Crêpe

A light fabric with a unique crinkly texture

Many people worry about clothes that crease easily. With crepe, this is not a problem. The crinkly texture is precisely what gives this thin fabric its distinctive appearance. This is also reflected in the name of the fabric: the French word "crêpe" means wavy or wrinkled. In the past, crepe was mainly used for mourning clothes. Nowadays, however, the fabric no longer has such a sad association. With the many colors in which this fabric is available at Quality Textiles, it is possible to make cheerful, trendy clothes that are lightweight. Crepe is also a popular material for bridal wear.

There are different types of crepe available. Crepe Georgette is perhaps the most popular nowadays. In English, it is even the general term for crepe fabric made of cotton. This fabric is available in various colors from us. But, for example, we also sell stretch crepe and scuba crepe, which contain Spandex fibers and are therefore stretchable. Moss crepe is recognizable by its more grainy structure. The versatility of our collection makes it easy to find exactly the right type of crepe fabric for the clothing or home decoration you want to make.

Because crepe is somewhat translucent, it is usually combined with other fabrics in clothing. Traditionally, it has also been used for clothing where transparency is desired, such as mourning and bridal veils. However, a blouse or dress made of this fabric is ideal summer wear. The material is particularly lightweight and airy. Nevertheless, it is quite hard-wearing and will not tear easily. Crepe is also ideal for bridal wear, beautiful evening wear and theater costumes. In addition, it is used to make stylish scarves that complement an elegant outfit.

Comfortable crepe fabrics

Originally, crepe was woven from silk that still contained the gum (sericin). Due to the presence of this protein, the fabric was somewhat stiff. Moreover, it was less shiny and not as soft as processed silk. Even in that condition, silk was an expensive material, which is why crepe was mainly reserved for the affluent middle class. The wavy texture was the result of twisting the weft half left and half right during weaving, and then boiling the fabric. During boiling, the gum was washed out, which made the fabric softer and more comfortable. This is also how the characteristic crinkly texture arose.

Today, crepe is affordable for almost everyone, mainly because ways have been found to weave the fabric from yarns other than silk. Cotton and wool are suitable, but in our collection, crepe fabrics made from viscose, rayon and polyester can also be found. The same typical texture can be achieved with these synthetic fibers. This can be done, for example, by weaving with unequal tension on the yarns or mixing fibers that shrink quickly with fibers that do not shrink and then washing the fabric. Synthetic fibers enhance the crease-resistant properties of the fabric, except for the creases that are part of its natural look, of course.

Clothing made of crepe fabric drapes in a way that many people find very beautiful. Because the fabric is lightweight and breathable, it is the perfect material to wear in the summer, for example, over a shirt or top, to avoid getting too hot. The sheerness of the fabric can be reduced by sewing multiple layers together. Another solution is to make a shirt or dress with crepe sleeves and the rest from a non-sheer fabric.

Cutting and Sewing Crepe

Cutting and sewing crepe fabric can be more difficult than most other clothing fabrics. This may seem strange since the fabric is so thin, but the problem is not the thickness of the fabric. The material shifts quite easily, so it is recommended to place a piece of cotton or other material underneath to keep the crepe fabric in place. We recommend cutting the fabric using scissors, so that it can stay in place on the base without having to move. Use only very thin pins or fabric clips to attach loose clothing parts so that no large holes form in the fabric.

For the same reason, it is wise to use a very thin needle to make clothing from crepe fabric. A microtex needle is ideal, but a universal needle that is as thin as possible can also be used. Short, straight stitches and medium thread tension keep the fabric looking its best. Since the fabric is quite delicate, we recommend washing it by hand in cold water and let it air dry. Dry cleaning is also an option. Crepe should never be put in the dryer. Ironing briefly on a low temperature is possible, but there is a risk that the beautiful crinkly texture may disappear.

Buying Crepe Fabric Online

Crepe is a fabric with a particularly elegant character. Its original reputation as a fabric for mourning clothes has long been superseded. Nowadays, we use the fabric much more for the more enjoyable moments in life, such as weddings, warm summer days and evenings out when you want to look your best. For crepe fabrics in the most beautiful colors, you can turn to the webshop of Quality Textiles. We also sell haberdashery items to make your next sewing project with crepe fabrics even more successful.