Abstract: Back-coated fabrics exhibit comparable physical attributes of unbacked fabrics (e.g., comparable hand, softness and/or bulk characteristics) while still being suitable for use in automated upholstery machinery (e.g., due to the fabrics excellent low seam slippage characteristics). The back-coating material is most preferably applied as a discontinuous geometric pattern to achieve an amount which is substantially less than conventional knife-coated continuous layers. Thus, the back-coating materials are applied most preferably in amounts of about 1.0 ounce per linear yard of the uncoated fabric or less, and more preferably about 0.50 ounce per linear yard or less. Notwithstanding the reduced amount of back-coating material, the fabrics of the present invention advantageously exhibit a seam strength (ASTM D4034) of about 25 pounds-force or greater thereby enabling the fabrics of the present invention to be suitable employed in automated upholstery machinery.

Abstract: Fabrics and methods of making such fabrics whereby no evident pile structure is present in raised pattern areas on the face of the fabric. The construction of the fabric is nonetheless such that the yarns forming the raised pattern areas are more susceptible to napping as compared to the yarns forming the recessed ground regions of the fabric. This fabric construction of selected yarns will thus permit preferential napping of the pattern areas to be achieved (e.g., using conventional napping wires) while the adjacent ground regions of the fabric remain substantially unnapped. Subsequent shearing of the napped pattern areas thereby results in a velvet-like hand being achieved.

Abstract: Fabrics and methods of making such fabrics whereby no evident pile structure is present in raised pattern areas on the face of the fabric. The construction of the fabric is nonetheless such that the yarns forming the raised pattern areas are more susceptible to napping as compared to the yarns forming the recessed ground regions of the fabric. This fabric construction of selected yarns will thus permit preferential napping of the pattern areas to be achieved (e.g., using conventional napping wires) while the adjacent ground regions of the fabric remain substantially unnapped. Subsequent shearing of the napped pattern areas thereby results in a velvet-like hand being achieved.