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Whether silk or polyester, taffeta is a special effect for anything from an evening dress to curtains. The fabrics experts at myfabrics.co.uk will tell you about the different types of taffeta and how to use it for your projects and care for it properly:
The original name originates from a style of weaving that places the thin warp threads close together and inserts a slightly thicker weft thread. This produces a ribbed structure, which also provides the fabric with its typical shape. Today, taffeta is mainly made using a plain weave, and it receives its look and sturdiness from the fabric and its finish. Taffeta is most frequently used in elegant evening and ball fashion as well as for decorative purposes.
The fabric:
As an outer layer, taffeta may consist of silk (silk taffeta) as well as artificial fibres (e.g. nylon, polyester, viscose) and a mixture of these. Taffeta is available in single colours as well as in printed and embroidered variations. Taffeta may also feature varying surface textures, e.g. with a moiré effect or crushed, which refers to bunched or folded textured taffeta. Woven jacquard patterns are more seldom.
Care tips:
Taffeta should be treated according to its composition.
Artificial fibres such as polyester, etc. will stand up to machine washing at 30°C with spin cycles of up to 800 rpm. If the fabric is embroidered or very fine, then the article may be washed in a machine in a large laundry bag accordingly.
Silk taffeta may be dropped off for cleaning or washed (very carefully) by hand (see Introduction to fabrics: Silk).
Always iron inside-out at low temperature (1st setting) and spray lightly (more misting than spraying), since water spots might result otherwise. Crushed articles shouldn’t be ironed at all.
Production tips:
Taffeta, like silk, is one of the more “difficult” fabrics, but these tips will make it easier for you to handle:
Always use a new, thin, high-quality needle with a point (thickness 60 to 70), otherwise threads will catch, and this will be visible!
The stitch length should be normal (2 to 3.5). To be on the safe side, try out a test piece to find the right settings for your machine.
A seam should always be removed very gently, since needle holes will otherwise be very visible.
Extremely crushed taffeta may be top stitched with a simple straight stitch inside the seam, since this will make sure that the folds don’t twist up.
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