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Silk Panel Genevieve Blue Ex Designer Italian Fabric Mannequin

Satin Fabric

Satin is a weave, not a fibre, which is why it comes in so many guises, from fluid, lightweight satins for floaty dresses to heavy duchess satin that holds a sculpted shape. This collection covers the lot: plain and printed satin, matte and high-shine finishes, stretch satins and satin-backed crepe. It's made for occasion dresses, blouses, skirts and eveningwear. Order a sample first to check the shade and shine before you cut.
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Satin's defining quality is its smooth, lustrous face. That sheen comes from the weave, where the threads float across the surface, rather than from any particular fibre, so satin can be woven from polyester, viscose, silk or a stretch blend. It's the fabric of occasion: the drape of an evening dress, the sheen of a blouse, the body of a structured bodice.

Types of satin

The collection spans a real range of satins. Duchess satin is the heaviest and most structured, ideal for fitted bodices and full skirts that need to hold their shape. Satin-backed crepe offers the best of both, satin on one side and matte crepe on the other, so you can use either face. Silky and viscose satins are lighter and more fluid, made for dresses and blouses that move. Stretch satin adds elastane for a closer, more comfortable fit, and there are printed satins in florals, animal and abstract designs alongside the plains. Finishes run from high shine to soft matte, and some satins are reversible.

What to make with satin

Satin is the occasion fabric. Evening and prom dresses use the drapier satins for movement or duchess for structure, blouses and shirts take on a subtle sheen, and it's lovely for skirts, wide trousers and jumpsuits. The lighter satins also make luxurious linings. For wedding gowns specifically, our dedicated bridal fabric collection gathers the duchess satins and bridal cloth in one place.

Sewing with satin

Satin is slippery and shows every mark, so it pays to prepare. Use a fine, sharp needle (a Microtex is ideal) and a fine thread, hold the layers with clips or fine glass-head pins that won't leave holes, and lay tissue paper under the fabric to stop it sliding as you sew. Satin frays, so French or enclosed seams give the cleanest finish. Press with a low heat from the reverse, and avoid a steam iron that spits water, as drops can mark the surface. Check the care guidance on the product page, as silk, polyester and coated satins differ.

What is satin fabric?

Satin is a weave type rather than a fibre. The threads float across the surface, which gives satin its smooth, lustrous face and duller reverse. Because it's a weave, satin can be made from polyester, viscose, silk or a stretch blend, which is why it comes in so many weights and finishes.

What's the difference between satin and sateen?

They share the same floating-thread weave, but satin is usually made from filament yarns like polyester or silk, which give it a shiny, silky finish, while sateen is woven from spun cotton, which gives a softer, more matte finish. Satin is the dressier, more lustrous of the two.

What can I make with satin?

It's the classic occasion fabric: evening and prom dresses, blouses with a subtle sheen, skirts, wide trousers and jumpsuits. Heavier duchess satin suits structured, fitted styles, while the lighter, drapier satins move beautifully and also make luxurious linings.

How do I sew satin without it slipping and marking?

Use a fine, sharp Microtex needle and a fine thread, hold the layers with clips or fine glass-head pins, and lay tissue paper underneath so it doesn't slide. French or enclosed seams handle the fraying, and press on a low heat from the reverse, avoiding a steam iron that could spit water and mark the surface.

Can I order a sample before buying?

Yes. Most fabrics are available as a sample so you can check the shade, shine and weight before committing to a full cut. Use the Order Sample option on the product page.

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