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waffle pique

Fabric Science – Waffle Piqué

What properties does piqué fabric have and what makes the textile so special?

Piqué, or pique in German, is a fabric made mostly of cotton that has the characteristic high and low points in the structure, which gives this type of fabric the typical waffle pattern and thus the well-known three-dimensional effect. Piqué is a so-called double fabric, which looks like it has been quilted due to the way it is made.

During the weaving process, two warp threads are used, one on top of the other, each of which has its own weft thread. The connection between the two warps is created by the fact that individual warp threads of one warp are tied into the opposite warp at a certain distance by the corresponding weft thread. A finer yarn is used for the top of the fabric. Many more threads are also used than for the bottom. This is why the top and bottom look and feel different. The points at which the two cotton fabrics are woven together therefore appear to be lower than the rest of the fabric, which creates the waffle look or spatial effect mentioned at the beginning.

Depending on the method of production, a distinction is generally made between the following three types of piqué:

  • "original" piqué (two-chain and two-shot)
  • "half" piqué (two-chain and one-shot)
  • "fake" piqué (single chain and single shot)

Piqué is generally a soft and light material, which makes it extremely comfortable to wear. Its waffle structure and the cotton material used make the fabric particularly breathable, durable and absorbent. Piqué fabric is easy to work with, which makes it popular with beginners and professionals alike. The fabric is also relatively easy to care for and lint-free. It is noticeable that this fabric is usually white or printed in one color. Piqué is available from us in a wide range of plain colors.

For which DIY sewing projects is waffle piqué fabric recommended?

Waffle piqué or piqué fabric is suitable for many different DIY sewing projects and not just for the classics like polo shirts etc. It is particularly suitable for festive, sporty and casual clothing as well as for decorative sewing projects. Examples of use are:

  • bathrobes waffle pique-waffle fabric-pique-kathi-kunterbunt
  • duvets
  • blazer
  • tailcoats
  • towels
  • house suits
  • Pillow
  • Dresses
  • tie bows
  • bib
  • polo shirts
  • skirts
  • summer dresses
  • Sporty blouses
  • Sporty shirts
  • petticoats
  • vest
  • west

How is piqué fabric processed and cared for?

What must be taken into account when cutting and sewing waffle piqué?

Since piqué is usually a cotton or cotton blend, we generally recommend pre-washing the fabrics before processing, as they can shrink, especially when washed for the first time. After drying, you can continue with cutting and sewing.

The surface of waffle fabric is quite uneven due to its structure. For easier cutting, we recommend that you transfer the cutting lines directly onto the material and then cut with a rotary cutter or fabric scissors. Before doing this, you should of course pay attention to the grain so that you have the elasticity in the width and not the length of your cut pieces, and also determine the side you want to work on. Many waffle fabrics can be used on both sides, depending on your preference, i.e. the box-shaped indentations are on both sides.

Waffle fabric and waffle terry cloth are non-slip fabrics, which means they do not slip easily when sewing and are therefore very pleasant to work with, which is why they are particularly popular with beginners. The decisive factor is choosing the right needle. The quality of the material's manufacturing determines this. For thin and fine textiles, a smaller needle and a shorter stitch length are chosen. Conversely, for coarser material, a larger needle and a longer stitch length are used. If it is a jersey-style piqué, a special elastic stitch such as the zigzag stitch is used.

How do you properly care for waffle fabric?

Fashion and decorative items made of piqué are relatively easy to care for. To preserve the colors and fiber quality, waffle piqué and waffle terry cloth should be washed at a temperature of 30°C-40°C on a gentle cycle or, better yet, by hand. A detergent without bleach should be used to protect the colors from fading and to preserve the color effect in the long term. The textile should not be tumble dried. Air drying is recommended - it can be dried lying down or hanging. Piqué can be ironed on level 1, preferably without steam. It usually does not need to be ironed if it is straightened out immediately after washing. Please follow the exact specific care instructions for each item.

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