Woven fabric

Damask

Contrasting bindings create a figured woven design that reverses between the two faces.

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Schematic motif family, not an exact swatch or registered design. Color, scale and repeats vary; closely related names can overlap in trade use.

How it is made

Classical damask uses one warp and one weft, changing the interlacing between figure and ground. Satin-based examples use different float directions to change how light reflects.

How to recognize it

Tilt the fabric and turn it over: the figure and ground often exchange light and dark appearances.

Common uses

  • Tablecloths
  • Napkins
  • Furnishings

What to distinguish

Damask forms contrast through its binding systems; brocade commonly adds supplementary pattern yarns.

Sources & further reading

Research checked 2026-09-27. Descriptions are original summaries; references support terminology and construction, not every product sold under a name.

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