Crushed velvet is a pile fabric that has been mechanically pressed or twisted while wet to permanently flatten the pile in different directions. This creates a highly textured, lustrous surface that catches the light unevenly. It is popular for eveningwear, costumes, and upholstery because of its rich appearance and dynamic drape.
Heard on the job
I'm making a cape out of crushed velvet, so make sure you pin heavily since the fabric shifts easily under the presser foot.
Insider tip
Because the pile faces multiple directions, crushed velvet is more forgiving of nap variations than standard velvet, but it can be notoriously slippery to sew.