Mapple Handwoven Silk Velvet Ikat Throw Pillow Cover, 16 x 24 inches

The Mapple pillow cover sets green triangles outlined in gold thread on an ivory base. The cover is handwoven from 100% silk velvet with the ikat method, in which the yarns are dyed before weaving. Silk velvet is woven with a pile, and a pile is felt by touch.

Silk’s fine, continuous filaments create a delicate texture that feels soft without being plush, producing a refined contact pattern on the skin. This texture is especially noticeable during slight movements, when the fabric shifts lightly and evenly. The texture of silk is often described as precise, offering a sense of touch that is neither heavy nor dragging. Tactile afferents respond to this fine, low-pressure touch and send signals through spinal pathways that the brainstem interprets as gentle, detailed contact (McGlone et al., 2014). Studies indicate that gentle, silky touches can provide a calming effect, helping anxious or overwhelmed individuals to feel more stable (Olausson et al., 2014).

Details

• Material: 100% silk velvet
• Technique: Handwoven ikat
• Colors: Ivory, Green, Gold
• Size: 16 x 24 inches (41 x 61 cm)
• Weight: 5.3 oz (150 g)
• Insert: Not included

Pairing Note

Textiles provide tactile grounding by activating the skin’s mechanoreceptors to produce calming physical feedback (McGlone et al., 2014) and ease tension (McEwen, 2007). Visual: People often look at color, pattern, and form while touching fabric. The eyes help the brain understand what the hands are feeling (Lakoff, 1987). When the visual cue matches the texture, the sensory cue helps the brain process the experience more efficiently, making the experience clearer. This visual-tactile pairing creates a small resonance of emotional steadiness (Juslin & Västfjäll, 2008) and strengthens memory through familiar sensory combinations (Herz, 2016).