Taffeta fabric is a fabric for special occasions. They use this fabric to sew evening dresses and luxurious parties. Prominent brands such as Dior and Chanel have used taffeta a lot in their dress designs. The characteristics of this fabric make it an ideal choice for sewing special and luxurious clothes. We will tell you about it in this article.
What is taffeta fabric and how is it sewn?
The taffeta has a dense texture and a shiny color. The fibers of this fabric are a combination of silk, polyester or nylon. Apart from these cases, other synthetic fibers are also used in taffeta sewing. The weight of this fabric varies according to the type of fabric and its manufacturing materials; So some taffeta are light and some are heavy.
Taffeta was first sewn and sold in the Middle East in the 12th century, and its main origin is our own Iran. The production technique of this fabric is simple: each weft goes under and over a warp and produces a pattern similar to a chess board. What sets taffeta apart from other textiles is that its threads are warped during weaving. This is the reason why, finally, the fabric becomes stiff and dry.
At the beginning of taffeta production, this fabric was made of silk, but in the 20th century, manufacturers went to semi-synthetic materials such as rayon and synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester and acetate. These days, taffeta made from polyester is more common than other types. The reason for its popularity and popularity is its similarity to silk and its cheapness.
What are the characteristics of taffeta?
Taffeta has special and attractive features:
- The stiffness and dryness of the fabric, which is caused by the presence of warped threads in its texture.
- High glossiness caused by silk or polyester fibers.
- Hissing is also one of the characteristics of taffeta fabric and when you walk with this kind of clothes, it produces a sound.
One of the best features of taffeta is that it keeps its shape and does not wrinkle. Its durability is also high. The glossiness and firmness of the fabric texture also helps to sew luxurious and luxurious clothes.
Of course, you should be careful that taffeta also has disadvantages:
- Taffeta is not cheap. Of course, when silk is used in it, and of course being expensive is not a bad thing.
- Taffeta fabric has a stiff and dry texture, and if you are looking to sew a dress with a flexible fabric, you should not go for it.
- Another problem with taffeta is that it gets loose. It means that the place of the organs remains inside it and the fabric is formed.
What are the uses of taffeta fabric?
Taffeta fabric is used for sewing clothes, sofa covers and household items:
- decoration: Stiffer taffeta is used for sewing sofa covers or curtains. Sometimes they even use this fabric for wallpaper.
- Evening dress: The material and glossiness of taffeta fabric makes it an attractive option for making evening and formal dresses. The white taffeta wedding dress is also beautiful. Do you agree?
- under wear: They also use taffeta to produce bras. The stiffness of the fabric plays a role in sewing tight bras.
- Lining: Taffeta fabric is beautiful and can be a good option for lining jackets and different clothes.
- Parachute: In World War II, taffeta fabric was used for sewing and making parachutes.
What are the different types of taffeta?
There are types of taffeta that are worth knowing:
Silk shot taffeta
This type of taffeta fabric has warp and weft of two different colors and the two colors of the fabric texture gives it an attractive rainbow look.
Taffeta with printed thread
The fabric warp in this type of taffeta is dyed before being combined with the weft. This model of taffeta, in which the warp has a different color than the weft, was very famous in France in the 18th century.
Paper taffeta
The paper taffeta texture is very soft and uniform. This type of taffeta fabric is light and if you want weight in the sewing of the dress, you should go for it.
Antique taffeta
The threads in antique taffeta are prominent and there are small bumps in the texture.
Plain weave taffeta
In this type of taffeta fabric, short cotton and wool fibers are used.
Stretch taffeta or cashmere
Elastic and flexible fibers are available in stretch taffeta. Therefore, it is different from other types of taffeta, which are hard and dry.
See pictures of different types of taffeta fabric
How to take care of taffeta?
Taffeta fabric should be hand washed in cold water. It is also possible to dry clean it. Silk taffeta must be dry cleaned. If the taffeta is made with synthetic fibers, it is possible to wash it at home. To wash synthetic fiber taffeta, pay attention to the following points:
- Wash the fabric with cold water, as hot water damages the color of the fabrics.
- Use mild detergents for washing.
- Hang the fabric in the open air to dry and do not expose it to direct sunlight.
- If ironing is required, set the iron to low.
In which countries is taffeta produced?
The origin of taffeta fabric was Iran. Over time, other countries such as India and China also came to the fore and became one of the largest producers of taffeta fabric in the world. For centuries now, India has been the most important producer of taffeta in the world. Of course, in other parts of the world, such as Pakistan, taffeta are produced from silk and synthetic materials. The weaving of modern taffeta with synthetic materials began in the late 19th century in France and Italy. High-quality fabrics are still being sent to the market from the western world.
What is the price of taffeta fabric and its effect on the environment?
The price of taffeta depends on the materials used to make it. For example, silk is much more expensive than polyester. The rest of the synthetic materials are almost the same price. Of course, polyester is a bit cheaper than other synthetic options. Silk taffeta is the best type of this fabric.
The impact of fabric on the environment depends on the fibers used in it. Among the materials used in taffeta, silk is the most compatible with the environment; That is, the taffeta woven with silk are not dangerous for the environment. The only thing that harms the environment in using silk to produce taffeta is the killing of silkworms during its production.
Other synthetic materials used in the production of taffeta fabric, such as polyester and rayon, are not safe for nature. Polyester is a petroleum product, and while it is made from a non-renewable source, it also releases many toxic and chemical substances into nature during its production. After all, polyester products are not biodegradable and remain in nature for many years. Rayon is a semi-synthetic fiber, but there are chemicals in their production and damages are caused to nature.
at the end
The taffeta fabric is beautiful and knowing it can help you in sewing a formal dress or using it in home decoration. This fabric is one of the oldest textiles and has a beautiful effect. Have you ever had a taffeta dress? Do you like this fabric?
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