• About Silk Dupioni
• Can I wash the Silk?
• Cutting out garments in silk dupioni tips
• Projects done in my silks

 

 

 

 

 

• About Silk Dupioni
  My silk Dupioni is 44 inches wide unless otherwise stated. Silk Dupioin has natural slubs or imperfections in the fabric. These are a natural part of the silk finish. The sheen of silk dupioni is excellent. However, the color can vary subtly from one side to the other and in the different directions. Silk Dupioni will fade if exposed to light over a long period of time. This is true no matter whose silk dupioni you buy. Even the UV light given off by lightbulbs can effect it. So if you store your garments in a closet where you keep the light on a lot, you may want to put shoulder covers over the garment. This will prevent getting faded shoulder marks.
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• Cutting out garments in silk Dupioni
  Because the color will be different from one side to another, and also if cut in different directions, when cutting silk I recommend that you cut all pieces in one direction (treat as if the fabric has a nap!) and mark one side as the right or wrong side. I use a colored sticky dot in an non-noticable place on the wrong side. I mark each piece as it is cut out. To be honest, it is up to you which is the right side! Just be consistent.
  
  Also like most people I need all the help I can get to look slimmer, so often I cut my pieces out across the grain! I find that most jackets, even sheath dresses and pants can be cut this way. That way the stripes of the slubs run top to bottom instead of across the garment. Just check all pieces before starting!
  
  The worst part of working with silk dupioni is it frays like the dickens! Just looking at it and threads start fraying off! For that reason, I often interface my silks for garments before I even cut them out. This interfacing does three things, it stabilizes the fabric, makes it wear better, and prevents fraying. I typically use a very light iron-on interfacing that does not significantly change the hand of the silk. My current favorites are Peggy Sager's Tricot Interfacing (www.silhouettepatterns.com), and Floriani's Dream Weaver (www.rnkdistributing.com).

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• Can I wash the Silk?
  Yes, I do it all the time. I first serge the edges so that they do not unravel in the washer! Wouldn't that be a waste!! I wash in cold water wash and cold water rinse. I use either Ivory Snow or baby shampoo, do not use Woolite. I often add a Dye Magnet to check to see if the fabric bleeds or not. For the most part, I have seen very little bleeding, even with the bright colors. When it comes out of the washer it may feel stiff, and you will think you have ruined it! Once it dries it will be soft again! Some folks think the sheen is different after washing. I find very little difference.
  If I am going to interface the silk, then I also pre wash my interfacing. I fill the sink with hot water and place the interfacing in it. Then after about 10 minutes, I place it over the shower rod to dry. Do not dry in the dryer(ask me how I know this!) I attach the interfacing using a iron press. It can be attached with an iron, but it is easier with the press.

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