JACQUARD TAPESTRY

Tapestry fabrics were heavy, patterned or figured hand-woven textile, usually in the form of a hanging or upholstery fabric. In modern times tapestry is used in clothing, fashions and accessories such as jackets and handbags. Jacquard tapestry fabrics are materials woven on a specific type of loom known as a Jacquard loom.

The Jacquard loom is a mechanical loom, invented by Joseph Marie Jacquard in 1801, which used the holes punched in pasteboard punch cards to control the weaving of patterns in fabric. The loom enabled even moderately skilled weavers to weave complex designs. Each punch card corresponded to one row of the design and the cards were strung together in order. Each hole in the card corresponds to a "Bolus" hook, which can either be up or down. The hook raises or lowers the harness which carries and guides the warp thread so that the weft will either lie above or below it. The sequence of raised and lowered threads is what creates the pattern. Each hook can be connected via the harness to a number of threads, allowing more than one repeat of a pattern.

The term "Jacquard loom" is not a completely accurate description of the device. It is the "Jacquard head" that adapts to many commercially available looms that allows the weaving machine to then create the intricate patterns often seen in Jacquard weaving.  Modern Jacquard head equipped looms are computer controlled and can have thousands of hooks. There is now no need for the use of punched cards, instead the patterns are literally computer controlled.

The threading of a Jacquard loom is so labour intensive that many looms are threaded only once. Subsequent warps are then tied in to the existing warp with the help of a knotting robot which ties each new thread on individually. Even for a small loom with only a few thousand warp ends, the process of re-threading can take days.
 

TAPESTRY CARE

Before Hanging

When you receive your tapestry it may have creases from packing.  To remove any creases that may be present it will be best to gently iron them out. 

NB:  Always test a small section of the tapestry for the correct heat setting before ironing. We accept no claims or liability for any instructions given below.

Using a cool iron on the reverse, with a protective fabric placed over the tapestry, use a medium heat iron (start cool until desired temperature is reached) and iron over the crease.  If the crease is stubborn then a gently steam may be used - but be very careful not to flatten the weave too much.

Hanging

Unlike a framed print, tapestries are woven individually on a loom and part of their individuality is that there may be irregularities in the weave, hanging undulations, and they may not be square.  Gently pull into shape when hung.

Most tapestries have either rod loops for threading the tapestry pole through or a sleeve sewn into the reverse.   There are a few of ways to hang tapestries with rod pockets. 

1. Cut a length of round wooden dowel slightly longer than the rod pocket. Insert small cup-hooks into each end and simply place them over small picture hook nails. This is quick, easy and inexpensive.
2. Purchase a tapestry rod or metal rod with finials  Use the provided brackets for the tapestry to hang 'off' the wall or hang the rod over two nails hammered down at a 45 degree angle for flush mounting. Add a pair of cords with tassels to either side if desired to 'tie in' the tapestry to the existing décor. If your tapestry has hanging loops you will want to use this method, with the ornate or decorative rod hanging above the tapestry.
3. If your tapestry is not lined it may be framed similar to framing a fine painting or manuscript.

Cleaning

Wall tapestries will not need to be cleaned as often as rugs and upholstery seating due to less wear.  We suggest using a soft brush or the upholstery attachment on a vacuum cleaner to remove dust.  This will be ample for years to come.

If a deeper clean is needed then use a professional dry cleaning company.

Fading

Tapestry yarns are usually of very good quality and will be fade resistant to a certain degree.  However, a tapestry will fade if placed in strong direct sunlight over a period of time.  Keep them away from direct light to keep colours bright.
 

PAYMENT METHODS

PayPal: Make one-off payments using your bank account, debit card or credit card

Q.  Is PayPal secure?   

A.  Yes. PayPal uses SSL technology to keep your information safe. In addition, when you send a payment using PayPal, Meraldic Tapestries won't receive sensitive financial information like your credit card or bank account number. This way, you don't have to worry about paying people you don't know.

Q.  How does PayPal work?

A.  PayPal can be used to send and receive payments online. Once you sign up for PayPal, you can send money to anyone with an email address. You can use money from your PayPal balance or from another payment method of your choice, such as a credit card, debit card or your bank account. Recipients are then notified by email that they have received a payment from you. 

Cheque

We accept cheques.  Please email with your order and we will email you an invoice.  Goods will not be despatched until cheque has cleared.
 

CONFIRMATION OF ORDER

POSTAGE & PACKAGING

Delivery of goods - UK:    FREE!

Goods in stock will be posted within 1 working day.  Goods currently out of stock are usually woven to order and delivered within 14-28 working days.  However, very detailed tapestries may take a little longer for the weavers to complete.  If you need to order a tapestry by a certain date please contact us and we shall give you an approximate delivery date.

Your order will be sent free of charge in UK!  If you require Special Delivery please let us know and we shall add a small fee to your purchase.   Larger items will be sent via Courier or Parcel Force.  We do keep delivery receipts and will not be held responsible for items missing in the post.  We will however do our utmost to trace missing parcels.

Delivery of goods - Outside UK:    HALF PRICE OR LESS!

IMPORT DUTIES & TAXES

Some countries will pay import duties and any other taxes which are different for every country.  Customers will be liable to pay these fees.
 

RETURN POLICY

Email us immediately if you are not completely happy with your purchase.   You may return it back to us within 14 days.  Items must be returned in good condition - please pack carefully.  We will either replace or refund the item less return postage and insurance costs.

Refunds will not be offered if items are returned damaged.  We will not be held liable for returned goods that have gone missing in the post and would suggest suitable insurance. 

If goods are received faulty then please let us know within 2 working days.  We will replace or issue a full refund if returned within 14 days.

Guarantee

All products are made to a high standard and are checked before dispatch. 
 

PRIVACY

Meraldic Tapestries is firmly committed to the privacy of our customers.

We collect certain information from customers for billing and administrative functions only.  We do not receive sensitive financial information.  Your details are safe and will not be distributed to any outside party for any reason.
 

COPYRIGHT

All rights are reserved.  No part of the website or Meraldic product designs may be copied or adapted.  This statement applies to our website and Meraldic product designs which have individual copyright notices.    Copyright on all Meraldic items apply to the designs as a whole and not fabric designs. 

Any further questions?  Please email us.