Ottoman
Ottoman is a woven fabric with horizontal ribs created by thick weft yarns or multiple weft yarns, and is characterized by the dimensional effect of the ribs and a moderate firmness.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Ottoman is a woven fabric that uses weft yarns thicker than the warp yarns, or multiple weft yarns laid together, to create distinct horizontal ribs. Depending on the rib thickness and spacing, material, and density, it can range from lightweight to heavyweight in appearance.
The name mainly refers to the weave structure and the surface ribs, not to a specific fiber material. It is made from materials suited to the application, such as cotton, polyester, rayon, and wool.
Features and Appearance
The surface with continuous horizontal ribs easily creates shading and dimension even in a solid fabric, giving it a neat and substantial look. Fine ribs give a delicate impression, while thicker ribs create a casual, stronger impression.
Depending on the weave density and yarn used, it often has moderate body and firmness and tends to hold its shape well. On the other hand, the raised ribs can be prone to friction, so abrasion resistance should also be checked according to the intended use.
Main Uses and Seasons
Ottoman is used for jackets, skirts, dresses, pants, and coats, taking advantage of the texture of the ribs and the polished look it gives to tailoring. Lightweight versions are suitable for spring and summer apparel, while heavier versions are suitable for fall and winter outerwear and bottoms.
Relatively firm fabric is also used for bags and interior applications. In apparel, the fabric's body is useful when you want straight design panels and tucks to look clean and sharp.
Selection and Handling Notes
When selecting, check the rib direction, thickness, fabric weight, and blend ratio, as well as the required drape and strength. Since the ribs generally run horizontally, it is important to cut accurately on the grain and align the rib height and appearance on the left and right pieces.
Shrinkage and changes in texture caused by washing depend on the material and finishing. Before mass production, pre-wash or test wash the fabric to check shrinkage rate, color bleeding, and rib distortion. When ironing, use a pressing cloth and press lightly from the reverse side so as not to crush the ribs.
In sewing, the ribbed surface can make stitches appear uneven. To prevent shifting during sewing, adjust presser foot pressure and feed, and it is helpful to do a test stitch in areas where seam allowances overlap and become thick.
Differences from Similar Terms
Rib is a broad term for surface lines, while Ottoman refers mainly to a woven fabric characterized by crosswise ribs. It is a term that includes not only the appearance of the ribs but also a weave structure that emphasizes the weft.
Cordlane is generally a fabric characterized by vertical ribs or stripes, so the rib direction differs from Ottoman's horizontal ribs. Bedford cord is also a ribbed fabric, but it is sometimes treated as having thicker vertical ribs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Ottoman have stretch?
Because Ottoman is a woven fabric, it cannot be expected to have much stretch unless it contains polyurethane or similar fibers. Allowance for wear should be secured in the pattern, and if stretch is needed, choose it after checking the blend ratio and stretch recovery rate.
What should you be careful about when cutting Ottoman?
Since diagonal ribs are noticeable, arrange the fabric so the ribs are perpendicular to the grain. For left and right body panels, sleeves, and similar pieces, align the position and height of the ribs, and before cutting, check that the ribs do not shift unnaturally at seam junctions, in the same way you would check pattern matching.
