Embroidered fabrics are in-thing now. Embroidery fabric manufacturers are doing good business. Here are some Frequently Asked Questions about embroidered fabric.

Embroidered fabrics are much in demand these days. There are a number of embroidery fabric manufacturers who are doing a roaring business. Embroidered fabrics and borders can easily be obtained from embroidery fabric retailers.

Here are some Frequently Asked Questions:

1) What are embroidered fabrics?

• Fabrics which may have any form of thread embroidery – hand-embroidered or machine embroidered. Additionally the fabrics may be embellished with sequins, stones, mirrors, etc.

2) What is the difference between embroidered fabric and embroidered border?

• Embroidered fabric is where the entire fabric is embroidered upon. So the fabric has embroidery all-over. Embroidered border on the other hand is normally a roll of fabric of a few inches which has embroidery all over. As the name suggests, embroidered border is used mostly as a border for sarees and lehengas. Embroidered fabric on the other hand can be used as dresses, kurtis, tops as well.

3) Which types of fabric are suitable for embroidery?

• Embroidery can be done on each and every type of fabric. Hence one can always get different types of embroidered fabric – from net to silk to cotton. The technique of making the embroidery may differ and the type of embroidery may differ but the possibilities are unlimited.

4) Can embroidered fabrics be washed?

• Not in machine, unless it is a purely thread work on cotton material. But ideally, embroidered fabrics must be very delicately hand-washed using almost negligible detergent. Harsh detergents may wash off the color as well as damage the embroidery. As to embroidered fabrics with embellishments or embroidery done with delicate thread or zari, it must be given for dry wash with clear information about the type of material.

5) Which type of embroidered fabric should one look for?

• Any embroidered fabric is a piece of art which can be procured. From net to raw silk any type of materials may be procured depending on the purpose for which it is used. For gowns and delicate lehengas embroidered net and satin is a good choice. For kurtis and tops, embroidered cotton silks cool. Embroidered Georgette or silk looks gorgeous as Saree material. So, the type of fabric to opt for purely depends on the garment that is planned for.

6) Which are the places from where one can buy embroidered fabric?

• Embroidered fabric or embroidered borders are best purchased from embroidery fabric retailers or wholesalers. This is for the basic reason that there is a wide range that is available with them. Also, purchased in bulk the price becomes much lesser and affordable. There is one more reason. If purchased from reputed wholesaler, there is always a guarantee on the quality of fabric and the embroidery.

7) If purchased in bulk, how can embroidered fabric preserved for a longer time?

If purchased from wholesalers and retailers, preservation tips may be obtained from them. But in general the following tips are to be kept in mind:

• Do not stack one embroidered cloth over the other – especially the ones with embellishments. Friction between the fabrics may damage the embroidery.
• Do not expose embroidered fabrics to direct sunlight. Embroideries are often done with delicate threads and embellishments, and the sunlight may fade the color of the embroidery or damage the embellished work.
• The fabric should be ideally kept wrapped in a delicate and soft cloth to avoid friction and damage to the embroidery.
• Insect repellents, mothballs should never be kept near the fabric. The harsh chemicals would damage the fabric.