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Fabric Guide

Bi-Stretch Fabric

Bi-Stretch is a finely woven polyester fabric also sold under names such as Burlington, mini matt and, in some markets, terlenka or texturé. It combines a smooth drape with good shape retention and is widely used for dressmaking, costumes, table dressing, lightweight curtains, stage décor, exhibition stands and events.

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Close-up of polyester Bi-Stretch fabric, also known as Burlington

Also known as Burlington & mini matt

Structure Fine, closely woven

Drape Smooth with good shape retention

Creasing Crease-resistant, not crease-proof

Suitable for Dressmaking, décor & events

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The Fabric

What is Bi-Stretch Fabric?

Bi-Stretch is a fine, closely woven fabric usually made from polyester. It has a smooth, neat appearance, drapes well and is crease-resistant with good shape retention. This makes it suitable for both dressmaking and decorative or project-based applications.

Names such as Bi-Stretch, Burlington, mini matt, terlenka and texturé are used in the fabric trade for the same or very similar multipurpose polyester fabrics. Exact width, weight, give and special finishes can vary by product.

Variations by Quality

Possible Variations

Composition Usually polyester

Give / Stretch Limited; varies by quality

Width Varies by quality

Special Version Flame-retardant · 280 cm · certificates available

Always check the individual product specifications for the exact composition, width, weight, give, care instructions and any flame-retardant certification.

Uses & Selection

What is Bi-Stretch Fabric used for?

Clothing & Uniforms Suitable for trousers, skirts, dresses, blazers, suits, uniforms and workwear.

Costumes Widely used for theatre, fancy dress, carnival and other costumes.

Décor & Events Suitable for backdrops, stage dressing, exhibition stands, banners and venue décor.

Table Dressing & Curtains Suitable for tablecloths, decorative table linen, lightweight curtains and simple room dividers.

For event décor and set building:in addition to the standard Bi-Stretch quality, a 280 cm wide flame-retardant version is available. The extra width is practical for large surfaces such as backdrops, stages, exhibition stands and partitions. Certificates are available for this flame-retardant quality and can be supplied on request for project documentation or verification of fire-safety requirements. Bear in mind that folding, transport, storage and hanging can cause creasing in wide fabric panels. Always check that the available certificate meets the requirements of the venue, client and specific application.

Care

Care Instructions

Pre-washing Not normally required; follow the individual product instructions

Washing Many polyester qualities can be washed at 30 °C; check the individual product

Drying Tumble-drying recommendations vary; check the individual product

Bleaching Do not bleach unless the individual product instructions explicitly allow it

Good to Know

Sewing & Choosing

Creasing Bi-Stretch is crease-resistant, but washing, folding, storage, transport and use can still cause creases. With 280 cm-wide fabric, handling and hanging may make these more noticeable.

Cutting The woven fabric is generally easy to cut accurately.

Sewing A universal needle is suitable for many Bi-Stretch qualities; always test on an offcut first.

Finishing Finish cut edges if the chosen quality frays.

Flame-Retardant Certificates are available for the 280 cm-wide flame-retardant quality. Request them when project documentation is required.

Choosing a Quality Compare width, weight, give, colour and any flame-retardant version.

Alternatives

Similar Fabrics

Depending on the application, these fabrics may also be suitable. They differ from Bi-Stretch in structure, weight, give and appearance.

Blackout →

A blackout fabric for projects where light blocking and flame-retardant properties are important.

Canvas →

A heavier, more robust alternative when greater firmness and structure are required.

Denim →

A sturdier twill fabric for clothing and projects where more body is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Bi-Stretch Fabric FAQs

Are Burlington, Bi-Stretch, terlenka and texturé the same fabric?

These names are often used in the fabric trade for the same or very similar multipurpose polyester fabrics. Specifications can vary by supplier and quality.

Is Bi-Stretch actually stretchy?

The name Bi-Stretch can be misleading: many Bi-Stretch or Burlington qualities contain no elastane and have little or no true stretch. Always check the product specifications.

What is Bi-Stretch Fabric used for?

Bi-Stretch is used for trousers, skirts, dresses, blazers, uniforms, costumes, tablecloths, lightweight curtains, stage dressing, exhibition stands and other decorative applications.

Is flame-retardant Bi-Stretch available?

Yes. Special flame-retardant Bi-Stretch/Burlington qualities are available. The range also includes an extra-wide 280 cm version for applications such as set building and events.

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