Satin Fabric: History, Properties, Uses, Care, Where to Buy

Introduction to Satin Fabric

In the world of textiles, satin fabric is a material that is made using one of the three primary weaves, along with plain weave and twill. These satin fabrics weave produce a textile that is smooth, lustrous, and stretchy, and it has a lovely drape.

 Satin is a textile that has one side that is characterized by a smooth and shiny surface, while the other side has a surface that is more matte. The weaving process is responsible for the appearance of the fabric.

What is the History of Satin Fabric?

The usage of silk in satin manufacturing can be traced back to early China, where the fabric was initially developed.

The town of Quanzhou in China, which was referred to as Zaitun in old Arabic, was the inspiration for the word “Satin” in contemporary times. The title “Satin” was given to the weave, and the city served as the phrase’s source.

Through the trade routes, both the material and the weaving methods were transmitted, leading to the widespread production of cloth in Middle Eastern countries. 

Satin was originally produced in the Western world in Italy, and by the fourteenth century, it had gained wide acceptance throughout Europe. The majority of the upholstered pieces in the Versailles Palace are still made of Satin.

Properties of Satin Fabric

• It is a highly durable fabric.
• It is fine and smooth in texture 
• It is a lightweight but strong fabric.
• It is comfortable to wear.
• It is easy to drape.

How is Satin Fabric Made?

Satin fabric is made using the satin weaving technique. A satin weave can be described as having either four or much more weft threads over one warp thread, or four more warp yarns over one weft yarn.

 The finished product is created by keeping the warp threads or fibers in their initial location on the loom while weaving the weft threads above and below the warps to make the fabric.

Where is Satin Fabric Made?

The United States of America and several Asian countries, including India, Pakistan, and China, are the primary producers of satin fabrics. It is because China dominates the global textile market.

 The vast majority of the fabric is manufactured close to the locations where end-users and garment manufacturers can purchase it.

Common uses of Satin Fabric

Satin is a fabric utilized in the production of a variety of garments and other things. Because there are so many different ways to weave satin, it may be utilized for a wide range of applications, from fashion to adorning interiors.

Daily wear

Putting on your new skirts, evening gowns, and dresses made from this fabric will give you a modern and up-to-date appearance in the fashion world.

Home décor

In Europe, one of the earliest applications of satin was for beautiful furniture in the Palace of Versailles. Satin is still used for covering pillows, chairs, and other types of cushioned equipment today.

Footwear

Satin is a popular fabric choice for shoe designers and can be seen in everything from ballet shoes to high heels.

Other Accessories

The fabric is also used to make purses, evening bags, and clutches.

Sewing with Satin fabric

Satin is a lightweight fabric that is difficult to sew due to its slippery nature. However, Sewing patterns and designs on the fabric can be made without hindrance if one ensures using the correct sewing essentials and sewing notions and supplies.

It would help if you used a universal sewing needle for your satin textiles. Also, because of the slippery nature of the fabric, you should use a roller presser foot to prevent your cloth from becoming entangled within the machine.

Since the fabric snags easily, you should constantly switch needles to avoid damaging it.

The sewing thread should match the material you’re dealing with, making the fabric last longer. It would help if you also used a wide seam allowance when sewing the fabric.

To obtain a better-sewed fabric, you can use the best sewing machines like the Brother SE600 for better results. Keeping in mind these tips and tricks, you can easily sew the fabric to make clothes and garments of your choice.

Dyeing with Satin fabric

Those familiar with the material may be surprised to learn that satin fabric may have different colors dyed onto it. This method is useful for fashion designers and customers who have their own personal preferences in terms of design.

Depending on the fibers that make up the fabric, it might be possible to color it. It is possible to use Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye, the best fabric dye available, on items that have been manufactured using silk, polyester, and other types of synthetic threads.

How to care for Satin Fabric?

Satin fabrics aren’t so hard to care for and can easily be washed and ironed.

Washing and drying

• Use cold water to wash the fabric
• Handwashing is always the safest and most effective cleaning 
• When machine washing the fabric, you should use a gentle laundry detergent.
• You can also use fabric softeners.
• The machine setting should be set to a gentle cycle
• When drying satin, don’t hang it up, as this might cause it to lose its form.
• The fabric can be dried by air-drying it on a flat exterior.

Ironing

• Using a shark steam iron, press the fabric on the wrong side
• Use a low heat setting and a press cloth.

Where to buy Satin Fabrics?

Fabric stores and garment shops both stock satin, so you should be able to find it there. Clients can also purchase satin fabric from online retailers and websites such as Fabric.com and Amazon, both of which have the best satin fabric currently on the market.

It can be sold in several ways depending on the seller;

• By yard
• By Inches
• Can be cut to order

Sewers and crafters use satin for a wide range of projects.  It is great for making formal garments, dance wear, and for lining garments.  It can also be used for decoration projects for parties or for home use. This buying guide will help you consider a number of factors to find the perfect satin fabric for any project you have in mind.

Best Satin Fabrics

Here are our satin fabric reviews.

1. Rose Flavor Satin Fabric

This Rose Flavor satin fabric is available in twelve different solid colors. It can be machine washed in warm water but should be air-dried. It is sold in pieces of either one, three, five, or ten yards and is suitable for creating garments and decorations.

• Machine washable
• 100% polyester satin
• 60-inch width

2. Barcelonetta Charmeuse Satin Fabric

This Barcelonetta satin fabric comes in either 5 or 10 yard pieces and is 60 inches wide.  It is available in six different solid colors. It should be washed in warm water with mild soap and air dried.  This fabric is suitable for creating formal gowns, lining dresses or skirts, and even home decor projects such as table cloths.

• 100% polyester
• Great for draping
• Lustrous surface

3. SyFabrics Chinese Faux Silk Satin Fabric

This SyFabrics satin fabric features a beautiful flower and peacock design and is available in ten different colors. It is made from a poly/nylon blend and is great for clothing, bags, and crafts. It is cut to order so you can get  just as much as you need for your project.

• poly/nylon blend
• Satin sheen
• Cut to order

4. The Fabric Exchange Jacguard Satin Fabric

This Fabric Exchange satin fabric features a jacquard finish with a subtle floral pattern.  Its slight shine sets this pattern off to perfection as the fabric moves. This fabric can be ordered by the yard so that you can get exactly as much as you need. It is suitable both for garment creation and decoration projects.

• Available in several solid colors
• Subtle floral pattern
• Slightly shiny finish

5. New Star Fabrics White Satin Charmeuse Fabric

This New Star Fabrics white satin fabric is suitable for evening gowns, dress linings, and tablecloths. The fabric is easy to take care of because it can be machine washed in cold water on the delicate setting.  It should be line dried. The fabric is 58 inches wide and is sold by the 20-yard roll.

• Soft and lightweight
• 58 inches wide
• Shiny finish

Satin Fabric Buyer’s Guide

There are a number of factors to consider when selecting satin fabric for your project.  Satin fabric is typically used for garments such as formalwear, dance wear, and for lining garments.  It also is often used for decor projects from curtains to table runners and chair sashes.

One factor to consider when purchasing satin fabric is what color scheme or print you have in mind. Some of the fabrics in this buying guide are available in a range of solid colors, while others are available in prints. Some are even decorated with embroidery and sequins. They are also available in either shiny or matte finishes, so you have a wide range of options to create any look you want whether you are creating a garment or a decoration project.

Another factor to consider is how much fabric you need to complete your project. Some of the fabrics in this buying guide are available by the yard so that you are able to get exactly how much you need for your project, whether large or small. Other fabrics in the guide are available by the bolt or roll and are better suited for large-scale projects such as ceiling drapes or chair sashes.

A third factor to consider when selecting fabric is the care that it will require. Many of the fabrics in this buying guide are made of 100% polyester and can be machine washed in cold water and tumble dried on a low setting, while some fabrics in the guide need to be hand washed.

This buying guide will help you select the perfect satin fabric for any project you have in mind, whether small or large in scale.

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

Conclusion

Satin is a fabric that is extremely durable and lightweight, and it has a wide variety of uses and sewing applications for both fashion designers and their clients.

Sources

• Masterclass
• Wunderlabel