Georgette
Georgette is a lightweight woven fabric made with strongly twisted threads, giving it a sandwashed surface with fine irregular texture and a light, supple drape.
Contents6 sections
Definition and Overview
Georgette is a type of crepe fabric woven with highly twisted yarn. The tendency of the yarn to shrink due to twisting creates tiny irregular surface bumps, producing the sandwashed surface look.
Originally, silk was the representative material, but today it is also widely made from polyester, rayon, and other fibers. Depending on the type of fiber, yarn thickness, density, and finishing, sheerness, thickness, firmness, and drape can vary greatly.
Features
The surface is smooth with a fine textured feel, and the sheen ranges from subdued to elegant. Lightweight types are soft and airy, while medium-weight types make use of their drape and are made to be relatively less sheer.
Because it is a woven fabric, it generally does not have the large stretchiness of knit fabrics. However, it stretches more easily on the bias, and some product numbers that use stretch yarn also have stretchability.
- Its fine surface texture reduces the contact area with the skin, so it feels relatively smooth.
- It has drape and is a material that easily expresses design details such as gathers, flares, and bow ties.
- Lightweight types are prone to sheerness, so linings or layering should be considered depending on the application.
Main Applications
Used for blouses, shirts, dresses, skirts, and formal dresses. Making use of its drape and understated surface, it is also suitable for polished women's wear, formal wear, costumes, and scarves.
Lightweight georgette is used for spring and summer light clothing and layering. On the other hand, medium-weight polyester georgette that is less sheer may be used for blouses and dresses regardless of the season.
Selection and Handling Notes
When selecting, check not only the fiber composition but also fabric weight, sheerness, drape, size of the textured surface, and how the color appears after dyeing. Pale colors and lightweight fabrics are especially prone to sheerness, so consider the use of linings or petticoats, double-layer construction, and the color of facings and interfacing as well.
Because it has a textured surface created by highly twisted yarn, the fabric may slip during sewing, and lightweight types may experience seam puckering or gathering. It is important to test with fine needles and fine-count thread, adjust presser foot pressure and thread tension, and make a sample before cutting and sewing.
The degree of shrinkage, wrinkling, and color fading from washing varies depending on the fiber composition and processing. Even products that can be washed in water should be handled with care to avoid fuzzing and snagging from friction, and should be treated according to the care label. When ironing, use a pressing cloth and avoid excessive heat or strong pressure.
Differences from Similar Terms
Chiffon often refers to a thin, highly sheer woven fabric, and it may look smoother and lighter than georgette. However, terms can also be combined, as in chiffon georgette, which uses highly twisted yarn, so the actual texture should be checked.
Voile is also a lightweight woven fabric made with highly twisted yarn, but its surface texture is generally less noticeable than georgette, and it often has a slightly crisp feel. Sandwashed surface is a term for a bumpy surface like the skin of a pear, and it is also used when describing the look of georgette.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does georgette become sheer?
Many lightweight georgettes are sheer, and especially in pale colors, inner garments and seam allowances can be seen through easily. Medium-weight and high-density types may be relatively less sheer, but since appearance changes depending on color and lighting, it is important to check with an actual layered sample.
What sewing method is suitable for georgette?
For lightweight, slippery georgette, care is needed to prevent shifting during cutting and seam puckering during sewing. Use a fine needle and fine-count thread, and adjust presser foot pressure and thread tension. If necessary, decide the conditions based on test stitching, such as sewing with thin paper underneath or making seam allowances narrow.
Are chiffon and georgette the same?
No, they are not the same. Chiffon generally refers to a light, transparent thin fabric, while georgette is characterized by the fine textured effect created by highly twisted yarn. However, there is a wide range of materials and weaving methods, and some fabrics are called by both names, such as chiffon georgette.
