What do you call this type of silk fabric, please?

[Jen S]

This is a one color lightweight striped silk fabric from the 1970s. It's striped due to the weave - plain stripes and satin ones. Is this called brocade even though it's a light dress weight, such as you'd use for a blouse? Or is there another name? Thanks!

 

[retro ruth]

Technically I think it is a damask - is the fabric reversible, in that you get the same satin/matt stripes in reverse on the back?

I tend to think of damasks as patterns, but I believe you can have a damask stripe too. If it was a brocade the back would be different, not a direct reversal. Brocades also tend to be in more than one colour.

 

[retro ruth]

The other term used for such fabric is 'self striped' - this is probably a more useful description than damask stripe.

 

[Jen S]

Thank you. Yes, you're right, the back is just a reverse of the front.

 

[claireshaeffer]

I would call it a reversible jacquard weave with reversible satin and ? stripes. Are the other strips plain weave or twill?

Damask is a jacquard weave, but all jacquards are not damask.

 

[Jen S]

Plain weave. Thanks!

 

[claireshaeffer]

Your fabric is very interesting because the stripes vary in length and there is no center.

 

[Jen S]

I'm not sure what you mean by "no center."

 

[Rue_de_la_Paix]

I prefer to call this type of fabric, simply, a damask stripe. It's damask and it is striped. I have not heard of the term "self striped" but I suppose it fits that too. Although the term "self striped" does not particularly bring to mind damask. I do disagree that brocades (not what this is) tend to be in more than 1 color. Brocades in 1 color are very common, are often the most beautiful, and have been popular for centuries.

 

[Linn]

I would call this fabric a damask stripe as well. In cotton this is a very popular pattern for bedding. Google "Charter Club Damask stripe" and you will find lots of them!

 

[claireshaeffer]

"no center"
Think about plaid designs. Balanced plaids have a center with a mirror image on each side. Unbalanced plaids don't have a center. Same applies to stripes.

If you look at the stripes and give each different stripe a letter, you have ABCDEAB...

 

[Jen S]

Interesting, Claire, thanks for explaining the center thing.

Yes, Linn, now that you mention it I am familiar with damask stripe bedding, but since this fabric is so much nicer I guess I didn't make the association! Also I am a vintage percale bedding person all the way, unless I can find linen.

 

[Jen S]

I made a mistake! The wrong side of the fabric is NOT the reverse of the front, it's more like all plain weave. I'm attaching another picture. Sorry, I spoke too soon.