First of all, it should be remembered that SILK is a MATERIAL and that ORGANZA 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 Organza” means that the Silk was woven using weaving techniques called Organza.
If you only find the mention “Organza”, it could be an organza weave made from a material such as cotton, wool, or even polyester.
Now that the distinction has been made between silk and organza, 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 organza
The history of silk organza:
Organza, also known as Organzine, comes from Turkestan.
Organza was traded along the Silk Road, and it was on this route that the techniques of its weaving were transmitted, thus allowing its production throughout the world.
The province of Zhejiang, in China, however, remains the one with the largest concentration of Organza weaving factories.
Making silk organza:
This technique involves twisting the threads extremely tightly before weaving to create transparency. The threads will also be treated with acid to obtain a stiff fabric.
Organza is a very low density weave. Its particularity is the very small holes in the fabric. These small holes define the quality of the weave.
The more holes there are per inch, the better the weave.
Using this technique it is possible to create a fabric with incredible structure that can withstand embroidered appliques and all types of embellishments.
The characteristics of silk organza:
Organza is an open weave fabric, with astonishing clarity and transparency. The fabric is thin, light and has small holes which make it very breathable and allow easy passage of air.
The organza will be slightly stiff with a stringy feel and structured drape.
The downside of this weaving technique is that the fabric is very thin and therefore can easily wrinkle, snag and tear.
The different possible uses of silk organza:
From evening wear to interior decorations, the use of organza can be diverse and varied.
The light appearance of this type of weave, as well as its smooth texture and shiny shine, make it a must-have in bridal markets.
Thanks to its transparency, organza provides a perfect base for layering, making linings, undergarments, beaded fabrics and embroidered appliques.
Rigid and clean, this weaving technique adapts perfectly to petticoats, voluminous skirts, tutus, veils, collars, facings and evening wear.
It is also a fabric very popular with designers, for making stage costumes. The transparency of the organza offers a flamboyant shine under the effect of lighting.
Decorative furniture can also be made from organza. Thanks to its clarity, it is possible to dress a room with several textures without overwhelming the space.
Silk organza washing instructions:
Due to the fineness of the organza weave, silk fabric can easily fray or tear if not gently cared for. Machine washing should therefore be avoided.
Hand washing is the safest way to preserve the qualities of this fabric.
Learn more about methods of washing, drying and ironing silk
Variants of the ORGANZA weaving technique:
Organza is simply a weaving method. It has several derivatives which depend on the length of the threads used during weaving, their number, their thickness and the way in which they were woven.
The best-known derivatives of silk organza are 6 in number and are as follows:
1. Embroidered organza: Decorative fabric. This technique involves adding sequins, rhinestones and patterns to the fabric.
2. Crystal organza: The most common derivative of organza. We obtain a light, soft fabric with a very pretty shine.
3. Crushed organza: Fabric with a crinkled effect. The threads will be treated and crumpled before weaving to obtain this effect.
4. Turned organza: Ordinary organza weaving technique, but with silk threads of different colors. The fabric obtained is multi-colored with a beautiful gradient of colors.
5. Mirror organza: Extremely shiny fabric, which has the particularity of reflecting light well.
6. Satin organza: Technique which mixes the standards of satin weaving and those of organza. The result is a shiny fabric with a clean drape.
As you will have understood, weaving is an art that translates into diverse and varied forms. However, what you need to remember is that regardless of the material used, a weaving technique will always give the fabric an almost similar appearance.
For example, a silk organza fabric will look very similar to a polyester organza 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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