In one of my previous posts, is Taffeta good for winter, i described Taffeta as a type of woven fabric made with plain weave and reputed for its natural crisp, lustrous and shiny appearance.
However, in that post, only general knowledge about the material was provided, which does not cover the overarching existence of the fabric, with so much left to be discussed.
This article is more of a revised version of my last write-up about Taffeta as more details will be provided regarding the “advantages and disadvantages of Taffeta fabrics,” what they are used for, and other interesting facts about the fabric.
So, if you have missed my last post, I urge you to go through it before continuing with this helpful article.
Taffeta fabric properties
- Taffeta fabrics can be made from nylon, polyester, or silk.
- It is moisture resistant.
- It has low stretchability.
- It has low heat retention capabilities
- It is not prone to bubbling or pilling.
- The fabric is generally characterized by its smoothness, scroop sound, and shimmery and crispy texture.
- It is very breathable.
When was Taffeta invented?
The invention of the Taffeta fabric dates back to the 12th century in the province of Attabiya, Baghdad.
What type of material is Taffeta?
Taffeta is a plain woven fabric made of materials like acetate, nylon, polyester, silk, and other synthetic materials.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of Taffeta fabrics
Advantages
- The crispy, shimmery and smooth appearance of the fabric gives it a luxurious look that makes it suitable for making high-end fashion outfits.
- Unlike most other fabrics, Taffeta is not likely to pill after prolonged use.
- Taffeta can retain its shape and smoothness even after many years of continuous usage.
- Taffeta fabric can withstand several coatings, whether silver, PA, PVC, PUL, waterproof, milky layer, or water repellant affection.
Disadvantages
- You will always need a sharp needle to work on Taffeta fabrics.
- It can easily snag and create pull.
- It requires maintenance compared to some other fabrics.
- It does not stretch much and is not so flexible; therefore, unsuitable for making certain fashion items.
- Taffeta fabrics are usually costly.
- Sewing Taffeta fabric can be complex.
- You may need to pre-wash the fabric before sewing to make them softer.
What can you make with Taffeta?
Because of the luxurious feel and elegant look of the fabric, they are suitably used in making premium women’s apparel like wedding gowns, prom dresses, evening wears, party dresses and jackets, lining, corsets, and evening gowns.
Other none cloths making related use include making parachutes and home decor.
Can you steam Taffeta?
Yes, you can steam Taffeta. Taffeta may seem like a total package, but like some other fabric types, they are also susceptible to wrinkles, and the way of getting rid of these wrinkles is with steam.
However, you should know that steam or iron on high heat settings can permanently damage or stain the fabric. And therefore, it is best to use either of these two methods in a cool to medium heat setting.
How to remove stains from white Taffeta fabric
- Pour some lukewarm or cold water into a sink or a bowl.
- Pour a few drops of mild detergent or non-alkaline soap into the water to create a cleaning solution.
- Since the stain is on white Taffeta, you can add a few drops of hydrogen peroxide or ammonia.
- Put the stained fabric in the solution and wash as gently it as possible for about 5 minutes.
- Remove the fabric from the solution, rinse in cold or lukewarm water and hang the fabric to drip dry. Do not wring or squeeze the fabric.
- Remove excess water from the fabric by spreading it over the thick, absorbent towel, and roll the towel as tightly as you can over the garment.
- Leave the garment to air-dry on a drying rack in a temperate, shady, and dry area.
Can you dry clean silk Taffeta?
Yes, you can dry clean silk Taffeta. Although most Taffeta, especially the ones made from synthetic materials, can be washed effectively by hand.
However, when it comes to silk Taffeta, the best and most ideal method of washing this type of fabric is by dry cleaning them.
Should I wash Taffeta before sewing?
It is best to wash your Taffeta fabric before sewing to prevent them from shrinking or losing shape.
Does Taffeta shrink when washed?
Yes, Taffeta shrinks when washed. Just like every other woven fabric like flannel and chiffon, about 2 to 3 percent of Taffeta fabric shrinks when washed.
Different types of Taffeta
Warp-printed Taffeta
This type of Taffeta has warp thread printed on them before they are weaved. This process results in the formation of pastel patterns of different colors on the surface of the fabrics.
Antique Taffeta
Antique Taffeta is a type of Taffeta that is woven from inconsistent spun yarns, which leads to the creation of slight bumps on the fabric surface.
Stretch Taffeta
This is a type of Taffeta in which Spandex is incorporated into the weave of the fabrics to ensure extra flexibility and stretch.
Shot silk Taffeta
In this type of Taffeta, different colors are used for the warp and weft thread giving the fabric a beautiful iridescent effect.
Paper Taffeta
The paper Taffeta is famous for being lightweight and extremely thin. The lightness of this Taffeta fabric is believed to have a similar consistency to paper.
Faile Taffeta
This is a type of Taffeta that is made from stable fiber. These fiber types are usually short in length, like wool or cotton.
Is Taffeta good for sleeping bags?
Yes, you can use Taffeta for sleeping bags. Taffeta fabrics are one of the best options for making sleeping bags, whether made of polyester or silk.
These fabric types are breathable and soft to the skin, which means they will provide you with nothing but comfort when you sleep in them.
