Shantung Fabric: History, Properties, Uses, Care, Where to Buy
Table of Contents
Introduction to Shantung Fabric
Shantung fabric is a material that is easily identifiable by its characteristic slubs. Fabric experts believe that Shantung silk is the finest silk fabric available, and it is a popular choice for high-end bridal gowns.
Shantung, like many silk textiles, is crisp and drapes beautifully. Shantung is a perfect contrast to other silk textiles with its slightly ruffled texture. While it is less good for tight-fitting outfits, it is an excellent material for draped or flowing apparel.
What is the History of Shantung Fabric?
The Chinese province of Shandong is where the Shantung culture first emerged. There are a variety of different predictions on the period in which the first Shantung fabric was manufactured. However, there is evidence that this fabric made its way to Westernized countries as old as the Renaissance.
It is unknown if people of Chinese or Western society came up with the name for the cloth known as Shantung, which takes its name from the area in which it was first developed. Raw silk fibers were the only fibers used in shantung apparel until the turn of the 20th century.
With the introduction of synthetic fibers like polyester and other chemicals, textile companies have obtained the ability to replicate Shantung’s distinctive features. Still, silk shantung fabric, on the other hand, has a sharpness and longevity that synthetic shantung does not have.
Properties of Shantung Fabric
- It is a clean and crisp fabric
- It drapes beautifully
- It is a lightweight fabric
- It has an irregular texture
- It is comfortable to wear
How is Shantung Fabric Made?
Shantung fabric is made using silkworms. The silkworm cocoons are boiled to obtain a fiber converted into a string twisted with some other strings to make a yarn. The first type of yarn is run through a roller to make it more consistent.
The second yarn, also called slub yarn, isn’t. These yarns are then woven together to form a fabric with an uneven texture.
Where is Shantung Fabric Made?
At the moment, China is the world’s largest producer of silk. Although India is also a big producer of silk, it is doubtful that any of its silk manufacturers will ever produce shantung because this type of fabric was first developed in Northern China.
Shandong is not a key place for manufacturing silk in China anymore; yet, the expertise in manufacturing the signature silk fabric of this province has spread to other regions.
Common uses of Shantung Fabric
Shantung fabric is used for various garments by designers and customers alike.
Men’s Apparel
Shantung is a sought-after fabric for men’s dress shirts, vests, fitted slacks, and even jackets in the menswear market. However, women’s apparel uses shantung more than men’s.
Women’s Apparel
Shantung fabric is highly appreciated as a luxury fabric and is often used by textile makers to produce high-end clothes for both men and women. A typical use for shantung silk is in wedding gowns. This silk has a clean, beautiful drape and an appealing feel.
One more common use for shantung is creating evening clothing for women because of its ability to drape beautifully while remaining lightweight.
Sewing with Shantung fabric
Shantung fabric is a delicate fabric that requires special attention when sewn. The lightweight cloth should be cut using a rotary cutter and held down using pattern weights since it is quite slippery.
If one wants to get ideal results with their sewing, they should be sure to employ the appropriate sewing essentials, sewing notions, and supplies.
When sewing patterns and designs on the fabric, avoid permanent holes from pins and needles. You can use silk pins for your shantung fabric. The sewing threads used can be all-purpose, depending on the composition of the fabric.
You should use the best sewing machines available like the Brother SE600 for the best results. Shantung fabric can be sewn in various ways, so long as you keep these minor tips and tricks in mind.
Dyeing with Shantung fabric
It is possible to color Shantung fabrics, as unlikely as it may sound. The technique can assist both designers and customers with unique likes and preferences.
The fabric can be dyed depending on the composition of the fabric. If made using silk, the Rit All-Purpose Liquid Dye can be used as the best fabric dye available.
How to care for Shantung Fabric?
Shantung fabric is a delicate material made of silk that needs to be handled with caution and extreme care when either washing or ironing.
Washing
- It is recommended to dry clean your shantung fabric.
- If you still prefer to wash it, handwashing is always the safest and most effective cleaning method.
- The water should be lukewarm or slightly cold.
- You should use a non-alkaline soap and avoid using detergents.
If you still want to wash the fabric in a machine, make sure to use a gentle cycle
- The fabric can be dried by air-drying it on a flat exterior or hang-drying it
- Never dry the fabric in direct sunlight since this can cause the fabric’s color to fade.
Ironing
- Using a shark steam iron, press the fabric on the wrong side
- Use a low heat setting and a press cloth
- Avoid repetitively ironing the cloth back and forth.
Where to buy Shantung Fabric?
Fabric and garment stores both carry the shantung fabric used to make garments. Customers can also purchase shantung fabric through online stores and websites like https://amzn.to/4b6kxLB and Amazon.
These websites carry the best Shantung fabric that is currently available, such as the one-of-a-kind Shantung Sateen.
It can be sold in several ways depending on the seller;
- By yard
- By Inches
- Can be cut to order
Conclusion
Shantung fabric has been around since the earliest of times and has played an important role in how the fabric is used for garments and clothing in the modern day. You can also sew the luxurious fabric to suit your preferences and taste.
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