Organza is a wonder fabric. According to the July 2012 issue of Threads on tissue-weight fabrics, organza is a crisp, plain-weave fabric that has some bounce with a wiry hand, and a little sheen...crushes easily and is usually silk but can be made from manufactured fibers.
I often see directions in vintage patterns to use organza for giving structure or in place of stay tape with softer fabrics. The faux fur jacket I made from a 1940 Simplicity pattern had directions to use strips of organza along the front lines of the jacket:
I also use organza as a press cloth when ironing. I like it for ironing because it's a strong fabric but it is also transparent which makes it easier to see what I'm doing.
Gertie has done some great posts on organza and it's use in couture sewing including: all organza is not created equal, using organza to stabilize a neckline, and underlining in silk organza.
Do you use organza in your sewing? What do you use it for?
Yep I learned to use silk organza for an underlining. I'm using it right now in the top of a shantung taffeta dress. I also use it for a press cloth as well, one I made for myself. Nan
ReplyDeleteI haven't used it yet for underlining but definitely want to give it a try!!
ReplyDeleteCan I talk to you about Satin-faced Organza? I didn't even know this stuff existed until I worked for a fashion designer (doing the publications and online face of). It is so beautiful, beautiful. You just want to touch and caress it. It is shiny and crisp and has undulating lines. But, you don't hide it inside of anything, it takes front stage!
ReplyDeleteThat sounds utterly divine! I must find some!
ReplyDeleteYes! I've become a big fan of organza. I've recently been experimenting with adding a little to the cuffs and collars of my oxford shirts.
ReplyDeleteThe absolute best use I've found so far is to give extra structure to contoured waistbands by combining organza and muslin to create the perfect sew-in interfacing.
The tutorial I always use is here: http://beyondthecurtains.blogspot.ca/2012/04/drafting-and-sewing-contour-waistband.html
I never though to use it as a press cloth- what a great idea!
ReplyDeleteFantastic resource! Thanks so much! What a great idea to use it in collars and cuffs and to use it in waistbands. I'm going to have to try this out! Thanks so much for sharing!
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