Brocade or Damask?

A lot is going on behind the scenes at Ecclesiastical Sewing. So many lovely things in the works.  Tonight it is time for a brief respite while the question is pondered: What is the difference between a brocade and damask fabric?  The terms brocade and damask are seen frequently in the descriptions of liturgical fabrics for use in the making of church vestments.  As one looks at photos of fabrics, a first glance might suggest there is no difference. Then the price comes into view, and that might appear to be the only difference. But the question lingers on, Are liturgical brocades and liturgical damask fabrics the same, or are they different?

Let’s start with a definition of terms.

Brocade:  embossed or raised floral or scrollwork design. The fabric is woven on a jacquard loom.  The back side of the fabric is easy to distinguish by floating threads. A wide variety of textile fibers are used, including metallic fibers. The fabric can be crisp and heavy, with a firm body. For liturgical purposes, it is suitable for use in making stoles, chasubles, copes, dalmatics, tunics, altar hangings, chalice veils, nurses, and so forth.

Damask: A reversible fabric, woven on a jacquard loom. The design is often elaborate, incorporating a variety of weaving techniques and patterns to create the fine, intricate detail in the pattern.  These elaborate designs may be woven in silk, cotton, wool, rayon, or other machine-made yarns. The fabrics usually have the same color yarns used for warp and weft.  On occasion, gold or silver threads may also be used. The term Damask is derived from the city of Damascus. The variations in the satin and sateen weave of warp and weft create a satin background that is shiny and has a more mat-looking design or pattern. Light reflects on the variations of the weave, giving the resulting view of a rich and expensive fabric. Damask fabrics are sometimes flatter than brocade, lacking that “raised blister” look.

After having reviewed definitions and then looking at fabric differences, one can clearly see that brocade and damask fabrics are NOT the same.  There are differences.

Solo Dei Gloria

Be sure to visit our online store front Ecclesiastical Sewing where you may shop for Liturgical Fabrics, altar linen fabrics, church vestment-making patterns, liturgical machine embroidery designs,  church vestment trims, notions and so much more. You may also find us on  Ecclesiastical Sewing on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest. Sign up for our mailing list at the bottom of the page on our online store front and receive a free copy of our Small Linens Booklet as our way of saying thank you for following along.

A Silk What?

Which Patterns for Which Stole Kits?

Luther Rose Brocade – Something Special

St. Margaret Liturgical Brocade for Church Vestments

Liturgical Brocades Used for Church Vestments and Historical Costumes

Best White Liturgical Fabrics for Easter and Festival Seasons of the Church Year

White Liturgical Religious Fabrics for Making Church Vestments

Gothic Chasuble Sewing Pattern Fabric Options