in various stylish colors. It's not the easiest fabric to work with, but the results are therefore all the more satisfying. Our haberdashery items can help make sewing with bouclé fabrics easier.