 It is only natural for silks to have some irregularities;
this is the nature of 100% silk fabric. Surface variations in silk are
to be expected and are desirable. Silk, after all, is a natural fiber,
and variations in the weave of silk fabrics are characteristics of the
fabric and are in no way to be considered defective. The Sueded or Sand-washed
silks have been washed and treated using special techniques for the final
results. The gentle shading and slight creases are characteristics of
this method and are in no way to be considered as defective, but add
to the luxury of a fine silk fabric.
YOU CAN WASH SILKS AT HOME
If well cared for, silk garments can become heirlooms. European women
have grown up with a reverence for silk fabric and intimate knowledge
of its care. Our ‘wash and wear’ culture is misinformed on
how to care for silk and thus harbors an unnecessary fear of this cloth.
Silk is a protein fiber, like hair. You should not do anything to silk
you could not do to your hair.
Two keys to determining if garments will wash well at home are color
and construction. Bright and brilliant colors, dark colors and patterned
silks are better left to the dry cleaner. Garments with complicated construction,
lining and trim are also candidates for the dry cleaner. If your garments
passed these two tests, it is a good idea to dry clean the first two
times. The steaming part of the process may help to set the dye and if
there is any shrinkage left, it will shrink at the cleaner.
One of the advantages of sewing your own garment lies in the fact that
you can prewash your fabric. Bear in mind that shrinkage will occur.
Washable silks include Crepe de Chine, Charmeuse, Broadcloth, Fuji, Noil,
Habotai, and of course the popular Sueded or Sand-Washed Silks. Always
dry clean crinkled or brocaded silks and hand-woven silks, also, dark
or bright colors which have a high risk of fading.
1) To help retain the silk’s true color, add ¼ cup of white
vinegar to every two gallons of lukewarm/cold water. Wash with a good
soap compatible with silk finishes and squeeze to remove excess water.
Never twist or wring.
2) Wash silk articles separately. Rinse with cool water SEVERAL times.
Strong colors will appear to bleed. This excess dye normally ceases after
a few washings. To help set dye, add a few shakes of salt to the final
cold rinse.
3) Non-Sueded/Plain Silks: Roll in towel to absorb moisture, hang to
dry in dark place. Iron on low temperature on wrong side of fabric while
still slightly damp.
Sueded / Sand-Washed Silks: Hot dryer is recommended to bring up finish
and softness. Keep in mind the MAXIMUM SHRINKAGE will occur 5% to 10%.
Some loose weaves will shrink 15% to 20%.
WHAT NOT TO DO
1) Never expose silk articles to strong direct sunlight. Silk will fade.
2) Never spray perfume or deodorant on silk
3) Never soak silk in water for a long period of time.
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