Fabric on Film: Hand Woven Peace Silk Satin

I chose this beautiful Hand Woven Peace Silk Satin as our #FabricOfTheWeek, mainly because I think it doesn’t come across as beautifully on the website as it does in the flesh! I literally can’t describe how stunning it is. I’m not surprised that it’s often used for wedding dresses, because it is ethereal and glows in the light and I imagine you’d feel like an absolute Goddess wearing it!

But don’t think it’s just reserved for clothing! I’ve seen some stunning uses for it in Interiors. As I mention in the video, a very clever Interior Designer used them to make some floor length curtains for a beautiful East facing living/dining room. As the sun sets in the evenings, the curtains diffuse the light and the whole rooms glows – It’s truly stunning.

I completely forgot to say that I dug the fabric in the video from the depths of my sample drawer and decided I ought to iron out the creases – having started with my usual super low heat, careful, damp cloth method, I realised the sun was about to disappear and ended up full force ironing it without any cloth (low heat of course) and it ironed beautifully – so that’s good to know! (I’ve just re-read that and realise how enthralling that sounds… (not) But I know you’ll appreciate where I’m coming from all you sewers! )

What’s The Difference Between Silk & Satin. How Can This Be Both?

Confusingly, silk can be a type of weave and the fibre or raw material. Satin, however, is just the name of the weave. It also only applies to fabrics made of silk (or nylon or polyester – yuck). If the yarns used are short-staple yarns such as cotton, the fabric is called a “sateen” – these are also lovely and have a nice sheen too, but not quite the same luxe effect as silk satins!

Usually, satins have a glossy surface and a dull back. This is because of the weaving technique: It is a warp-dominated (down the length of the fabric) weaving technique that forms a minimum number of interlacing in a fabric.

Satins always have some sheen. However, many high fashion designers consider polyester-based satin to be too shiny and slippery (even if it is easier care than dry-clean only silk). Some say, that because of the tighter weave, satins sometimes don’t breathe as well as plainer weave silks. This wouldn’t be the case for this particular satin as it is incredibly transparent and an open weave.

What Is Peace Silk?

Just in case you’re not sure what a peace silk is, I have explained it in the video, but I’ve explained it much better in the resources section here. So please do check that out too!

I really hope the video helps you to see all the beautiful definition and how the fabric moves and drapes. Don’t forget you can watch it in high-resolution and full screen: click the “cog” in the corner of the video and click “720”. In high-definition you STILL can’t actually see how amazing this fabric is, so I urge you to pick up a sample – only 50p each!