The fabric of luxury, satin has a beautiful drape and a lustrous finish. It’s also known for its flexibility and elastic feel. It’s a beautiful fabric to work with, but it can be difficult for new sewists to master. If you’re looking to work with satin, here are some tips to help you get started.
What is satin made of?
Silk satin is the most common type of satin fabric, but it can be woven from other fibers as well. Cotton satin, polyester satin and a mix of different silk and synthetic fibers are all common options. While many people think that satin feels like silk, it actually has a very similar feel to cotton – it’s smooth, soft and lustrous.
The word ‘satin’ is derived from the Arabic name for the Chinese port of Quanzhou, where this weave first originated over 2,000 years ago. It travelled across the world through the Silk Road and eventually arrived in Europe, where it was first produced in the 12th century. By the 14th century, it was widely available throughout the continent.
Today, China remains the most prolific producer of lace. However, European factories still produce a number of exquisite styles as well. This intricate and delicate fabric is used for all kinds of garments, from wedding dresses to evening gowns. It’s also found in shoes, accessories and even lingerie. More recently, lace has been used by fashion and design students around the world to create revolutionary creations. Sophie Hallette has been working closely with renowned colleges to push their students to think outside the box, experimenting with lace to develop cutting edge designs.