What is Silk Chiffon?

Definition: Silk Chiffon

Silk Chiffon fabric is a very lightweight, sheer, flat-crepe textured silk with a dull, soft finish. Often seen in overlays for evening gowns. Excellent for shawls or scarves where a floaty look is desired.

Image via Flickr

Because this fabric is lightweight, it is necessary that a layer of tissue paper is applied when sewing two pieces together. This will keep the fabric together and in place. After sewing, the tissue paper can be easily removed. As a general rule, sewers should work slowly and steadily with this fabric, taking care not to run it through a sewing machine too quickly or it will bunch and gather.

Sewing Silk Chiffon for Pants

When sewing silk chiffon for pants, the garment should be one-third to on half larger than your hip measurement and one quarter to one third larger than your bust measurement. If your hips are 40 inches, full pants need to measure 53-60 inches. for a 36-inch bust, the garment should measure 44 to 48 inches. When sewing with this fabric, hold onto top and bobbin threads when you begin sewing to prevent it from pulling down into bobbin. Let fabric feed in naturally.