Question:
Help, please. I want to list a piece of fabric but I'm not sure what it is. It is a sheer, very drapey, woven fabric.
The burn test indicates a natural fiber; rapid burn, afterglow, soft ash.
I'm inclined to call it chiffon only because nothing else came to mind. It seems to me to be silkier looking than voile and not as sheer as organdy.
What do you think? Cotton? Rayon? All comments and ideas appreciated.
The width is 40". I have over 4 yds and years ago intended to make curtains for my sewing room. Obviously that will never happen so out it goes.
Joan
Answer:
I am just guessing here but is it some type of crepe?
(I guess thats how you spell it)
I think chiffon is a bit transparent?
Answer:
Doobee, I usually think of crepe as having a slightly crinkled surface and this fabric has a smooth surface. I also thought it might be georgette but I"ll admit that I'm grasping at straws here.
Maybe someone will want it just because it has those cute little pincushion all over it and they won't care about the fabric label.
Joan
Answer:
Joan, I think that cute print would be quite desirable. Is it from the 1970's or 80's? A title like "Vintage Novelty Fabric Pink Polka Dot Pincushions 4+Yds" would most likely attract some bidders. I know many of the Japanese bidders love polka dots.
As far as the fiber content, when I've done a burn test, and am still not sure, I usually say something like "A burn test leads me to believe the fabric is most likely cotton or a cotton blend."
And if it was me, I wouldn't even bother trying to figure out if it's georgette or chiffon or whatever. I would just give an accurate physical description like you did in your first post: It is a sheer, very drapey (or I guess you could say soft) woven fabric.
It is a darling fabric!
Answer:
Tanya, thank you so much for your good advice. The age would only be a guess on my part so I will just list it as vintage and use your suggested title.
Joan
Answer:
I've been thinking about this fabric...and not coming to any conclusions.
FYI chiffon by definition has a crepe-like texture due to the tightly twisted single yarns in both directions. It is a loose, plain weave.
The photo shows it to be very drapey and limp... I associate that characteristic with rayon, but it could be a rayon/cotton blend.
If there were any polyester I think you'd smell it when you burn it. Also you'd end up with a hard bead, black, I think.
I'd go with mapledr's description type...
Elaine