Instructor Katrina Walker shares key information about reeled silk crepes, in this episode of the video series Sewing with Silk,

Crepe fabrics are woven from crepe yarns. These yarns are so tightly twisted that they coil back on themselves, and this produces a springiness that is characteristic of crepe fabrics. Crepes have a dull luster, because the twisted yarns absorb light rather than reflecting it.

This explains the difference between georgette and chiffon. Chiffon is woven from less tightly twisted yarns, and hence has a smoother surface that is somewhat shiny. Georgette’s surface is almost pebbly due to the yarns’ twist. Some georgettes are heavier than chiffon, and are nearly as weighty as crepe de Chine, though still translucent.

A medium-weight crepe de Chine is about 16 momme in weight. It is more elastic than plain-weave wovens and is, therefore, comfortable to wear.

Four-ply silk is extremely heavy: It is woven with four plies in each yarn. Its heavy drape, elasticity, and soft luster ensure that garments made from it look wonderful on the body. The fabric molds gently to your form without harsh highlights or sharp drag lines.