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Short answer
Woven patterns such as jacquard and damask are built from the yarns, so they have texture and last as long as the fabric. Printed patterns sit on the surface: unlimited colour at a lower cost, but they can fade or wear. Embroidered patterns are stitched on, adding raised detail, often to sheers. Turn the fabric over: the back usually tells you which it is.
The three ways to make a pattern
| Woven (jacquard) | Printed | Embroidered | |
|---|---|---|---|
| How | Yarns interlaced into the design on the loom | Dye or pigment applied to the surface | Thread stitched onto a base cloth |
| Texture | Raised or tonal | Flat | Raised stitches |
| Back of the fabric | Shows the design, often reversed | Plain or a faint image | Stitches and floats |
| Colour and detail | Limited by yarn colours | Unlimited, even photographic | Limited by thread colours |
| Wear and fading | Pattern lasts as long as the fabric | Can fade or rub on the surface | Threads can snag |
| Cost | Higher | Lower | Higher |
How can you tell if a pattern is woven or printed?
- Turn it over. A jacquard shows the pattern on the back, usually in reversed colours. A print is plain or faint on the back. Embroidery shows stitches.
- Run your hand over it. Jacquards and embroidery have texture; prints feel flat.
- Look at the edges of each colour. Printed colours sit on top of the threads; woven colours change thread by thread.
- Hold it to the light. Woven patterns often change density; prints do not.
Which is better for curtains and sofas?
| Use | Best choice | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Formal living and dining curtains | Jacquard or damask | Depth, texture and a pattern that lasts |
| Sunny windows | Jacquard, or a lined print | Prints can fade faster in strong sun |
| Children's rooms | Bright, playful designs at a lower cost | |
| Sofas and daily seating | Jacquard or textured weave | Surface prints can wear where people sit |
| Headboards, cushions and runners | Any | Little abrasion |
| Decorative sheers | Embroidered or woven | Adds pattern without blocking light |
Tip
Line printed curtains on sunny windows. The lining takes the sun and keeps the print's colours fresh for longer. See Curtain Lining.
In the JOTEX range
- Jacquards: MONTI damask, and MERCATO, a 100% polyester herringbone jacquard rated at 20,000 Martindale rubs. See What Is Jacquard Fabric?
- Prints: DREAMS, a 65% polyester, 35% cotton print in 40 colourways, and TOKIDOKI, a 100% polyester polka-dot print. See Curtains for Children's Rooms.
- Decorative sheers: see Voile vs Organza vs Chiffon for woven-stripe, gradient and embroidered sheers.
JOTEX jacquards
Woven-pattern collections, updated from the catalogue. See the jacquard fabric page.
Browse jacquard fabric →
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell if fabric is woven or printed?
Turn it over. A woven jacquard shows the pattern on the back, often in reversed colours; a print is plain or faint on the back.
Is jacquard better than printed fabric?
It lasts longer and has more texture, but costs more. Prints offer unlimited colour and detail at a lower price.
Do printed curtains fade?
They can fade faster than woven patterns in strong sun. A lining helps.
Is damask a jacquard?
Yes. Damask is a jacquard with a reversible pattern, usually in one colour with a contrast of sheen.
Curtain maker, upholsterer or designer?
Specifications are public on every collection page. JOTEX dealers can log in for live stock and pricing, and our team can send samples or open a dealer account.