The word crepe does not mean any specific fabric, but a whole group of materials that have characteristic features. There are quite a lot of them, and in order to choose the right one for sewing a specific product, you need to understand the nuances and differences. This fabric is very interesting and deserves attention from any craftswoman who is interested in needlework and sewing clothes.
Crepe - description of the material
Crepe fabric consists of interwoven threads, the twist of which is directed in different directions. This gives the material a special density. To the touch it has a rough surface and an unusual texture, as in the photo. High-quality material is distinguished by rich and bright colors.
Manufacturing technology
The formation of an unusual structure of the fabric is achieved by a special method of twisting the fibers. There can be up to 3 thousand turns per linear meter of fabric. This technology gives the crepe special strength and greater shrinkage.A mandatory part of the technological process is the use of high temperatures. It is the digestion procedure that creates a rough, characteristic texture, the granularity of which may differ slightly in different types of crepe..
Fabric composition
The basis of original crepe fabrics is raw silk fibers. Currently, to reduce the cost of the production process of the material and products made from it, various artificial fibers are used. First of all, it is synthetic acetate silk. Acrylic, viscose, polyester, elastane, and spandex can also be used to make fabric. Some types of crepe may contain natural cotton and wool, which gives them their own unique qualities.
Properties
Any crepe fabric made using this technology has a set of certain properties and qualities that determine its use. First of all, this is high fabric strength and density. The material is highly breathable and can repel dust and small drops of water. With high density, it stands out for its softness and lightness.
Advantages
Crepe has many advantages:
- High strength and wear resistance make it possible to sew clothes and other products from it that can serve for a long time without losing their appearance and quality.
- The softness of the fabric makes it possible to create a variety of draperies and beautiful folds, and at the same time does not allow creases to form.
- Wearing clothes made from it is comfortable, as the skin can breathe.
- The property of repelling dirt makes things less easily soiled and suitable for everyday wear. The lightness of crepe fabrics also contributes to this.
Flaws
The main disadvantage of such materials will be high cost of fabric made from natural threads. Synthetics are cheaper, but require more attention during operation. It is more likely to form puffs and other minor defects that spoil the appearance of clothing and other products.
Varieties of crepe
There are quite a few types of crepe fabric, which differ from each other in purpose, composition and properties. Knowing these features will help you choose exactly the material that will allow you to realize all your plans.
Georgette
This fabric, common in the past, has now lost its significance. You can’t always find it on sale, it’s different medium density and very beautiful appearance. This fabric was made from natural silk fibers with plain weaving. It makes magnificent evening dresses, but when processed, crepe georgette is quite capricious and demanding on tailoring skills.
Crepe de Chine
Translated from French, the name of this material means “Chinese crepe.” Back in Soviet times, it gained popularity among craftswomen who were fond of tailoring. He dense and thin, made from natural silk, possibly with the addition of wool or polyester fibers. Due to its texture, crepe de Chine does not require the use of a lining. The material allows air to pass through well and allows the skin to breathe. It is used for sewing summer dresses and other types of casual clothing.
Crepon
This type of crepe fabric is made from natural or artificial wool. It is very dense and has good thermal insulation properties. From crepon, or as it is also called - wool crepe, sew warm dresses and business suits that are stylish and elegant.
Stretch
This is one of the most popular types of crepe fabric. As the name makes clear, its main feature is its ability to stretch. The basis of stretch fabric is silk or cotton, and elasticity appears due to the addition of elastane or spandex.. Additional components make up only 2-3% of the total volume, which allows maintaining strength and wear resistance. Casual and business clothes made from it are comfortable, fit well, and do not create discomfort when worn for a long time during the day.
Chiffon
This material is a combination of chiffon and crepe fabric. The fabric is pleasant matte and rough surface, it is impossible to distinguish the front and back sides. It is made from natural silk, thanks to which crepe chiffon products are particularly beautiful and light. Light blouses and dresses are sewn from it, as well as scarves, stoles and scarves.
Reaper
This type of crepe fabric was originally made from silk, and later cotton and viscose became the main raw materials. What makes her different is special relief, as if “shrinked”, front side, which gives the material its name. Bed linen, tablecloths, curtains, and some items of clothing are made from the reaper. Due to the peculiarity of the texture, this material is almost impossible to wrinkle - any folds spread throughout the material and look quite organic.
Satin
Crepe satin is made from natural or artificial silk. It combines the advantages of both materials - satin and crepe fabric. The material is very durable and at the same time has an elegant appearance. Its back and front sides have different textures and appearances, which allows you to create original clothing models without the use of other materials.
By the way! It is used to make evening and casual dresses, business suits, skirts, blouses, shirts and underwear. Decorative elements made from this fabric and pieces of furniture upholstered with it are especially beautiful.
Jacquard
This type of crepe is made using a jacquard loom, which creates its own unique weave of threads. The jacquard fabric has a large relief pattern. It is distinguished by its high cost, so this crepe is one of the most expensive. It is mainly used for making underwear, sewing curtains, and upholstering furniture. The design on this fabric is durable; high-quality paint is practically not subject to fading.
Suit
As the name implies, this fabric is primarily used for sewing business-style clothing. Suit crepe is lightweight and durable, has a rough surface texture and practically does not wrinkle.
The range of applications of this canvas is quite wide. School uniforms, dresses and skirts, and suits are made from it. Sometimes it is used to cover furniture. The raw materials for its production are silk, cotton and synthetic fibers in varying percentages.
Barbie
This new product on the market of fabrics for tailoring is slightly modified costume crepe. The fabric threads are less susceptible to twisting, so the surface of the material is smoother. Barbie crepe is made from synthetic fibers. It consists of viscose, polyester and elastane. The fabric is used to sew a variety of clothes for every day.
When and how is crepe used on a hat?
In the case of hats, crepe is used to make special black ribbons serving as a sign of mourning. The tapes have a corrugated structure and are translucent.In the past, such hats were a mandatory item of clothing at funerals.
Scope of use
After the invention of crepe fabrics, they began to be often used for sewing ceremonial suits, evening dresses and other outfits for special occasions.
The development of the textile industry also expanded the scope of use of crepe.
Now it is also used for sewing casual clothes, fashion accessories, hats, trimming clutches and bags. In addition, bed linen, various soft toys, curtains and curtains, furniture upholstery, canopies, theater scenery and costumes are made from crepe fabrics.
Subtleties of care - washing and ironing
Any item will last several years longer if you take care of it and properly care for it. Crepe fabric differs in its ability to repel dust, but can still get dirty. Wrong washing is the first opportunity to ruin everything.
Important! In order for your favorite items made of crepe fabric to retain their appearance, they should be washed by hand at a temperature not exceeding 40°, and if the composition includes natural silk, then only up to 30°. The use of aggressive powders and bleaches is strictly prohibited.
Products with a complex cut are best taken to a dry-cleaning studio.. More tips:
- If the fabric has faded over time, you can restore the brightness of the colors by adding a little vinegar to the rinse water.
- Products made from all types of crepe should be ironed only from the wrong side. If this is not possible, then place a cloth or gauze soaked in water between the iron and the item. The maximum ironing temperature is 110-120°. Even if these numbers slip out of your head, you can always check the information on the manufacturer's label.
- Clothes and other items made from crepe fabric should be stored in closets, away from direct sunlight.
- For fabrics with added wool, it is better to use special covers made of cotton fabric.
- It is necessary to ensure that the material is not damaged by the metal fittings of other things that are stored in the closet.
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