"Velvet is a type of tufted fabric in which the cut threads are very evenly distributed, with a short dense pile, giving it its distinct feel. Velvet can be made from many different kinds of fibres. It is woven on a special loom that weaves two pieces of velvet at the same time. The two pieces are then cut apart and the two lengths of fabric are wound on separate take-up rolls. Velvet was very expensive and was considered to be a luxury textile along with silk. Corduroy and velveteen were considered the "poor man's velvet" when they were first produced. Velvet is made, ideally, from silk. Cotton can also be used, though this often results in a slightly less luxurious fabric. More recently, synthetic velvets have been developed, mostly polyester, viscose, acetate and mixtures of different synthetics, or synthetics and natural fibres (eg. viscose and silk). "
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