Hello fellow fabric lovers!
I’m hoping someone will be kind enough to help me figure out the type of fabric(s) I’m looking for.
There is a very inexpensive cotton called “scrim” that is commonly used as a sheer lining for curtains. I’d like to find linen and/or cotton fabrics of a somewhat tighter weave than scrim, but with similar lightweight sheerness, soft hand and almost limp drape.
I’ve been sewing all my life, but could not tell you a name for such fabrics. Lawn? Batiste? Voile? Gauze? Can linen be found in a gauze that is not crinkled?
If I knew the right terms for what I was looking for I could search online, so any help would be appreciated tremendously!
Thanks!
Ecovalley
Replies
The scrim that I purchased to make patterns was an unwoven fine material similar to pellon. I would say it was similar to voile, but a little firmer.
Thank you so much for responding, Sancin!What I meant as "scrim" is a very loosely.....you might even say coarsely.....woven cotton fabric that usually comes in two colors: bleached white or natural. It is soft, semi-sheer, lightweight, very drapey, frays easily. What I'd like to find is a linen or cotton similar to scrim but a little bit more refined, for dyeing and sewing casual scarves.Thanks again! ecovalley
Greetings and Welcome!I know I've seen a site recently that offers a "fabric search" - you post what you're looking for and others who have something similar will respond, but -dang- I can't find it right now! Sounds like what you want *may* be a very light-weight muslin?I *did* find this Fabric Glossary: http://www.nyfashioncenterfabrics.com/fabric-glossary.html, which might be helpful. It doesn't list "scrim", but I've heard that term in theatre - as a curtain used to create dream effects - nearly transparent when lit from behind, opaque with front lighting. Maybe "theatrical supply" sources could help? And ~ in the thread "Help: Source for tissue-weight knits" #9671.1, Gina (lintqueen) is looking for a similar weight knit ~ maybe you two could collaborate in the search?Good Hunting and Bright Blessings!Kharmin
Thank you so much, Kharminj!What great information! I do think what I refer to as "scrim" is the same as the theater curtain fabric you refer to. It's almost like cheesecloth. I love the stuff, but it's a bit rangy for apparel sewing. I was hoping to find something similar, but a bit more refined. I will try the fabric search link.Yes, I noticed lintqueen's search! I really love the space-dyed cotton knit jersey.....very tempting! Probably has a nice drape. Good price, too.Thank you again, Kharminj.
I'm so glad I found Threads Gatherings!ecovalley
Check out the Dharms http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/1667492-AA.shtml - they have pictures of the fabrics they sell to dye and I think I saw what you describe but called gauze. Good luck and let us know what you find and what it is called.
Thanks for that link, Sancin!It looks to *me* like what ecovalley is looking for is listed under "Gauzy & Sheer": "Cotton Voile" @ http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/3501-AA.shtml?lnav=fabric_cotton.html or "Bleached Harem Cloth" @ http://www.dharmatrading.com/html/eng/3445-AA.shtml?lnav=fabric_cotton.htm
I've never heard it called harem cloth, but from the descriptions and reviews, those are what I'd invest a couple of quarters in for samples! ;)Kharmin
Thank you Sancin and Kharminj!It does seem the "harem cloth" might be like a refined scrim.....on the other hand, it might be just another name for scrim. I do have a complete set of fabric samples from Dharma around here.....somewhere.....I will have to look for them. Though in truth I have trouble judging fabric from little squares, as it helps to see the drape and feel the hand and all the good stuff you could do when there were more fabric stores in this world! But you are right, the price might make it worth a try. Many thanks to you again!
You guys are great!!!ecovalley
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