Main Difference
The main difference between Velvet and Satin is that the Velvet is a type of pile fabric and smooth, lustrous fabric, usually of silk or synthetic fiber, woven with a long-float satin binding in warp or weft.
Velvet
Velvet is a type of woven tufted fabric in which the cut threads are evenly distributed, with a short dense pile, giving it a distinctive soft feel. By extension, the word velvety means “smooth like velvet.” Velvet can be made from either synthetic or natural fibers.
Satin
Satin is a weave that typically has a glossy surface and a dull back. The satin weave is characterized by four or more fill or weft yarns floating over a warp yarn, four warp yarns floating over a single weft yarn. Floats are missed interfacings, where the warp yarn lies on top of the weft in a warp-faced satin and where the weft yarn lies on top of the warp yarns in weft-faced satins. These floats explain the even sheen, as unlike in other weaves, the light reflecting is not scattered as much by the fibres, which have fewer tucks. Satin is usually a warp-faced weaving technique in which warp yarns are “floated” over weft yarns, although there are also weft-faced satins. If a fabric is formed with a satin weave using filament fibres such as silk, polyester or nylon, the corresponding fabric is termed a satin, although some definitions insist that the fabric be made from silk. If the yarns used are short-staple yarns such as cotton, the fabric formed is considered a sateen.
A satin fabric tends to have a high luster due to the high number of floats on the fabric. Because of this it is used in making bed sheets. Many variations can be made of the basic satin weave including a granite weave and a check weave. Satin weaves, twill weaves, and plain weaves are the three basic types of weaving by which the majority of woven products are formed.
Satin is commonly used in apparel: satin baseball jackets, athletic shorts, women’s lingerie, nightgowns, blouses, and evening gowns, but also in some men’s boxer shorts, briefs, shirts and neckties. It is also used in the production of pointe shoes for use in ballet. Other uses include interior furnishing fabrics, upholstery, and bed sheets .
Velvet (noun)
A closely woven fabric (originally of silk, now also of cotton or man-made fibres) with a thick short pile on one side.
Velvet (noun)
Very fine fur, including the skin and fur on a deer’s antlers.
Velvet (noun)
A female chinchilla; a sow.
Velvet (noun)
The drug dextromethorphan.
Velvet (noun)
Money acquired by gambling.
Velvet (verb)
To cover with velvet or with a covering of a similar texture.
Velvet (verb)
To coat raw meat in starch, then in oil, preparatory to frying.
Velvet (verb)
To remove the velvet from a deer’s antlers.
Velvet (verb)
To soften; to mitigate.
Velvet (adjective)
Made of velvet.
Velvet (adjective)
Soft and delicate, like velvet; velvety.
Velvet (adjective)
peaceful, carried out without violence; especially as pertaining to the peaceful breakup of Czechoslovakia.
Satin (noun)
A cloth woven from silk, nylon or polyester with a glossy surface and a dull back. (The same weaving technique applied to cotton produces cloth termed sateen).
Satin (adjective)
Semi-glossy. Particularly describing a type of paint.
Velvet (noun)
a closely woven fabric of silk, cotton, or nylon, that has a thick short pile on one side
“an armchair covered in velvet”
“red velvet curtains”
Velvet (noun)
soft downy skin that covers a deer’s antler while it is growing
“the bucks are still in velvet”
“a moose was rubbing the velvet from his antlers”