Table of Contents
Best Shantung Fabrics
Here are our shantung fabric reviews.
1. Shantung Sateen
Shantung fabric usually has a smooth side and a Shantung finish on the reverse side, and this fabric definitely follows suit. The opposite side of this fabric is very lustrous and shiny, while the Shantung side features the signature ribs. This fabric could be interchanged, with either side, or both used on sewing projects.
- Shantung fabric is great for making dresses, jackets, skirts, and formal wear, but it can also be used for home décor projects like window treatments, bedding, and toss cushions
- This fabric is lightweight and is 100% polyester
- Dry clean only
2. 100% Silk Shantung
Shantung fabric was traditionally made using silk, but many other fibers are now used. This fabric, as the name implies, is indeed made with 100% silk. The fabric has more of a matte sheen and does still have the signature Shantung texture, but the rubs are naturally occurring. This fabric can be used for many different apparel items, including skirts, dresses, jackets, and for special occasion and formal wear as well.
- This line of fabric comes in nearly ten different colors and is available in 54” widths
- Fabric is very lightweight
- Dry clean only
3. 117″ Shantung
This fabric, as the name implies, is available to purchase in extra-wide, 117” widths. The fabric itself has a crisp hand, and features the signature Shantung textured slubs on one side. The fabric does have some sheen and is very lightweight.
- This fabric is best used for home décor items like bedding, window treatments, accents like pillows, and can even be used for some lighter weight upholstery projects
- Made from 100% polyester
- Dry clean only
4. Trend 03648 Shantung
Shantung fabric isn’t just available in solid colors. Shantung can be purchased in prints as well. This line of Shantung features a beautiful jacquard print and is available in different neutral hues. The fabric has a beautiful sheen.
- This fabric could be a great choice for many different home décor projects like window treatments, bedding, toss cushions, and more
- Fabric is lightweight and is a blend of 58% cotton and 42% polyester
- Dry clean only
5. Kravet Style: 3807
This line of faux-Shantung fabric is available in over five neutral colors. The fabric features the traditional Shantung textured slubs or rubs, and is perfect for making many home décor items like toss cushions, curtains, bedding, and more.
- This lightweight fabric is 100% polyester
- Dry clean only
- Available in 54” widths
Shantung Fabric Buying Guide
Shantung is a gorgeous fabric with a signature texture. While Shantung looks as though it would be costly, many lines are actually quite affordable, since the fabric is now often made using synthetic fibers like polyester. Shantung is a great fabric to use when you would like to save money on formal wear items or other garments. It’s also a great option for making classy, beautiful home décor items that are both luxurious and inexpensive.
Availability and Cost
Shantung fabric is available in many different widths. For those making home décor items or even formal wear that require a wider width fabric, there are lines available in wide widths which are more than double than what some of the regular widths usually are. Even though Shantung fabric looks like it would be extremely expensive, it is often quite budget friendly. Some lines of Shantung which are made from polyester cost around or below five dollars a yard, while real silk can range up to thirty to thirty-five dollars per yard.
Caring for Shantung
Shantung fabrics differ from line to line. Shantung can be made with 100% silk, from 100% polyester, or from a poly/cotton blend, or even from other fibers. Shantung is a great fabric that is extremely versatile. While the fabric might differ in composition, the care requirements are just about always the same. Most shantung fabrics are dry clean only.
Recommended Reading:
- Chapter 1: The 7 Sewing Essentials for Beginners
- Chapter 2: The Beginner’s Guide to Sewing Machines
- Chapter 3: The Ultimate Guide to Setting up your Sewing Room
- Chapter 4: Everything You Need To Know About Sewing
- Chapter 5: Sewing Fabric 101: A Virtual Tour of the Fabric Store
