Taffeta

Think of taffeta and special occasions immediately come to mind. Taffeta is a classic smoothly woven fabric prized for its beauty and known for its crispness. The name taffeta, which originated in Persia, means “twisted woven” and at first all taffeta was woven from silk.

Traditional silk taffeta comes in two different types. Crisp, yarn-dyed taffeta is a favorite for wedding gowns and evening wear; because of its weight it is very suitable for flaring skirts and A-line dresses. Softer, piece-dyed taffeta is used in linings and undergarments.

Today, 100% polyester taffeta duplicates the luxurious look of silk taffeta and it is a favorite for evening and bridal wear. It is great for little girl’s party dresses as well and lightweight taffeta makes excellent linings. Our 100% polyester taffeta makes lovely garments and come in a gorgeous array of colors, ranging from traditional bridal whites and creams to beautiful blues, classic browns, delightful greens, and lovely plum and fuchsia.

Heavier taffetas are used for upholstery and draperies. They look great in bedrooms and for dining room chairs and are available in designs as well as in solid colors.

Taffeta is easy to cut, but it does tend to ravel. It also tends to slip more than some fabrics, so careful basting is a must. Always use a new machine needle when starting a project with delicate fabric. A size 11 or 14 sewing machine needle is excellent for polyester taffeta.

Both silk and polyester taffeta should be dry cleaned.