Sourcing Silk for Historical Sewing: Types of Silk and Where to Buy Them Online

Ever wanted to learn way more about silk fabric than a person realistically needs to know? In this video, I list what types of silk were used in historic garment construction, their closest modern equivalents, and where to find them in online stores. Learn about how the weight of silk fabric is measured and what that means when you’re shopping for silk.

Just a disclaimer: I’m talking about silk and how it was used in the context of historical costuming generally. Obviously, there were exceptions to the rules in the past as there are today; and fabric technology, usage, and availability varies over time and location.

This is just one of 140+ Cocovid educational videos scheduled! Search #Cocovid for more costuming/cosplay content.

**MUSIC CREDITS**
Music from EpidemicSound.com

** CONNECT **
Find me on Instagram @dixiediy:   / dixiediy  
I blog at http://dixiediy.com

** REFERENCES **
Yes, a tornado hit my local fabric district, but most stores have reopened: https://www.dmagazine.com/frontburner...
My bustle dress costume: https://dixiediy.com/2016/02/1880s-bu...
My Regency bonnet: https://dixiediy.com/2015/07/full-reg...
My 1840s bonnet: https://dixiediy.com/2017/01/historic...
Tussah fabric info: http://thedreamstress.com/2020/05/ter...

** IMAGE CREDITS **
In order of appearance:

Silk satin and bengaline Worth dress
Afternoon dress ca. 1872
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

Velvet trim on wool
Woman's Riding Spencer, circa 1835
https://collections.lacma.org/node/21...

Evening dress1906–7
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

Satin Stripe
Smoking Suit, 1870s
https://collections.lacma.org/node/22...

TAFFETA:
Dress with a diamond-shaped back insert, anonymous, c. 1790 - c. 1810
https://www.rijksmuseum.nl/nl/collect...

Robe à l’Anglaise 1785–87
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

PLAID TAFFETA:
Robe 1845–55
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

SHOT/IRIDESCENT TAFFETA:
Afternoon dress ca. 1845
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

SATIN:
Evening ensemble 1883–84
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

Bonnet ca. 1820
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

Dress ca. 1840
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

Evening vest ca. 1830
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

BROCADE:
Robe à la Polonaise1774–93
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

DAMASK:
Robe Volante ca. 1730
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

VELVET:
Evening bonnet ca. 1802
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

Dress ca. 1825
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

Ensemble ca. 1874
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

MOIRE:
Mourning ensemble 1857–60
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

CREPE:
Mourning dress 1894
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

FAILLE:
Afternoon dress 1876–78
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

Woman's Dress (Bodice and Skirt) 1876
https://collections.lacma.org/node/22...

TWILL:
Dress ca. 1818
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

EMBROIDERED SILK:
Woman's Dress (Mantua) with Stomacher and Petticoat circa 1700
https://collections.lacma.org/node/17...

Waistcoat 1750–70
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

ORGANZA/SHEERS:
Dress 1805–10
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

Woman's Dress circa 1830
https://collections.lacma.org/node/21...

Ensemble ca. 1855
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

CHIFFON:
Woman's Blouse Austria, 1917-1918
https://collections.lacma.org/node/18...

IKAT/CHINE SILK:
Robe à la Française 1760–70
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

Dress ca. 1820
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

Dress 1755–65
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

PAINTED SILK:
Robe à la Française 1740s
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

Robe à la Polonaise 1774–93
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

BOMBAZINE:
The Fashions of the Day ca. 1808
https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collect...

** WEBSITES **
http://renaissancefabrics.net/
https://www.burnleyandtrowbridge.com/
http://silkbaron.com/
http://puresilks.us/
https://silksunlimited.com/
https://prismsilks.com/
http://moodfabrics.com/
https://www.fashionfabricsclub.com/
http://etsy.com
http://ebay.com

There are tons of fabric stores on the web. I included these because I’ve either purchased from them, and/or they have a wide selection, and/or they have clear product descriptions and no minimum orders. Please add your favorite shops in the comments!