Caring For Crepe de Chine

Crepe de Chine has a soft, graceful drape that falls into limp, soft ripples and flares.  It can be gathered, tucked, or shirred.  It may be pleated.  Use a very fine, sharp needle with no nicks or burrs to avoid snags.  CDC tends to wrinkle, but smoothness is easily restored with a warm iron.  Use to make semi-fitted, loose-fitting or very loose-fitting styles of blouses, shirts, lightweight dresses, and lingerie.  Drycleaning is strongly recommended. 


What to expect with CDC:
  • slippery
  • difficult to cut out
  • is reversible; both sides of fabric look the same
  • won't unravel
  • creases easily

Wearability:
  • fabric is durable and strong
  • wears evenly
  • subject to snags
  • attracts static
  • tends to cling
  • holds its shape
  • tends to wrinkle

Suggested care:
  • dryclean only
  • dry iron
  • may shrink a small amount
  • may bleed or fade

Sewing rating (easy to hard): average
Suggested clothing fit: semi-fitted, loose-fitting, very loose-fitting
Suggested styles: pressed pleats and tucks; 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.