Bedford Cord
Bedford cord is a heavy woven fabric without pile, featuring thick wales in the warp direction. It has a durable, raised appearance and is used for workwear and pants.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Bedford cord is a woven fabric characterized by distinct ridges running in the warp direction. It combines a structure that forms thick ridges with a ground weave to give it thickness and strength. Many products use cotton, but the material and blend ratio vary by fabric.
The English word cord means ridge, and this name comes from the ridges on the fabric surface. Some fabrics have grooves between the ridges, and the appearance and stiffness vary greatly depending on ridge width, density, and finishing.
Texture and Function
The surface has raised vertical ridges, giving the fabric a firm hand and resilience. It is generally thicker than lightweight plain weave fabrics, holds its shape well, and creates a casual, rugged impression.
Because of the thickness created by the ridges and the density of the weave, it is suited to applications that require durability. However, softness, breathability, stretch, and water resistance vary depending on the fiber type, processing, and specifications, so the name alone is not enough to judge.
Main Applications
It is used for items that make use of moderate thickness and durability, such as pants, jackets, blousons, coats, and workwear. Because the ridges are clearly visible, it is suitable for designs that feature the fabric's texture even in simple shapes.
Since many versions are relatively firm fabrics, they may be used for autumn and winter clothing or transitional seasonal apparel. When the material or fabric weight is light, it may also be used for spring and summer casual wear.
- Work pants
- Casual jackets
- Blousons
- Military-style apparel
- Some bags and accessories
Selection and Handling Notes
When planning, check the ridge width, fabric weight, blend ratio, stretch, and shrinkage after washing. The thicker the ridges, the stronger the appearance becomes, but because the way the ridges are interrupted at seams and pocket positions also changes, it is important to evaluate with specifications and samples.
In fabrics with a high proportion of natural fibers, washing, moisture, and heat may cause shrinkage or changes in texture. If necessary, perform pre-washing or straightening before cutting, and confirm dimensional changes with washing tests before mass production.
In heavy fabrics, overlapping areas tend to become bulky, so match the needle size, thread, and feed amount to the fabric. Check that there is no seam slippage or puckering across the ridges, and decide in advance how to finish seam allowances at bulky sections.
Differences from Similar Terms
Corduroy is a woven fabric with a cut pile along the ridges. By contrast, Bedford cord usually does not have a cut pile on the surface, and the ridges come from the weave structure itself.
Pique is also used as a general term for woven fabrics with ridges or texture, but Bedford cord is treated as being thicker and characterized by strong vertical ridges and durability. However, because usage varies in the market, check the structure and surface of the actual fabric.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Bedford cord and corduroy?
Both are fabrics with ridges, but corduroy is a woven fabric with the pile on the ridge portion cut to create a fuzzy surface. Bedford cord usually has no pile and shows raised ridges formed by the weave structure. As a result, it tends to have a firmer, more durable appearance rather than a fuzzy one.
Does Bedford cord shrink in home laundering?
How much it shrinks depends on the fiber type, density, and processing conditions. In particular, fabrics with a high cotton content may change dimensions during washing or drying. When making a product, check the care label and shrinkage rate, and if necessary, perform pre-washing or washing tests before cutting.
