About silk
Silk Care & Handling Guide
Silk requires delicate handling at every stage—whether you’re cutting fabric, sewing garments, or caring for finished pieces.
Before Cutting:
Always press the fabric on the reverse side using a warm, dry iron. For sheer fabrics like chiffon, use a cool iron, and avoid spraying water, as this can cause watermarks.
During Sewing:
- Use very fine pins and a fine needle (No. 11 / continental size 70).
- Choose silk thread for hand sewing, or polyester thread for machine stitching.
- For lightweight silks like chiffon, tack the fabric onto tissue paper before sewing to keep it stable.
- Consider using a fine lining such as silk habotai to add structure and prevent transparency.
Cleaning & Maintenance:
Most silk fabrics should be dry-cleaned to avoid color bleeding.
If you wish to test hand washing:
- Lightly dampen a hidden area.
- Press it onto white fabric to check for color transfer.
- If no color comes off, you may hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent.
- Do not wring; gently press out excess water with a towel.
- Air-dry away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Iron on the reverse side with a cool setting, and avoid steam.
With proper care, your silk pieces will retain their luxurious beauty and feel for years to come.
🧵 Understanding Silk Weight
Silk fabrics are measured in a special unit called momme (mm), which refers to the density and weight of the silk. The higher the momme, the heavier and more opaque the fabric. Choosing the right weight helps you achieve the perfect look, feel, and function for your design.
🔸 What is Momme?
1 momme ≈ 4.3056 grams per square meter (gsm) Momme reflects how densely the silk threads are woven. It directly affects the silk's drape, softness, opacity, and price.
| Momme | GSM (approx.) | Characteristics | Typical Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6–8 mm | 26–35 gsm | Very light, sheer, delicate | Scarves, sheer overlays, linings |
| 10–12 mm | 43–52 gsm | Lightweight, soft drape | Scarves, Blouses, lingerie, layering |
| 14–16 mm | 60–69 gsm | Medium weight, versatile | Scarves, lingerie, shirts, pajamas |
| 19–22 mm | 82–95 gsm | Luxurious, durable, opaque | High-end bedding, dresses, suits, gowns, pillowcase, skirts |
| 25–30 mm+ | 108+ gsm | Heavier, more structured | Bridal wear, suits, upholstery, heavy drapes |
*If you have any further question about silk, please feel free to contact us, we will be glad to answer you on time.
