What is Lurex?

[duh who]

I'm seeing some fabric called cotton Lurex. I'm not sure if what I'm
looking at is indicative of this fabric, but what I was looking at was
fabrice what was woven from two different thread colors, one color running
horizontal, the other vertical, giving it a slight iridescent effect, though
not shiny.

I don't know if that's what Lurex is, but something tells me its not.

Anyone know where I might get some of that "iridescent" material, preferably
in something like blue and teal?

[Kate Dicey]

duh who wrote:
>
> I'm seeing some fabric called cotton Lurex. I'm not sure if what I'm
> looking at is indicative of this fabric, but what I was looking at was
> fabrice what was woven from two different thread colors, one color running
> horizontal, the other vertical, giving it a slight iridescent effect, though
> not shiny.
>
> I don't know if that's what Lurex is, but something tells me its not.
>
> Anyone know where I might get some of that "iridescent" material, preferably
> in something like blue and teal?

Lurex is a type of yarn which incorporates a glittering metallic thread,
and fabric woven from this thread. It is usually (though not always)
made with an artificial fibre. The metallic bit is made from some sort
of plastic and does not fade or tarnish like real metal. 'Lurex' is a
brand name, but has become a term used for all this type of yarn.

If you have a fabric that has different coloured warp and weft threads,
you have what is called a 'shot' fabric. They come in all combinations:
finding a specific colour combination could be quite difficult. It
might be a good idea to start with fabric manufacturers/distributers,
and go from there to retail sources.

You can get shot fabrics that incorporate a Lurex yarn. They are fun!
And I have some stretch denim with a silver Lurex thread - it glints
when you move it. When I've lost a bit more wight, I might make some
jeans out of it!

Lurex fabrics can be scatchy and prickly...
--
Kate XXXXXX
Lady Catherine, Wardrobe Mistress of the Chocolate Buttons
http://www.diceyhome.free-online.co.uk
Click on Kate's Pages and explore!

[Jenn Ridley]

"duh who" > wrote:

>I'm seeing some fabric called cotton Lurex. I'm not sure if what I'm
>looking at is indicative of this fabric, but what I was looking at was
>fabrice what was woven from two different thread colors, one color running
>horizontal, the other vertical, giving it a slight iridescent effect, though
>not shiny.
>
>I don't know if that's what Lurex is, but something tells me its not.
There is Lurex woven into the fabric so it shimmers.

The two different thread colors, one running across the fabric and one
running down the fabric is called 'shot'. Any fiber can be used to
make 'shot' fabric.

>Anyone know where I might get some of that "iridescent" material, preferably
>in something like blue and teal?
Look in quilting shops. Generally, it's called cotton lame in the
quilting shops. Equilter (www.equilter.com) is the only one I know of
on line with a good selection of different colors (there may be
others, but that's the one I know for sure). Hancock Fabrics
occasionally sells packs with five or six quarter yards of the fabric.

jenn
--
Jenn Ridley