See weight. As heavy-weight fabrics contain a greater amount of raw fibres, their greater durability and denser texture makes them particularly suitable for upholstery. When used in window dressings, they drape more heavily, and create a more formal style; as door curtains heavy weight fabric is a good draught proofer and can be flat, to pull back into limited space.
1. Yarn thickness and weave tightness create a heavy-weight fabric.
2. Fibre type affects; a wool or silk of the same physical weight can be described very differently. A heavy weight ( 4-ply) silk, that is the same physical weight as a lightweight wool is though, in comparison with other silks described as heavy weight.
This silk it is more more durable and drapes more heavily than most others and can, therefore, be used for light upholstery where most silks won’t stand up to the process, or the wear.
3. In designing, heavy weight fabrics are chosen firstly for the fibre content, the look and formality of the material ( some are springy other behave perfectly ), and then because : they need little other support; they may hang without extra weighting; curtains may not need interlining to be both soft and draught proof; blinds will fall or fold easily; upholstery will be more durable. Dense and heavyweight fabrics make good light-blockers.
4. In making, the extra bulk at seams and junctions will need to be managed, by finishing and with some basic techniques.
5. Some of the easiest to manage are those that need no finishing, can be made up simply, even totally by hand – such as felt, wool Melton, leather, sued and faux suede.