Crêpe or crepe is a rich fabric that was conventionally made from silk. However, now it can be made using almost any fiber. Crepe fabric comes in various types, including thin, thick, lightweight, and heavy. Crepe fabric is one of the favorite types of fabric of both designers as well as wearers because of its luxurious look and superior comfort.
Here is a comprehensive guide on Crepe fabric.
What Is Crepe Fabric?
Crepe fabric is wool, silk, or any synthetic fabric that features a unique wrinkled & bumpy look. The word “Crepe” is derived from the French word that means thin and small pancake. When it comes to the characteristics of crepe, it is breathable and moisture-wicking. All of these characteristics make it a perfect type of fabric for all kinds of outfits and even home décor items like curtains, cushion covers, etc.
Types of Crepe Fabric
There are many types of crepe fabrics, which are differentiated by the construction technique and the types of fibers.
Crepe de China
This type of crepe fabric is lightweight and generally made using silk. It can be called Silk crepe de China. Unlike other crepes, the silk crepe does not have a wrinkled surface; instead, it has a smooth, matte surface with little pebbling. This look is attained with weft yarns (tightly-spun yarns) in a plain weave design. Due to the use of silk, it is on the high-end side as far as the price is concerned, but polyester crepe de China looks and feels almost similar to the silk crepe and it’s affordable too.
Georgette Crepe
This kind of crepe also features a soft and smoother appearance because it is also made from silk or synthetic silk fibers such as rayon. Being a bit elastic, it makes an apt choice for dresses.
Wool Crepe
As the name says, it is made of wool owing to which it is light to medium in weight. It has a wiry and rougher texture and resists wrinkles. It is often used in dresses, suiting, and pants.
Polyester Crepe
It is any type of crepe that is made from synthetic polyester fibers. It is a thin and lightweight fabric due to which it becomes a nice drape. Sometimes, it has is elastic properties for a stretchable kind of crepe.
Crepe-back satin
It is made from satin fabric that is soft and smooth like satin on one side and feels crinkled on the other side.
Canton crepe
It was initially made of silk that comes from Canton province in China. It is almost similar to crepe de China in terms of appearance but it’s comparatively heavier.
Plissé crepe
The process of making Plissé crepe is different from others as the fabric is chemically treated to attain that crinkled and puckered look, making a folded pleat. The fabric is either pressed using hot rollers for pattern creation or covered in a wax pattern & dipped in an alkaline solution. The exposed areas will crinkle and when the fabric is gets uncovered, it will be intentionally puckered.
Charmeuse Crepe
It is a silk fabric that is woven with the help of satin weave method with crepe spun yarns. Silk Charmeuse is soft and smooth like satin but has a dull-looking backside. The crepe yarns provide the fabric with the signature crepe appearance.
Here are some FAQs related to Crepe fabric that will give more information to you.
FAQs
1. Is crepe fabric stretchable?
Not all crepe fabrics are stretchable but some of them have this characteristic. The stretchable crepe fabrics include georgette and polyester crepe.
2. How Do You Wash Crepe Fabric?
As you already read above about the different types of crepe, it is very crucial to follow the wash/care instructions of your crepe garments to maintain their quality and look. It is always best to hand wash your crepe fabrics but it can be machine washed too. However, you need to dry clean all the silk crepe because they are very delicate. Apart from silk crepe, all other crepe fabrics can be washed at home in a mild detergent. Make sure you put it flat on any surface to let it dry naturally.
3. How much does crepe cost?
The cost of crepe fabric depends on the type of crepe that you are buying. To give you an idea, silk and wool crepe are significantly expensive than synthetic crepe. You can buy this kind of fabric either in bolt or yarn form, and the charges will add up according to the dyes and other substances used to bring that rich silk crepe look.
Over to You
We hope this comprehensive guide about crepe fabric is beneficial for you. If you have any other questions about crepe then leave them in the comment section.
Also Read: Different Types of Fabric and Their Uses