First of all, it should be remembered that SILK is a MATERIAL and that GAUZE is only a METHOD OF WEAVING silk.
Don't be mistaken when you read the term “fabric type” and think that it is the material the fabric was made from.
A type of fabric simply refers to a way of weaving a material.
For example, the fabric type “Silk Gauze” means that the Silk was woven using weaving techniques called Gauze.
If you only find the mention “Gauze”, it could be a gauze weave made from a material such as cotton, wool or even polyester.
Now that the distinction has been made between silk and gauze, we will describe the characteristics of this type of weaving, its derivatives, the use that can be made of it, as well as the way of maintaining the fabrics which result.
Silk gauze
The history of silk gauze:
It is said that silk gauze takes its name from the Arabic word “Quazz” which means raw silk.
“Quazz” itself comes from the word “Gaza” which refers to the city of Gaza in Palestine.
It is also said that it was in Palestine that silk gauze was born, but no reliable source can attest to this. This weaving technique was nevertheless widespread in Gaza in the 16th century.
At that time, Christians were forbidden to trade with non-Christians, but somehow silk gauze was still imported and became widespread in Europe.
Making silk gauze:
Silk gauze uses fine, closely spaced threads.
This weaving technique consists of arranging the weft threads in pairs and crossing them before and after each warp thread, while firmly holding the weft, to prevent the threads from moving and reduce the risk of fraying and tearing of the cloth.
The characteristics of silk gauze:
The fabric resulting from this weaving technique is fine, light, soft, translucent and very resistant.
The different possible uses of silk gauze:
Silk gauze can be used for various textiles.
Easy to handle, this type of weave is very popular for embroidery. Its beautiful transparent appearance and its lightness favor its use for the manufacture of interlinings, linings, veils and scarves.
Silk gauze is an open and loose fabric, therefore ideal for making items that require open spaces between the threads.
This fabric is used to make mosquito nets, laundry bags and thermal blankets.
The instructions for washing silk gauze:
Silk gauze fabric can be machine washed.
This weaving technique allows for better color retention and prevents rapid fading of the fabric after going through the machine.
Weaving is an art that translates into diverse and varied forms. However, what must be remembered is that no matter the material used, a specific weaving technique will always give the fabric an almost similar appearance.
For example, a silk gauze fabric will look very similar to a polyester gauze fabric. The big difference will lie in the benefits that one material brings compared to another.
It is therefore important not to be fooled by the appearance of a fabric, and to always check the label of an item to find out the material from which it was woven.
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