Category: FABRICS
Country: United Kingdom
By Haydn Davis
29 February 2024
Tiverton: Heathcoat Fabrics, the UK manufacturer of warp knitted technical textiles has unveiled a new collection of bespoke fabrics.
The company, which traces its roots back to 1806, has unveiled a new line of English tulle and dress nets featuring recycled yarns, reaffirming its commitment to quality and sustainability.
Founded by John Heathcoat, the company initially specialised in bobbinet lace manufacturing, revolutionising the industry with innovative machinery. Over the years, Heathcoat has earned a reputation for producing fine-quality fabrics, including the tulle used in the late Queen Elizabeth II’s royal wedding attire.
Today, the company is a market-leading manufacturer of knitted and woven fabrics, specialising in technical textiles for a wide range of applications but continues to innovate in the apparel fabrics space too.
Gemma Groves, sales manager at Heathcoat Fabrics, described the company’s dedication to excellence and environmental responsibility. “We concentrate on quality and sustainability,” she said. “Our focus is to offer the best.”
The Succession Collection, Heathcoat’s latest offering, targets bridal, dance and fashion markets with products crafted from 100% recycled nylon and polyester yarns. These recycled materials include polyester derived from discarded plastic bottles and nylon sourced from industrial waste that would otherwise be downcycled or discarded.
Innovating beyond traditional methods, Heathcoat has also developed a zero formaldehyde finish for its fabrics, surpassing current environmental standards, it claims, while maintaining premium quality and texture. The collection includes nine tulles and dress nets made from recycled yarns, along with eight stock-supported options, and six new printed tulles in the Devon Collection.
With an eye toward further expansion, Heathcoat’s designers are actively developing a silk tulle and exploring the addition of a power mesh to the collection. The company’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond its product line; it operates with solar panels covering much of its roof, demonstrating its dedication to environmental stewardship.
Heathcoat is also venturing into new territory exploring the concept of warp-knitted merino wool fabrics for active sports and a range of filet meshes. Furthermore, plans are underway for the introduction of silk tulle variants and printed or flocked tulle.
“All fabrics are produced in Tiverton, Devon,” Gemma adds. “As a manufacturer, we prioritise volume customers like wholesalers and larger brands, but we also accommodate smaller customers with lower minimum order quantities.”
In addition to its flagship tulle and dress net collections, Heathcoat offers a range of stock-supported soft and recycled 3D spacer fabrics suitable for sportswear, active apparel, footwear, and bags. These fabrics provide cushioning, compression, and durability while remaining breathable and environmentally conscious.
“Heathcoat Fabrics continues to lead the industry not only in the production of English tulle and dress nets but also in setting new standards for sustainability and environmental responsibility, ensuring a legacy of quality and innovation for years to come,” the company says.
Courtesy: Knittingtradejournal.com
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