I wove some scarves in an advancing twill with 60/2 silk weft, sett at 60 EPI.  This is the first time I've used silk that fine.  I used 2 strands of tram silk for the weft, and my weft was less than 60 PPI.  (I didn't measure it on the loom; I can measure now if that's an important fact.)  When I took the scarves off the loom they were a little stiff - no problem, I figured.  They were certainly soft while wet and after they were mostly dry, which is when pressed them.

Now, unfortunately, they're stiff, not the luxurious, smooth drape I'd expect.  (That may not be so obvious in the photo, but it's true.)  Should I wash again and press less?  Rinse in fabric softener?  Other ideas?

Thanks!

Peg

Comments

Sara von Tresckow

Wet them again, and before hanging "whack" them against a clean, hard surface. Sounds brutal, but works wonders to get the drape back.

Silk should actually become more fluid after washing than it was on the loom.

A little vinegar in the rinse will also aid in getting out any residues that might cause stiffness.

Peg.Cherre (not verified)

I know it should be more fluid after wet finishing, that's why I am so surprised.  So tell me if I've got your suggestion right, Sara:

Wet again with a bit of vinegar (white, I assume not cider?) in the water & then whack it.  Then press again when almost dry - yes?

Bonnie Inouye (not verified)

I find that silk is a bit stiff right after ironing. If you handle the cloth a little- play with it, move it around, whack it ifyou feel like trying that- it will soften beautifully.

Bonnie

Sara von Tresckow

Any kitchen vinegar is ok for a rinse, white or cider - after all, it rinses out. The "whacking" is not something really aggressive, it just makes the silk move more than just fondling it.

I fecently washed some of my ancient silk scarves from the 60's and had the same reaction - wave them, wiggle them - it is not exact science - and handling nice silk fabric is always nice.

Peg.Cherre (not verified)

My scarves are now beautifully soft and drape-y.  I soaked in vinegar solution for a few minutes, then in clear water.  Then I dropped them into my bathtub a few times while wet, dried, and pressed.  They feel just like they should - yummily soft & silky!

Peg.Cherre (not verified)

My scarves are now beautifully soft and drape-y.  I soaked in vinegar solution for a few minutes, then in clear water.  Then I dropped them into my bathtub a few times while wet, dried, and pressed.  They feel just like they should - yummily soft & silky!

Peg.Cherre (not verified)

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Peg.Cherre (not verified)

<!-- /* Font Definitions */ @font-face {font-family:Cambria; panose-1:0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0; mso-font-alt:"Times New Roman"; mso-font-charset:77; mso-generic-font-family:roman; mso-font-format:other; mso-font-pitch:auto; mso-font-signature:3 0 0 0 1 0;} /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin-top:0in; margin-right:0in; margin-bottom:10.0pt; margin-left:0in; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ascii-font-family:Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-fareast-font-family:Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-hansi-font-family:Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font:minor-bidi;} @page Section1 {size:8.5in 11.0in; margin:1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; mso-header-margin:.5in; mso-footer-margin:.5in; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> My scarves are now beautifully soft and drape-y.  I soaked in vinegar solution for a few minutes, then in clear water. Then I dropped them into my bathtub a few times while wet, dried, and pressed. They feel just like they should - yummily soft & silky!