September 14, 2010- Matelasse, the word, is derived from a French word 'matelasse' which refers to quilted or cushioned. Matelasse is thus, a thick and heavy fabric which seems to be padded but actually does not carry any kind of padding. It is generally made up of cotton but at times can even be found in polyester blends and chenille too. It happens to be an extremely comfortable fabric which tends to improve with every wash. It is extensively used for creating home furnishings like bed coverlets, beddings etc.

Matelasse is often confused with quilts but the fact is that it is quite different from the regular quilts as quilt refers to a bed covering wherein two or more layers are made to sew together so as to render density and padding to the bed spreads or bed coverlets. It involves the fabrication of three different levels together namely, the top most designer fabric, an insulating material in the middle and the fabric on the flip side. The needle is made to pass through all these three layers and then back again, thus, stitching them together. In contrast to it matelasse furnishings are not sewn or quilted, it is a simple fabric which gives an illusion of quilting.



Besides the simple hemmed edges, matelasse coverlets and matelasse beddings are most of the times created with scalloped edgings. Antique and heirloom coverlets etc. made up of matelasse fabric can be easily sourced from the antique stores. The prices for such bed coverlets and beddings can range from extremely affordable to highly expensive pieces.

A room done up with matelasse coverlets and beddings provide a decadent feeling to the entire room. These are easy to maintain bed linens as they can be machine washed. Though a silk matelasse linen would need dry cleaning for sure.