Ottoman Knit Fabric: A Modern Take on Textured Elegance

Fabrics are the pillars of the world of fashion. What makes this fabric astonishing to the users is the unique characteristics. The texture of Ottoman knit fabric has held its reputation for many years among many designers and artisans. The fabric has an amazing ribbed structure that makes appealing garments. It increases the durability of the fabric. The luxurious sheen and smoothness have attracted many people. The fabric offers great versatility and unparalleled design ideas. Besides textiles, it is also used in furniture and interior designing. The fabric has great adaptability and flexibility that makes it ideal for many uses. In this article, I will be mentioning all about ottoman fabric. 

What is Ottoman Knit Fabric?

Ottoman knit fabric is done by adjusting the yarn to make horizontal crosswise ribs made by using a double Jersey knitting machine. The fabric is recognized for its ribbed patterns which is created through a unique knitting technique. These ribs can vary in different thickness which can be achieved by changing yarns of different weights and measurements. The results are strong, dense, and smooth fabrics that have a luxurious look at an affordable price. Although back in the day, this fabric was made from silk fibers, the modern fabric has a blend of natural and synthetic fibers such as: wool, cotton, polyester, rayon, and other fibers. The fabric offers great textures. It makes the fabric super versatile, sheen, and drape which makes it available for various purposes. 

The fabric was introduced in the 18th century in Europe. The fabric gained huge fame due to its properties which led to wider uses such as decoration and upholstery besides clothing apparel. It represented fashion and interior design. It was also used for padded seats with no back rest or hand rest which highlights the relation between the fabric and furniture. The fabric originated in Turkey where it was famous for its quality and luxurious designs. The turkish implemented different types of patterns and designs into their knitting. It was an astonishing creation with a combination of silk and cotton where flatbed crosswise ribs were implemented. 

Manufacturing process of Ottoman Knit Fabric 

In the past, the fabric was woven by hand. Nowadays, machines have made this process much more efficient than ever but the knitting technique remains the same. What makes the Ottoman fabric different from other fabrics is the knitting process. The fabric uses both wrap and weft styles. While using this method of knitting, it is important to keep an uneven weight. The fabric has a heavy knit structure that is created by the ribbed patterns. The process of making patterns also includes weft yarns over the wrap yarns.  It provides the fabric with ribbed patterns that are different. 

To make the best ottoman knit fabrics, it is important to give them different properties. To do so it is important to apply different types of fibers into knitting. The type of fibers used will enhance the fabric's final properties:

• Wool and cotton: It is the key material for knitting. These fibers are soft, comfortable, versatile, and naturally elastic which adds strength and makes it softer.
• Silk: It is a highly demanding material for fabrics since it adds luxurious looks and natural shine to the fabric. 
• Synthetic fibers: Synthetic fibers help to ensure longevity, affordability, and ease of care. 

Knitting process of Ottoman Fabric 

The unique knitting process of Ottoman fabric ensures great ribbed textures and durability.

Knitting 

The process starts with a loom. Both wrap and weft yarns are used accordingly. The wrap yarns run lengthwise on the loom while the weft yarns run crosswise. They are both set up perpendicularly. It is the foundation of creating unique patterns on the fabric as well as making the fabric more durable and eye-catching. 

Formation of patterns

The ribbed patterns are made by knitting the weft yarns over the wrap yarns. It raises the crossover sections which give the fabric a raised pattern. 

Finished product

After the knitting process is completed, the fabric goes through other processes such as dyeing and pressing. These procedures help to create textures, appearance, and quality. The fabric is finally ready for various applications.

Types of Ottoman Knit Fabric

There are four types of ottoman fabric:

Plain cotton

It is a cotton-based fabric. It is on the heavier side due to its ribbed textures and patterns which makes it a pronounced fabric among the textile industry. 

Black satin

70% of the fabric is made of cotton. The fabric has a closed rib pattern. Although it is stiff, it has many functions. It feels comfortable and perfect for occasions. 

Italian 

It is made of 100% cotton. It offers the best comfort and softness. It has great versatility and durability. In some places, synthetic fibers are used to enhance the elasticity of the fabric. 

Polyester 

It is well-known for its versatility and durability. It is ideal for a range of products that offer aesthetic looks. The ribbed textures make it suitable for home textiles. 

Properties of Ottoman Knit Fabric 

Characteristics of Ottoman Knit Fabric 

• Texture:- The fabric has unique textures because of the weaving patterns. These textures make the fabric more durable, luxurious, and appealing to our eyes. 
• Versatility:- The fabric is highly versatile and it promises great comfort, and reliability. The fabric is relatively cheaper than its competitors. Although there is a fabric made of pure silk that is highly expensive. The artificial silk has these benefits and looks the same as the original. It is strong and has amazing textures.

The fabric has a high quality that provides an elegant look. It offers great stretchability due to its knitting style. It has good recovery capability. The fabric is wear and tear-resistant. It can withstand up to 40°C of washing temperatures and doesn't show signs of wrinkles. 

• Structure:- the fabric has a different texture which makes it suitable for elegant looks. The textured look is suitable for tailored formal wear like suits and blazers.
• Durability:- The fabric has a good composition of natural and synthetic fibers that makes it highly durable. The rib textures strengthen the fabric while making it soft and comfortable to wear. 

Applications of Ottoman Fabric 

• Clothing:- jackets, sweatshirts, pants, dresses, heavy suits, and winter suits.
• Sportswear:- sports bras, and underwear.
• Upholstery:- seat covers, and set belts.
• Home furnishings:- curtains.
• Home decor:- saunas, clothing, bathhouse coats, and for decoration furniture.

Fabric Care

The fabric is really easy to maintain. Mild shampoo can be used for cleaning. Cleaning with a damp cloth can ensure better longevity. Due to the ribbed textures dirt can accumulate, vacuuming the fabric will get rid of any excess dirt left on the fabric. 

Conclusion 

Ottoman knit fabric is well-known and cherished for its uses worldwide. It helped to create various uses from apparel to home decor. The fabric doesn't fall back in terms of good quality, and versatility. The fabric can withstand hot waters and doesn't show any signs of creases or fraying. The texture creates a defined look on the fabric. Its unparalleled features, versatility, comfort, and durability have made it a choice for many industries and home uses.