Silk Fabric Care and Sewing FAQ

Find answers to common questions about silk fabric at JB Silks, including care and washing, sewing tips, durability, storage, and how different silk types compare. For washing instructions, visit the How to Wash Silk guide.

Can silk be washed?

Many silk fabrics can be washed, but the method depends on the weave, type, and color of the fabric. Successful washing is influenced by the fabric's construction, whether the threads were dyed before weaving, the garment's color, and the desired texture after washing and drying. JB Silks provides detailed guidance on the How to Wash Silk page, including which silk fabrics are suitable for hand washing, machine washing and drying, and which are best entrusted to professional dry cleaners. JB Silks also offers an extensive range of Sueded Silk fabrics that are pre-shrunk and designed for machine wash and dry, eliminating the need for prewashing and simplifying regular cleaning.

Does silk need to be dry cleaned?

Some silk fabrics should be dry cleaned, while others can be safely hand washed or machine washed. The appropriate method depends on the type of silk fabric, its finishing process, the color treatment, and whether the fabric includes embellishments such as beads, sequins, or embroidery. For detailed care instructions, please refer to our Silk Fabric Washing Instructions.

Can silk be used as a lining?

Yes, silk fabrics are suitable for lining a wide range of garments. When silk is used as a lining for jackets and blazers, the key consideration is frequency of wear and fabric friction. If the garment will be worn daily and the silk lining will be sandwiched between two rough fabrics — such as a textured wool exterior and a wool sweater worn underneath — repeated friction may cause wear over time. For occasional or special-occasion wear, silk linings are generally suitable without concern. For assistance choosing the right silk lining, contact JB Silks at info@jbsilks.com.

Is silk difficult to sew?

Not all silk fabrics are difficult to sew; it largely depends on the specific type of silk. Silks woven with a satin weave tend to be more slippery and can be a bit more challenging to handle. Very lightweight sheer silks are also more difficult to sew.

For an easier alternative, consider JB Silks matte silk fabrics, which range from mid to heavyweight and are generally more manageable. On each product page, simply click on the fabric description to find detailed information about the fabric's hand, finish, and weight to help guide your choice.

A useful tip when working with JB Silks Sueded Silks is that they tend to have some stretch or "give." When cutting a pattern, it is best to size up initially and adjust to a smaller size after trying on the garment for fit. Starting with a slightly larger pattern size is very beneficial when sewing with Sueded Silks.

Do I need to use silk thread to sew silk?

When sewing silk fabrics, it is important to select a thread that is slightly weaker than the fabric itself. This ensures that if there is tension on the seams, the thread will break before the delicate silk fabric is damaged. Mercerized cotton threads are an excellent choice for this purpose. Although silk threads are very strong, JB Silks generally does not recommend using them for sewing silk fabric. Instead, silk threads are best suited for embroidery on silk, where their natural sheen can enhance the beauty of the finished design.

Does silk tear at the seams?

If silk fabric is tearing at the seams, several factors could be responsible. Improper sewing technique is a common cause, such as bobbin tension set too tight and stitch length set too short resulting in stress on the fabric. Use a longer stitch length and ensure tension is properly adjusted. Thread choice also matters, with polyester thread being too strong and inflexible for delicate silk. JB Silks advises the use of mercerized cotton or a thread suited for fine fabrics instead of polyester.

Garment fit and pressure on the fabric can also contribute to seam tearing. A silk blouse that is too tight at the bust or under the arms places excessive strain on the seams. For snug-fitting skirts and pants, make the lining slightly smaller than the outer silk so any tension is absorbed by the lining with any tearing limited to the lining rather than the more difficult to replace outer silk.

Is silk delicate?

The degree of delicacy varies based on the fabric weight, weave, and finish. In general silk is considered a delicate fabric due to the fine fabric structure and the special care required in cleaning and storage.

Does silk last?

Silk can last for many years if the appropriate weight and weave are selected for the intended use and the garment is cared for properly. Lightweight silk fabrics with open weaves, such as silk chiffon or silk georgette, have a delicate strength and are more prone to wear.

When choosing silk for a garment, consider how often it will be worn and the type of contact it will have with other fabrics. For example, will the garment be worn daily, such as to work, and will it frequently have other garments layered over it? Will there be constant friction from items like sweaters or blazers being put on and taken off multiple times a day? Also, be sure to consider whether the silk garment will rub against rough surfaces, such as chair upholstery, and how often this will occur.

The key factor is the frequency and nature of contact between your silk fabric and other textiles. Is the garment for everyday use or reserved for occasional wear? If your silk garment will experience frequent contact and friction, it's best to choose a midweight or heavyweight silk fabric with a tighter weave to ensure greater durability.

Does silk wrinkle?

The tendency of silk to wrinkle depends on the specific type of silk fabric. For example, Silk Taffeta is known for its crisp hand, which is achieved by dyeing the threads before weaving. As a result, Silk Taffeta wrinkles quite easily.

In contrast, other silk fabrics such as Sueded Silks have a soft hand. These fabrics are dyed after weaving and undergo a Sueding process that imparts their distinctive texture and appearance. Sueded Silks wrinkle significantly less than Silk Taffeta, making them a more wrinkle-resistant option.

Can silk be ironed?

Whether silk can be safely ironed depends on the fabric's weight, finish, and the temperature setting of the iron. All silk fabrics should be ironed with a dry press cloth as a protective barrier. This helps prevent direct contact between the iron and the fabric, reducing the risk of heat damage during pressing. Water should not be sprayed directly onto silk to avoid staining.

Does silk have static cling?

Silk's natural fibers help minimize static cling, but in extremely dry conditions static can still occur. To reduce static, wearing natural fibers such as cotton underneath silk garments is recommended. JB Silks recommends applying anti-static spray to undergarments rather than directly to silk and following the manufacturer's instructions to avoid creating wet spots during application.

Is silk slippery?

Some silk fabrics are slippery, but not all. Silks woven with a satin weave create a shiny, glossy surface on one side that can feel slippery to the touch. JB Silks also offers many silk fabrics without this slippery texture, including Sueded Fabulous Crepes, Sueded Crepe, Sueded Heavy Georgette, Sueded Organza, and others. These fabrics feature a soft, matte finish and provide a different tactile experience from traditional satin-weave silks.

Is satin silk?

The term “satin” describes a specific weave pattern rather than the fiber content of the fabric. Satin can be woven from a variety of fibers, including silk, polyester, rayon, and others. This weaving technique creates a fabric with a smooth surface and a distinctive glossy finish. While satin can be made from many types of threads, nothing compares to the luxurious feel and appearance of satin silk fabric woven from 100% pure silk threads as seen in JB Silks Satin Silk Collection.

What is satin?

Satin refers to a weaving technique that creates a smooth, shiny surface by allowing more warp threads to float on the fabric's face, producing a signature radiant sheen and luxurious feel. Satin can be woven from different fibers, but nothing compares to the elegance of satin woven from 100% pure silk threads. The two most popular silk satin types at JB Silks are Silk Duchesse Satin, known for its structure and body, and Silk Charmeuse Satin, known for its fluid drape and mirror-like surface. For more information, shoppers can visit the Silk Satin page and browse the full Satin Silk Fabric Collection.

Is chiffon silk?

The term “chiffon” refers to a type of fabric weave and does not necessarily indicate that silk fibers are used in its construction. Chiffon can be woven from a variety of fibers, including silk, polyester, rayon, nylon, and others. JB Silks offers Silk Chiffon in a wide range of weights and finishes. Contrary to the common misconception that chiffon is available in only one lightweight option, at JB Silks it is available in multiple weights to suit different applications.

Does silk fabric run?

Woven silk fabric does not "run" when the term run is defined as a long ladder-like defect in the threads similar to a run in a pair of pantyhose.

Knitted silk fabrics such as Jersey will run. Silk knit fabric can unravel quickly and uncontrollably, making it easy to damage an entire roll of fabric - let alone a completed garment. Because of the issue of running, JB Silks does not carry silk knit fabrics. Silk knits also tend to curl excessively when cut, which can be very challenging to work with.

As an alternative to the look and feel offered by a silk knit without the issues associated with running, JB Silks offers Stretch Silk Woven Jersey. This is a woven silk fabric blended with spandex threads that stretches from selvage to selvage. Unlike other silk knits, Stretch Silk Woven Jersey does not run and is therefore much easier to handle and sew, without the typical drawbacks of a silk knit. JB Silks offers Stretch Silk Woven Jersey in two weights - a lightweight 16 momme, and a midweight 22 momme in a wide variety of colors.

Will silk fade?

As with all dyed fabrics, silk can fade over time – especially when exposed to sunlight, frequent washing, or improper storage. Colors such as lilac and periwinkle are extremely susceptible to fading, with direct sunlight exposure not recommended – even for a short duration as little as a few hours. Always be mindful when hanging your silk garments in your closet. If you have a window in your walk-in closet, it could ruin your beautiful silk creations as well as fade the rest of your wardrobe.

With proper care and storage, silk fabric can maintain its vibrant colors and luxurious appearance for many years.

How should silk fabric be stored?

Silk should be stored away from direct sunlight and heat sources. Even a window in a closet can fade silk garments over time. With proper care and storage, silk can maintain its vibrant colors and luxurious appearance for many years.

Can sunlight damage silk fabric?

Yes, direct sunlight can fade silk quickly, even after just a few hours of exposure. Colors such as lilac and periwinkle are the most susceptible to fading.

Can I store silk near a window?

No, even indirect light from a nearby window can cause fading and damage over time. JB Silks recommends storing silk garments and fabric away from all windows and direct sunlight.

What is the durability of silk?

The durability of silk depends on the type of silk fabric and the density of the weave. In general, silk is the strongest natural fiber, though some weaves are more durable than others. Choosing the right momme weight and weave type for your intended use is the best way to ensure long-lasting results.

What is the strongest weave of fabric?

For all weaves, the order from strongest to weakest is a plain weave, a twill weave, and a satin weave.

Will silk keep you warm?

Yes, silk is a natural fiber that is excellent at retaining warmth while remaining breathable, so it will keep you warm without making you feel clammy or hot.

Will silk keep you cool?

Yes, silk is a natural fiber and its breathability will keep you cool in warm weather and warmer climates. Tightly woven silk fabrics keep you warmer while looser weaves keep you cooler.

For more frequently asked questions, visit the Silk Fabric FAQs page.