Caring For Charmeuse

Charmeuse has beautiful drape that falls close to the body in soft flares.  It can be gathered into a soft fullness.  It tends to cling.  Choose semi-fitted, loose or very loose, voluminous styles of blouses, dresses, evening wear, nightgowns, and lingerie.  It is sometimes used for lining.  Use a very fine, sharp needle with no nicks or burrs to reduce snags.  Luster may require a "with nap" layout.  Drycleaning strongly recommended to avoid scuffs and abrasions.


What to expect with charmeuse:
  • slippery but won't unravel
  • difficult to cut out
  • has a nap
  • pins and needs leave holes and marks
  • creases easily

Wearability:
  • fabric is fragile
  • subject to abrasion
  • subject to snags
  • attracts static
  • tends to cling
  • tends to wrinkle
  • water drops leave spots

Suggested care:
  • dryclean only
  • press dry fabric
  • dry iron
  • iron on the wrong side
  • use a press cloth

Sewing rating (easy to hard): average
Suggested clothing fit: semi-fitted, loose-fitting, or very loose-fitting
Suggested styles: soft gathers; elasticized shirring; loose and full; soft and flowing; draped; cut on bias


Silk’s Limitations:
Silk is regarded as nature's most perfect fiber, but even perfection has its limitations:
  • Soap and agitation - Silk's smooth surface does not attract dirt and is easily cleaned, but silk can be damaged by most laundry detergents - so always dry clean your silk.  Silk loses strength when wet, so do not wring or agitate.
  • Bleach - Silk is easily damaged by strong bleaches that contain sodium hypochlorite. 
  • Heat and light - Silk is sensitive to heat and begins to decompose at 330 degrees fahrenheit.  Use a warm (not hot) iron.
  • Mildew and moths - Silk will not mildew except in extreme conditions.  Moths don't care for it, but carpet beetles do.
  • Perspiration - Perspiration causes silk to deteriorate and affects the color, causing staining.  Any silk worn next to the skin should be cleaned frequently.