USER GUIDELINE FOR KNITTED TEXTILES version 290618 041016
KNITS KNITS VERSUS WOVEN In the world of upholstery, woven textiles are the standard used surface material. Although knits are commonly known in fashion and automotive there is little awareness of the difference between knitted and woven textiles. Knits offer new ways to create products and spaces. One must understand the material to guarantee a quality product taking advantage of the benefits, and avoiding problems when processing the textile and applying to the product. Woven textiles are normally stiff. Knits stretch by nature. A woven textile is a matrix of weft and warp. A knitted textile consists of loops allowing freedom to move. Because of the stretch it is easier to upholster organic shaped objects. MATERIAL The FEBRIK collection is produced from different yarns. The main yarn used is a special developed wool yarn. It is a blend of wool and a synthetic yarn to achieve a high performing yarn in terms of abrasion and pilling. Wool is a natural product with good behaviour in terms of cleanliness, durability and touch. However we are dealing with a natural product so slight contamination and irregularities can occur. Wool is also known for its fire retardant properties. Due to this we manage to reach the commonly used European flammability norms as well as minimising the use of heavy chemicals. For stricter standards like CRIB 5 and M1, we are obliged to treat the textile to meet these requirements. knitting structure weaving structure 1
SEWING Our textiles are knitted and can be classified as double and triple layered textiles. Knitted textiles are new in the world of upholstery. Particularly the thick padded textiles which need to be understood correctly. One has to be aware of the different features in terms of performance and appearance. These features have to be taken into account when considering how the textiles will be used. First of all, it is important to process the textiles the correct way. These sewing reccomendations will assist you. In general, the most important ones are the type of needle, the tension and thickness of the thread and the type of stitch. Read carefully our instructions and contact our customer service team if you have additional questions. Handle our knitted textiles with care. Before starting the sewing procedure, make sure you have a clean workplace and it is free of any sharp objects. Overlock the padded textiles before you start sewing. This way you will prevent the filling coming out of the textile and it makes it easier to handle. This is also recommended for the thinner textiles. The correct needle is a ballpoint needle, preferably a SUK needle. This is a needle with a rounded tip which is typically used for knitted textiles. It does not pierce the textile like a sharp needle could. An incorrect needle might cause a hole as it can damage a thread. Make sure the needles are changed frequently. When a needle is damaged it may cause a defect in the textile. BALLPOINT NEEDLE REGULAR NEEDLE The recommended needle size is a NM100/NM110. The thicker the needle the more it works as a perforator, which will damage the thread more easily. For the padded textile (like STITCH) do use a NM 110 SUK needle as it is prone to breaking more easily because of the volume of the textile. The needle should be checked and changed regularly as the slightest damage on the needle could damage the textile when going through the surface. To check the needle, turn the needle point on your nail, if the needle is damaged it makes scratches on your nail. If scratches appear, replace the needle, otherwise it will damage the textile. A normal back stitch can be used. When the seam has to resist more tension in the direction of the seam a chain stitch can be used. Chain stitches have the disadvantage that the seam is more open so visually less attractive. not overlocked example of a damaged needle The correct thickness of the thread depends on the thickness of the needle. Nylon and polyester are commonly used. We recommend 40/3. 2,5 to 3 per centimeter (about 6-7 stitches per inch) are the correct number of stitches. The more stitches the stronger the seam but too many stitches can result in a higher risk for weak spots. Please make sure that the size of the stitch is not too tight or too small while upholstering padded textiles. overlocked 2
A normal back stitch can be used. When the seam has to resist more tension in the direction of the seam a chain stitch can be used. Chain stitches have the disadvantage that the seam is more open so visually less attractive. Every seam should be possible. A double English seam is more durable than a single English seam. But, even a simple seam is possible. So no special recommendations on this. Also for the thicker textiles. single english seam double english seam seam inside-out Recommended features for sewing machine. The sewing machine should have both a top and ground feeder transport for the textile. Only a top feeder system can cause unwilling tension between the layers of the textile. The feeding system of the sewing thread is automated so the thread is fed by itself and not pulled out of the carrier. The difference in tension of the ground thread should be 3 to 4 times more than the tension of the top sewing thread. feet height sewing machine For padded textiles the recommended foot height of the sewing machine is 10 mm to make sure that the textile has enough space. 3
WALL COVERING When processing our textiles as wall covering, please be aware of the following: Upholstering the textile with tension is possible, but only on small surfaces. If the textile is upholstered with tension, then it is not possible to attach a wall socket afterwards. Please glue the textile for the upholstry of big surfaces (>2m2) or when a wall socket has to be placed afterwards. The amount of tension is bases on the type of textile. When gluing the textile zero tension is advised. We recommend water based two component glue. The textiles can t be attached directly on the wall. Always use a panel so it can be upholstered horizontally. When you are in doubt, please contact FEBRIK. When a hole has to be made after upholstering the panel, please take the following into account: Make the hole before the wall covering is installed. Apply transparant silicone on the front and back of the textile in the area where the textile will be cut open. This keeps the textile from running. If there s tension on the textile, please make sure that the hole is cut out smaller than the actual needed hole, because the hole will stretch wider. size the hole needs to be actual cutting lines silicone area Make sure the silicon is dry before cutting. Flip the edges to the back. The hole can be stretched out. In this way the hole will shape itself to the wall socket. Backside. 4
APPLICATION Our textiles can be applied in different ways. The technical specifications give you an idea of the performance of each textile. Although our knitted textiles are tested according to the standard International and European Testing Methods, be aware that the results have to be interpreted differently in comparison with woven textiles. The product the textile is applied on, the environment where it s used and the way the textile is processed are of great importance. Furthermore there can be certain vulnerability when the right sewing recommendations are not followed accurately and when sharp objects come into contact with the textile. Please note our textiles are designed for upholstery and for decorative and acoustic purposes. For any other application please contact our customer service team who can inform you on the possibilities. DELIVERY & PACKAGING All our textiles are delivered using carton tubes, packed firmly in plastic. Velour is packed in cardboard to protect the textile from sharp edges and marks due to pressure. The right side of the textile is rolled inside out. Please note the back side is not suitable for upholstry. Should the reverse side be used anyway, this is at your own risk. The average width of the textile is larger than a regular upholstery textile, which is normally 140 to 160 cm. The width varies from 160 to 200 cm, which is important to take into account. Because of the stretch features of our textiles, there can be slight differences in the length but also the standard width. Several factors can cause knits to change, tension during the rolling of the textile and the humidity of certain spaces. Therefore we always communicate a tolerance as the textile can slightly shrink after a while. Furthermore it is important to know that for the thick textiles we have an average roll length. The maximum roll length is 12 to 15 metres depending on the article. For the other textile the roll lengths are averagely 25 meters. Before ordering always specify the cut lengths required as long roll lengths are not always possible because of the thickness of the textile. 5
MAINTENANCE & CARE To enjoy your textile for a long time, cherish it and use it properly. Keep your textiles as clean as possible. Make sure the upholstery textile is being cleaned regularly using a vacuum cleaner set to medium to low power. Be careful not to damage it with sharp points. When a hole occurs, this might result in damaging the textile. So always be careful with shoes, jeans and sharp objects. WASHABILITY Some textiles can be washed. Preferably inside out. Depending on the product, please maintain a wool/ hand wash program at 40 C. Make sure you spindry the textile with low speed (800 rpm). This way your textile will stay in good shape. However, please note that the colour and look can get slightly fuzzy. The textile should be dried flat to avoid losing its form. Do not tumble dry. Let the textile dry very carefully, especially the thick, padded textiles, as the filling can stay moist. Be aware of the fact that the textile can shrink slightly after washing. However the stretch feature compensates any shrinkage which may occur. For special upholstery we recommend dry clean only. STAINS When stains occur, act as quickly as possible to keep your textile beautiful. Remove liquid stains by carefully dabbing with a clean cloth, preferably white. Do not rub. When rubbing too hard you can damage the textile and the colour may fade. Most stains can be treated with soapy lukewarm water. Never use hot water as heat will set stains. We recommend using a PH neutral detergent. Rub the stain gently with a clean cloth and afterwards dab the textile dry with a dry cloth to absorb moisture and soil. Should a stain still occur we recommend you to use other detergents. But always test this on a discrete area of the textile first. Please note these are only recommendations. We can never guarantee complete stain removal. We always recommend contacting a professional cleaning company for additional advice regarding your stain. APPAREL BEANS CROSS DOTTY DROP GENTLE MOSAIC PITCH RAZZLE DAZZLE SHADE SPRINKLES STITCH SUMMIT TRIANGLE TWILL UNIFORM UNIFORM MÉLANGE 6
FEBRIK textiles are mainly made from wool. Woollen textiles have the benefit of being dirt repellent. Spillages are not easily to penetrate the textile, which make it easier to reduce stains. Most liquid can be soaked up with a towel or tissue. Depending on the type of textile and colour the surface can get slightly fuzzy. At the end, make sure each stain is dapped again with clean water. When too much water is used circles can occur. These circles can be minimized by blow-drying it carefully on low speed. To keep your textile beautiful be patient and gentle when treating the stain. For more information please contact our customer service team. STAINS USE EGG COLD WATER CHOCOLATE PEANIT BUTTER STRAWBERRY JELLY COLD WATER FRUIT JUICE COLD WATER SYRUP COLD WATER TEA LUKEWARM WATER MILK COFFEE (BLACK) COLD WATER WINE BEER (OTHERS) OIL INK (BALLPOINT BLOOD COLD WATER AND A PH NEUTRAL SHAMPOO SOLUTION URINE 7
SOIL AND STAIN REPELLENT Our textiles can be treated for soil and stain resistance. This environmentally friendly treatment improves the ability of the material to resist soiling and staining by preventing the stain from spreading on the surface. However, after washing and longterm use, this can reduce the effectiveness of this treatment reducing the protection. For a treatment we apply a minimum order quantity. Please contact our customer service team for further information. VELOUR Velour textiles should be vacuumed regularly to avoid dust to settle in the textile. We do not recommend washing velour, but dry clean only. For stains we recommend to contact a professional upholstery cleaner. Marks in velour can easily occur, due to pressure from sitting, body moisture and air humidity. These are all typical properties and it cannot be perceived as a defect. However you can minimize this effect by putting a damp cloth on the textile. If you leave this on for the night, the little piles will recover. Do not forget to let it dry thoroughly before use. For any further information please contact our customer service team. 8
WARRANTY FEBRIK provides a warranty for a period of 5 years from date of purchase. Warranty claims will only be accepted when used under normal conditions, with proper maintenance, correct upholstery and for the purpose intended. FEBRIK s warranty will be limited to the refund of the purchase price or replacement of the textile, and does not include any labor costs or any other extra cost. This warranty does not apply to: - Incorrectly upholstered textiles. - Improperly maintained textiles. - Irregularities in colour and texture in natural fibers. - Slight contamination in light colours. - Furniture with sharp edges which may cause damage. - Wear and tear on places caused by sharp objects. - Abnormal use of textile including cuts, holes, spills or other misuse of products. - Any direct/indirect cost made, for example cost of reupholstering. For more information on our warranty terms, please consult the General Terms and Conditions which are available on our website. In case of any questions, complaints or claims please contact our customer service team. 9