Caring For Georgette

Georgette drapes beautifully and falls into soft, languid flares and ripples.  It may be gathered, shirred, or pleated into a limp fullness.  Seams, facings, and interfacings can be seen from the finished side of the garment.  Fabric is durable, but it snags easily and is difficult to sew.  Choose loose, full styles to make blouses, bias-cut, flared skirts and dresses, evening wear, and scarves.  Drycleaning is strongly recommended. 


What to expect with Georgette:
  • fabric is slippery
  • difficult to cut out
  • is reversible; both sides of the fabric look the same
  • tends to pucker
  • inner construction shows from the outside
  • won't hold a crease
 
Wearability:
  • fabric is durable and strong
  • wears evenly
  • subject to snags
  • resists wrinkles
  • stains will occur from contact with water drops and perspiration

Suggested care:
  • dryclean only
  • press dry fabric
  • dry iron
  • fabric may shrink slightly

 
Sewing rating (easy to hard): difficult
Suggested clothing fit: semi-fitted, loose-fitting, or very loose-fitting
Suggested styles: unpressed tucks; limp gathers; elasticized shirring; lined; 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.