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Crepe de Chine Fabric

Crepe de chine is a fine, lightweight fabric with a soft matte finish and beautiful fluid drape. Our collection focuses on luxurious silk crepe de chine in classic plain colours, perfect for camisoles, blouses, dresses and linings.

For other weights and textures, browse our wider crepe fabrics collection. Crepe de chine is a slippery fabric to handle, so order a sample to get a feel for it before you start.

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Crepe de chine is made from tightly twisted yarns woven into a fine, lightweight cloth with a subtly textured, matte surface. That construction gives it a soft pebbled finish and the fluid drape it's prized for, without the high shine of satin. Most crepe de chine, including ours, is silk, which adds to its luxurious handle and breathability.

Crepe de chine and silk satin

Both are popular silk fabrics, but they look and behave differently. Crepe de chine has a matte, lightly textured surface and a grippier handle, which actually makes it a little easier to sew than other silks. Silk satin and charmeuse have a smooth, glossy face and a more slippery handle. If you want a soft, understated finish, crepe de chine is the natural choice; for high shine, satin suits better.

What to make with crepe de chine

Its lightweight drape makes crepe de chine ideal for camisoles, blouses, soft dresses, skirts, scarves and slip styles, as well as a luxurious lining for special garments. It works beautifully for warm-weather wear thanks to silk's breathability.

Sewing and caring for crepe de chine

As a fine, slippery fabric it pays to cut in a single layer with pattern weights, use a fine, sharp needle and a shorter stitch, and finish seams with French or enclosed seams for a neat interior. Tissue paper under the fabric can help when stitching. Many silk crepe de chines are hand wash or dry-clean only, so check the care guidance on the individual product page and test a sample if you intend to wash it.

What is the difference between crepe de chine and silk satin?

Crepe de chine has a soft, matte, lightly textured surface and a slightly grippy handle, while silk satin and charmeuse are smooth and glossy with a more slippery feel. Crepe de chine gives an understated finish and is a touch easier to sew; satin gives high shine. They suit different looks.

Is crepe de chine 100% silk?

Our crepe de chine collection is focused on silk crepe de chine, prized for its breathability and luxurious drape, though the weave can also be made in other fibres elsewhere. Always check the fibre content on the individual product page to confirm exactly what a particular piece is.

Is crepe de chine see-through, and does it need lining?

Being fine and lightweight, crepe de chine can be slightly sheer, particularly in paler colours, so dresses and skirts are often lined or underlined for coverage and a better hang. It also makes a lovely lining itself. Hold a sample to the light to judge a particular colour.

How do I cut and sew slippery silk crepe de chine?

Cut in a single layer using pattern weights and a sharp rotary cutter or fine shears, and use a fine, sharp needle with a shorter stitch length. French or enclosed seams give a neat finish and contain the fraying. A layer of tissue paper underneath can stop the fabric slipping as you stitch.

Can you machine wash crepe de chine?

Many silk crepe de chines are best hand washed in cool water or dry-cleaned to protect the fibre and finish. Some can take a gentle machine wash, but always check the care guidance on the individual product page first, and test a sample before washing a finished garment.

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