Chiffon
Chiffon is a sheer, lightweight plain-woven fabric of fine twisted yarns that drapes softly and fluidly.
Chiffon is the soft counterpart of organza: equally transparent, but floating rather than crisp. Its yarns are highly twisted, which gives a faintly grainy surface and a fluid drape suited to layered evening dresses, scarves and blouses.
Why is it hard to sew?
It slips and frays, and it shifts off grain easily, so dressmakers cut it between layers of paper and finish seams with narrow rolled hems or French seams. It was first made in silk; most chiffon today is polyester.
Sources
- Chiffon (AAT 300249449). Getty Art & Architecture Thesaurus
- Chiffon (Q691189). Wikidata
See also
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