I use a routine of pre-soaking in a mild detergent, followed by a mild vinegar rinse to neutralize the soap and aid the setting of any unstable dye and finally followed by a clear water rinse.  It is possible to pre-shrink larger cuts of silk in the washing machine but avoid using the dryer to dry your silks, it is best to hang-dry silk.

1. •plastic clothes hanger
   

2. •clean towels
   

3. •pressing cloth
   

4. •clear glass bowls
   

5. •white vinegar
   

6. •mild detergent:  Ivory Snow powder is the preferred detergent. I also use Crystal White dish washing liquid, it is very mild and is readily available and inexpensive.   Despite reports that shampoo is suitable, I highly discourage this practice, there are just too many additives that can cause harm to the silk fibers.
   

Pre-soaking & Rinses

While Silk Dupioni can be washed much care should be given to choosing the right detergent as well as careful handling of the silk when it is wet.

1. -1.  Soak each piece of silk for approximately 20 minutes (being mindful not to soak un-like colors together) in a bowl of warm water and mild detergent.
   

2. -2a. If the silk seems to have bled substantially, soak again for 10 minutes in cool water with a capful of vinegar. 
   

3. -2b. If the silk does not appear to have bled, gently rinse in a tub filled with cool clean water and vinegar.  (approximately 1 Tablespoon vinegar per quart of water), take care to not wring or pull – silk when wet is at its weakest stage and extreme care should be taken.  At this point the vinegar is used to neutralize the soap, allowing for a thoroughly clean rinse.  Soap left in the silk will dull its natural sheen and can cause discoloration and/or attract pests.
   

4. -3.  Finally rinse with cool clean water to remove all soap and vinegar.  Roll in a clean towel and squeeze to remove excess moisture. Never ring silk or put in a dryer.
   

5. -4.  Hang on a plastic-coated clothes hanger for 15-20 minutes then press.
   

Pressing

1. -5.  While still damp, sandwich each piece of silk between a piece of muslin and a press cloth and press gently until most of the moisture has been removed from the silk.
   

2. -6.  You don’t have to iron it bone dry – it’s ok to leave a bit of moisture in it (and it’s better for the silk).  Loosely roll silk and leave to air-dry at room temperature.
   

3. -7.  Store in an-acid free box or wrapped in acid-free tissue paper.  Do not keep in a plastic bin or bag. 
   

Possible Shrinkage

Silk is a natural protein fiber, just like your hair.  Therefore, silk does not technically ‘shrink’ as other fibers do.  Pre-washing silk causes the individual fibers to tighten (twist) and therefore tightens the weave which causes ‘shrinking.’

Dupioni, made when two cocoons are unreeled together causing the individual fibers to be uneven and irregular will “shrink” approximately 1/4 inch for every 4 inches.  Therefore, one yard pre-washed will yield approximately 33 3/4 inches.  This is a quite substantial shrink (6%) and more than an average quilting cotton (usually 3-5%).

Satins and tightly woven silks will show no obvious shrinkage, but going through the process of pre-shrinking will remove excess dye and help to avoid disappointment in the finished project.  Avoid washing jacquards, these are the one silk I take to the dry cleaners.

While silk takes dyes very well, there are some colors (as with cotton) that will not be as colorfast as others.  These especially include (but are not limited to) Turquoise, Reds (including hot pink) and Purples.  When choosing the right piece for your project, be certain to check both the warp and weft of the fabric – do not rely on the dominant color visible.  Sometimes the excess dye from one thread will actually dye the other, resulting in an entirely different or variation of the original color.

Aftercare of your finished Silk Quilt

1. •Keep silk out of direct sunlight and away from perspiration. 
   

2. •Do not hang a silk quilt directly on a wooden bar or hanger.  The acids from the wood will eventually mark the fabric.
   

3. •Wash the finished quilt quickly with the a mild detergent in luke-warm water.  Do not allow to soak as this may cause the colors to bleed.  Roll in a cotton blanket or towels to remove excess moisture, do not wring and lie in a place out of direct sunlight to dry.
   

To purchase beautiful silk dupioni, visit www. peawink.com.  Consider joining our silk lovers club - four new colors mailed to you every month.  Should you ever have any questions, please don’t hesitate to drop us an email, we’ll do our best to answer any questions you might have.  Thanks for your interest.

last updated: 26 October 2007

All images, text, and content on this site are the sole property of Jovita Goldschmidt and may not be used, copied or transmitted

without her express consent.  Please contact jovita@peawink.com           All rights reserved.         © 2007  Jovita Goldschmidt

You’ll find these useful products available at PEACOCK & periwinkle.

1. •Pressing cloth or piece of muslin
   

2. •fine #8 or #9 sewing machine needle
   

3. •fine glass-headed silk pins
   

4. •Pinking rotary blade
   

5. •100% cotton sewing thread, I especially like Mettler Silk Finish - it’s a very smooth 100% cotton thread.
   

6. •Invisigrip – this makes all aspects of quilting so much easier but is adds much needed grip when working with silk – (I really don’t like sand paper or rubber dots.)
   

7. •A spare rotary handle for your pinking blade keeps you from having to constantly switch blades.