How to Sew With Silk | Fabric Guide

[@lizziecallaghan4995]

I just bought my first ever sewing machine, I can't wait to use these tips to make my first beautiful silk garment 😁

[@lynnshepard7485]

How did I ever manage to make my satin wedding dress in 1976 before rotary cutters, self healing mats, and probably not using the correct needle? 😂

[@jsihavealotofplaylists]

You're probably just that good!

[@annaz6911]

Was it silk satin or polyester satin? It was likely satin made from polyester which is VASTLY easier to sew with.

[@lynnshepard7485]

@@annaz6911 Silk satin. 😊

[@MsSavvy9]

Loved the little editing details in this video. It made me smile. This is a joke that I have with a basket weaver in NC, "Show me the wool!" 🤭 Yes, you have to yell it like in Jerry Maguire. Sometimes, you meet someone who matches your energy when discussing fiber and that needs to be celebrated. 🤓 The best thing about the fiber arts, is how we share it, at least I think so.

[@SeamworkVideo]

I love that! 😂

[@thekindles1183]

I love these fabric guides. Maybe a polyester blend or sequins for the holiday? Thank you for this! - Kimberly

[@patricialeib6565]

Thank you! Very timely podcast for me as I’m considering a shantung silk duster over a dress for a wedding. My baby’s that is. 🙂

[@annaz6911]

This isn’t a podcast 😂 It’s a video.

[@joylittle3917]

Wonderful video as always! Instructions on working with Linen, please!

[@SeamworkVideo]

Noted!

[@colin101981]

Thank you for this helpful video. I'm self taught (thank you youtube), so I really appreciate the help and guidance from those who know their stuff. Kind regards from Mold in North Wales UK. 🙋‍♂🙋‍♂

[@SeamworkVideo]

Thanks so much for watching! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@tammyellison735]

Thank you for this tutorial. I just got some silk charmeuse and want to make a fancy slip with trims. Can you cover trims and specialty stitches to use on your silk? I love your fabric guide. Sequin fabrics are a good idea too.

[@suzanneevans1771]

A great, comprehensive video, thank you 😊

[@SeamworkVideo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JoanieDaniel]

This is sooo helpful!! Thank you!

[@SeamworkVideo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ArlenePMCM]

Super helpful tips.

[@SeamworkVideo]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JoyfulFreckles]

Ooh I just got some silk crepe de chine to make a slip under a sheer linen top I'm making for my mum's Christmas present. These tips are great, will need to take some deep breaths before I begin from the sounds of it. Would love to see a linen episode!

[@SeamworkVideo]

Thanks so much for the suggestion! Good luck with your slip!

[@cookiebattle]

Super informative, thank you so much. I have a few technical questions about laundering. Why do we need to use a gentle detergent? What kind of damage would a regular liquid detergent do? Also, why no agitation? I usually wash blouses on a cold delicate cycle, in delicates bags. What kind of damage would that do to silk? Thank you for all your amazing work!

[@SeamworkVideo]

Regular detergents can potentially damage silk, as their higher pH levels strip silk of its natural proteins. You want to avoid agitation because it can stretch or distort the fabric and cause it to lose its shape permanently. Washing on the delicate cycle in bags should be fine, but if you're worried about it I would consider doing a test wash with a swatch first.

[@samanthaschasteen7903]

Thanks for this video! Very helpful and informative. Where do you recommend buying silk?

[@SeamworkVideo]

I don't have a specific recommendation but lots of online shops sell swatches, which is always a good approach to get an idea of the fabric's hand, weight, and overall quality before buying.

[@debsmadethis]

Thanks Hayley! I have a silk/wool blend that I'm about to make a Phen shirt with, so really helpful ! Can I ask why silk organza is recommended as a press cloth if there's an issue with heat ? I've had one for years and it hasn't been adversely affected by heat.

[@SeamworkVideo]

A silk organza press cloth can be used for general pressing because it has a high melting point and can be used at any iron temperature. The fabric is sheer, so you can see through it to place the iron exactly where you need it, and organza's fine texture eliminates weave texture transfer to the fashion fabric.

[@catjones2684]

Great video Hayley

[@SeamworkVideo]

Thank you!!

[@beatiemoe4707]

Wonderful and helpful video! I just bought some beautiful turquoise dupioni silk to sew a dress for a wedding. But I have never sewn with it before. Do I pre-wash it?

[@SeamworkVideo]

It is a good idea pre-wash in order to remove any sizing and to preshrink the fabric. However, be aware that washing may soften its crisp texture and change its sheen; alternatively, you can dry clean it to maintain its original qualities.

[@1QYITSTORM]

Thanks for sharing. What type silk should I use to sew a hair bonnet?

[@SeamworkVideo]

I'd suggest going to a local fabric shop and feeling their silk selection. Some can have more texture than you might want for a bonnet.

[@andreagailx]

Great video! 💗 Please if you can explain better for me ... I don't really understand the preparation before using the stabilizing spray. Is it meant i have to wash the fabric thoroughly first to get rid of any sprays the fabric seller may have used or ... ? And I assume that after I sew the fabric I will have to wash it before wearing it, is that right? Thank you so much or anyone else! ❣

[@SeamworkVideo]

If you use spray stabilizer, you will need to wash it out before you wear the garment. Because some silks respond better to hand washing than others, it is a good idea to hand wash a test piece and make sure it holds up well to washing. Pre-washing your fabric can pre-shrink it as well, so it is always a good idea to do that before you cut any of your pieces out. Hope that helps!

[@andreagailx]

@@SeamworkVideo Thank you so much 💗😍

[@mortchar]

This is really helpful, thanks! Do you have any tips for colour leakage from silk? I have some red crepe de chine that keeps leaking colour for multiple washes, thanks!

[@lynnshepard7485]

Use color catchers if you don’t already do that. 😊

[@SeamworkVideo]

Color catchers are a great tip. You might trying washing on cold as well, but you may want to err on the side of caution and separate your colors when you wash in case the silk still bleeds.

[@mortchar]

Thanks, I'll look into colour catchers

[@gricelmaldonado4357]

I am train to make hearts pillow for weddings

[@MsSavvy9]

Silk noil and dupioni 💕💞 give me all the slub please 🥰