A two-layered fabric woven so that neither side is less important than the other, in effect creating two right sides; also called double-faced or two-faced, as both sides are equally convincing–which might be from where the expression originates.
The loom is set up with two or more warp sets, each with its own weft set or sets, so that the cloths are woven simultaneously, the threads moving between the layers. This technique has a vast scope: cloth may be woven completely separately, with virtually invisible stitching (as in piqué, matellasé) that usually forms part of the design, although if you roll a piece between finger and thumb you will feel how the two layers are inherently separate; cloth may joined at the edges only, joined by regular or less regular ties, or be completely joined as the warps are exchanged at the edge of each pattern–in this instance the two layers can be almost impossible to detect, unless the cloth is cut, revealing the fabric’s complexity. Any amount of colour, texture and complexity of design can be created, though suitably reflected in the end cost.
Being thicker than other cloths, double-faced cloth is extremely useful for room dividers, door curtains, bedcovers, open chair backs or window blinds. The extra cost of the fabric manufacture (double fibre quantity and setting up time) is more than offset by the lesser costs of making up and its draught-proof quality. The edges alone need finishing, and these are very often bound with a lighter material or finished with blanket stitch.