Tattered and Torn Silk Velvet

R

rosebudrose

Registered Guest
I hope this is the right place to post this-

I have, for the past year or so, been completely besotted with silk velvet. As a result, I've sought out as many 20s through 40s silk velvet pieces as I can get my hands on (and afford!).

Unfortunately, it doesn't happen to be the most durable of fabrics, and a lot of pieces have small rips and tears (not on the seams) that I SHOULD mend, but am terribly afraid to. Has anyone had any experience mending not only silk, but any other older velvets? The most logical thing I can think of is to back the rip with a fabric in a similar color, and just patch it, but I'm not sure if that would affect the drape too much.

I just know that someone on this board will be able to help me with their Vintage Voodoo!
 
Well you should probably wait for some of our sewing experts, but my experience with old silk of any kind is once it starts shattering, there is not a lot you can do about it. :(

That said, your method might work if it is small and in an inconspicuous location.
 
I agree with Brenda that once it starts shattering, there's not much one can do with it.....

However, I've have/have had a couple of older silk velvet pieces that had small holes or tears that were from some active damage, not from age shattering. If the backing is strong, you can either mend or patch--depending on if it's a slit or a hole and, if a hole, if all the fabric is still there or is missing--like with a moth bite or cigarette burn. But if the backing isn't sturdy, mending could make it worse as you poke and pull with a needle.... I would only try repairs if there were a hole or small tear here or there--but if you have a piece with lots of them, I'm afraid there's not much to be done for it.
 
I love silk velvet too and am a total sucker for it - I have many pieces, and if I wear them, inevitably repairs are needed. I mend and darn on the underside but it's noticeable and if you're not careful it will affect the drape. I have a beautiful purple '40s dress that is beyond hope now, it's just got too many mends and after a while the fabric just can't be mended continuously.

I haven't seen a shattering silk velvet though: shattering happens to weighted silks, that have been infused with minerals (lead was my understanding) so it seems to affect satins and taffetas more: the heavier silks. With silk velvet, it's beauty is the softness and the lightness of it, compared to other velvets.

N
 
Hi,

I only wanted to add that the fabric itself is of value, even if the dress is too far gone. I snap up every piece of the old silk velvets that I can, even is in terrible shape as there is always enough good fabric to do something with.

Of course, on the realistic side, I have piles of it and have not done 1 thing with it in too many years to mention. Yet...I continue to buy it.

It is my ultimate desire. I am hooked for life on the stuff...

B
 
Thanks for the replies!

Yes, like Nicole, most of the pieces I have that are damaged in some way are pieces I wear. So, the rips are in high-stress areas such as hems and under arms, and I hate to admit that quite a few of them have been put there by me. I figured that since I'm wearing them them anyway, I might as well give repairs a try, as they're not going to leave my collection until they're done for [or I'm done for.]

What a shame that such a gorgeous, flattering fabric is so delicate, and so hard to come by! But isn't that just the way of the world?
 
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