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Sewing with Silk: Reeled Silk Satins

Video: Threads magazine

In this episode of the Sewing with Silk video series, with Katrina Walker, we learn about the quintessential silk type: reeled silk satins.

Satin fabrics are warp-faced textiles. The warp yarns skip over several weft yarns, creating a surface with a high sheen. Although they look lovely, satins are not abrasion-resistant,  and prone to snagging.

Flat-backed satin has a shiny right side; the wrong side looks like a plain weave.

Charmeuse has a lustrous sheen on the right side, while the wrong side has a crepe texture. It is sometimes called crepe-backed satin. This textile can be used with either side facing out, depending on the look you want. One of charmeuse’s defining characteristics is its soft, light drape. This makes it ideal for pretty blouses, dresses, and lingerie.

There are also heavier, stiffer satins, such as duchesse satin. It is popular for wedding dresses, as the body lets the fabric stand away from the body in dramatic skirts.

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About This Video Series

In this 20-part workshop, textile expert Katrina Walker introduces us to silk fabrics. She covers the gamut from silkworm to crafting beautiful silk garments, so you never need to fear working with this luxury material. Episode topics include sericulture: how silkworms are cultivated, and how the silk filaments are harvested from cocoons. You'll learn about the many categories of woven silk fabrics, including crepes, satins, and jacquards. Katrina also offers advice for matching your fabric…

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