What is Harris Tweed and how do I maintain it?
You may have seen or heard the term ‘Harris Tweed’ used in a variety of textile based products, from upholstery to high-fashion, and there’s a reason why this sought-after fabric is so prevalent in premium quality products. If you’re familiar with the term but aren’t quite sure what exactly it is, join us as we discuss why Harris Tweed is so special and what makes it different from other types of tweed.
A textile that is imbued with centuries of rich culture and heritage, and one that is protected by law, this is truly an interesting material. If you want to learn more about the history of this fabric, what properties it has, and how to care for it, keep reading as we highlight all of this and more below.
What is Harris Tweed?
Harris Tweed is one of the most desirable wool fabrics in the textile industry. This is because it is carefully handwoven by local artisans on the Outer Hebrides islands. After production started within this vibrant community over a century ago, this material has been globally revered and sought after to create an array of products from furniture pieces to fashion items.
Rich in heritage and culture, Harris Tweed is created at one of three mills located on the Outer Hebrides. However, it should be noted that the Harris Tweed Act has specific regulations that require it to be hand-woven only by human power, and this can only take place in the cottages of the islanders. As such, the mills are used only to spin yarn and finish the fabric after it has been woven.
It uses a blend of several pure virgin wools which come from both the sheep on the island and those in mainland Scotland. Once the wool has been harvested it is dyed before being spun which means that an array of hues and complex colours can be created. The wool then goes through the stages of blending, spinning, and weaving before the final fabric is certified and officially stamped by an independent Harris Tweed Authority inspector. This process ensures that each piece of Harris Tweed meets the correct standard and is authenticated, guaranteeing quality and craftsmanship.
Is there a difference between Harris Tweed and regular tweed?
Yes, aside from the difference in production methods, there are some key differences between Harris Tweed and other standard types of tweed. These differences include the following:
Thickness: Harris Tweed is traditionally a thicker and coarser material, this often means that it is more rugged and durable than other types of tweed. Though lighter types have been created for modern tailoring purposes as they are more suited to clothing.
Finish: Because it is coarser than regular tweed, Harris Tweed tends to have a slightly rougher finish.
Weaving type: Harris Tweed is woven more loosely than regular tweed which gives it a spongy texture with more stretch.
Material: Harris Tweed utilises only pure virgin wool, where other types of tweeds are permitted to use recycled wools and other blends.
Is Harris Tweed good for sofas?
Harris Tweed is an excellent choice of fabric for upholstery, including sofas. The protected production method ensures that the fabric is strong and durable, whilst also maintaining softness and tactile comfort. As such, a Harris Tweed sofa offers longevity, sophistication, and a timeless style, meaning that if you’re looking for somewhere to kick off your shoes and relax at the end of a long day, a Harris Tweed settee or sofa could be just the thing you need to revitalise your living area.
For classic and traditional styles, we’d recommend opting for something like the Angus 3-Seater Harris Tweed Sofa with its antique stud detailing and wooden classic castor feet, it exudes elegance and offers an inviting place to rest. Alternatively, if you need something with a little more pizzazz, the Amelia patchwork 3-seater offers a captivating and alluring cosiness. Blending a range of fabrics including Harris Tweed, this sofa has a truly unique style with a myriad of exciting colourways that come together to create a visual intrigue in your home.
How do I care for Harris Tweed sofas?
This sturdy fabric can last for many years with proper care and maintenance, it is naturally water resistant and relatively easy to keep clean as long as you don’t neglect to do a quick spot check every now and then. To ensure your Harris Tweed sofa is kept looking its best, we recommend that you undertake the following steps:
Brush and vacuum your sofa weekly
Dirt and debris getting onto your sofa is inevitable, however vacuuming weekly on a low intensity setting can quickly resolve this issue. You can use a soft bristled brush to get rid of any crumbs or debris. This is an especially important step if you have pets who sit on your sofa, as pet hairs can easily become entangled in the fabric. If you do have pets, we’d suggest placing blankets or covers on your Harris Tweed to keep it protected.
Spot clean any stains
Accidents sometimes happen, and if you find yourself in this situation whether it be spilled tea or condiments, you should blot the affected area with a damp cloth as quickly as possible. Do not rub the stain, as this can make it worse. If you have a particularly stubborn stain, you may be able to use a mild soap solution or stain remover but we strongly suggest trying it on an inconspicuous area first to ensure that it doesn’t affect the fabric.
Rotate any cushions if applicable
If you have a sofa in which cushions can be reversed or swapped around, we recommend doing this on a monthly basis to slow down wear and tear by evenly dispersing usage. If your sofa doesn’t allow for this, just remember to fluff the cushions back up every now and then to help protect the tweed casing.
Find your perfect Harris Tweed Sofa with Vintage Sofa Warehouse
Purchasing a new sofa is an exciting venture, and we’re here to help you find the perfect one. We stock an array of Harris Tweed sofas in various colour palettes and styles to suit a variety of interior design schemes. Simply contact us or call into the shop to see our range for yourself. Alternatively, you can browse through all our tweed sofas online or look through our entire collection of sofas to discover your perfect piece.