Produced from cocoons of wild tussah silkworms that eat oak and juniper leaves. It’s most commonly available in its natural color (a creamy tan) becuase it’s difficult to dye. Tussah works well for travel garments because it’s wrinkle resistant.

Barnabee, Sue. Creative Machine Embroidery, July/August, 2010, page 18.

A heavyweight fabric that’s made from cultivated warp yarns and heavyweight doupioni yarns. It can be lustrous or dull, depending on the yarn. Shantung holds gathers and pleats, making it sutiable for fitted garments.

Barnabee, Sue. Creative Machine Embroidery, July/August, 2010, page 18.

Relatively inexpensive. Use it when making pants, skirts, shorts, jackets and vests. Noil and raw silk are often used interchangeably; however, as raw silk is stiff, dull and attracts odor and dirt, it’s typically used for items that don’t require flexibility or have resistance to wear, such as silk fabrics.

Barnabee, Sue. Creative Machine Embroidery, July/August, 2010, page 18.

A shimmering silk that seems to change colors as it moves into different lights. Doupioni works well for making semi-tailored garments, such as evening gowns, as it holds gathers and pleats.

Barnabee, Sue. Creative Machine Embroidery, July/August, 2010, page 18.

A lightweight fabric that has a pebbly appearance on the right and wrong side. It drapes well, making it perfect for loose blouses, dresses and skirts. Crepe de Chine doesn’t ravel as easily as some other silks, but it still needs to be handled with care to prevent tears.

Barnabee, Sue. Creative Machine Embroidery, July/August, 2010, page 18.

A lightweight fabric that contains sheen and has a plain weave. It’s relatively inexpensive and is commonly dyed using pastel colors. China silk is often used when making lightweight blouses, scarves and lining. Don’t use it when making fitted garments, as the seams easily tear from wear.

Barnabee, Sue. Creative Machine Embroidery, July/August, 2010, page 18.

A lightweight woven fabric that drapes well, making it suitable for scareves, blouses and lingerie. Look for patterns that are loose and flowing or have soft gathers. Avoid patterns with pleats, as charmeuse is too lightweight to hold folds.

Barnabee, Sue. Creative Machine Embroidery, July/August, 2010, page 18.