The Shimmer of Satin

Introduction & Heritage Value

Did you know that Satin was prevalent during the Middle Ages and was actually a weave derived from silk? Satin was a very expensive fabric and therefore it was bought by the wealthy. The name ‘Satin’ is derived from the place it originated,- Quanzhou (a port city in China) which was also known as ’Zayton’ by the Arabs. Over the course of time, the popularity of this lustrous fabric spread across Europe, particularly in the 12th century. Such was the demand of Satin that it became the chosen fabric of the royal robes in England and is still considered a rich fabric. You can see its elegance in exquisite bed sheets and upholstery as well as sophisticated wedding gowns, for which it is considered to be a staple.

Background

Origin & History

The Satin weave owes its origins to the city of Zayton or Zaitun in China, from where it was originally exported to different parts of the world. The original Satin was woven out of silk threads. Such was the luxurious effect of Satin that it immediately became a large import to Italy in the 12th and 13th centuries by the Romans for the elegance that they brought to the royal garments. It was only after the invention of the power loom and the Industrial Revolution that this costly fabric became more accessible to the not-so-wealthy population.


Faces Behind the Fabric

Satin is essentially the name of a weave and is not the name given to a specific raw material. It is created out of low-twist yarn by using the process of twill weaving. The weft threads, which are four horizontal yarns, are covered by a single lengthwise yarn, leading to fewer interlacings, which give satin its characteristic smoothness. Satin can be created out of polyester, wool, cotton and silk. However the latter is the best choice, and polyester a close second. Nevertheless, one should not confuse sateen’ with satin as sateen is a fabric created when a satin weave is applied to cotton.

It is not difficult to find out whether the fabric is silk or Satin. Satin has a very distinctive sheen which is glossy and smooth. One side of the fabric is very smooth and shiny while the other is matte or dull. Undoubtedly, Satin has a very luxurious feel and appearance, but it can be woefully challenging for tailors to deal with the fabric as it keeps slipping away!

Here are some of the varieties that are found in satin:


Here are some of the varieties that are found in satin:

1. Baronet is a variety that has a silk appearance at the front with cotton back. It is more or less identical to georgette.
2. Duchess is a Satin that is heavy and looks very luxurious. It is used primarily in gowns.
3. Charmeuse Satin is very light.
4. Faconne Satin has a jacquard weave.
5. Gattar Satin is a mix with a cotton weft and a silk warp
6. Farmer’s Satin is created out of mercerized cotton.
7. Messaline is again light and is loosely woven.
8. Sultan Satin is a fabric that is worsted.
9. Slipper Satin is heavy and stiff.
10. Surf Satin is like taffeta, which is a material used for manufacturing swimming costumes.

http://www.utsavpedia.com/textiles/the-shimmer-of-satin/

Types of satin

Baronet or baronette has a cotton back and a rayon or silk front, similar to georgette.[5]
Charmeuse is a lightweight, draping satin-weave fabric with a dull reverse.[6]
Double face(d) satin is woven with a glossy surface on both sides. It is possible for both sides to have a different pattern, albeit using the same colours.[7]
Duchess(e) satin is a particularly luxurious, heavy, stiff satin.[6]
Faconne is jacquard woven satin.[8]
Farmer's satin or Venetian cloth is made from mercerised cotton.[8]
Gattar is satin made with a silk warp and a cotton weft[9]
Messaline is lightweight and loosely woven.[6]
Polysatin or poly-satin is an abbreviated term for polyester satin.
Slipper satin is stiff and medium- to heavy-weight fabric.[6]
Sultan is a worsted fabric with a satin face.[8]
Surf satin was a 1910s American trademark for a taffeta fabric used for swimsuits.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satin



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Note added at 9 hrs (2013-09-14 01:00:20 GMT)
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The Complete Costume Dictionary

satin sultan: India. Worsted fabric with a satin face

http://tinyurl.com/karqw32

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Note added at 9 hrs (2013-09-14 01:18:36 GMT)
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satin-sultan

adj. A silk textile material made in India, with a glossy surface: it is used for women's clothes.

http://www.wordnik.com/words/satin-sultan