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In figure 1) loops are created in the velvet fabric by weaving in extra rods (the large circles). In figure 2) the rods are removed, and in figure 3) the loops are cut to create a soft velvet surface. Enlarge

Pile fabrics are those in which some of the threads are cut to create a soft, fur-like surface on the cloth. True velvet is the most sophisticated of all pile fabrics and weaving velvet requires complicated technology. An additional weave on metal rods, added to a plain weave, creates the rich pile of velvet. This velvet fragment is "voided," meaning the pile forms the pattern and the portion of cloth containing no additional cut threads serves as the background.

Silk originally came to Europe from China, the culture that first invented the production of fabric made from fibers created by the silkworm. Silk was transported along the famous "Silk Road" between China and the Mediterranean Sea. A machine that could spin dozens of silk threads at one time was invented in Italy in 1272 and Italians began raising silkworms. As Renaissance Europe began to explore trade routes by sea, silk imports from India became possible by way of the Indian Ocean. When silk clothing, carpets and tapestries reached their peak of popularity during the Renaissance, Europe's silk requirements were met by both local and imported silk.

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