The breeze blows and fabric swirls around your ankles like the trickle of a mountain creek. April showers have given way to May flowers and warmer weather (at least here in the northern hemisphere), and there’s no better way to enjoy the sun than with the enduring sheer trend and Mood’s May Fabric of the Month: Chiffon.
Chiffon’s effortless drape has enchanted many a designer, landing it in everything from blouses for pairing with a sharp blazer to flowing bridal gowns and sweet bridesmaid dresses to sheer ruffled dresses perfect for casual looks. No matter your style or occasion, chiffon will flow into your wardrobe with ease, and our sewing tips will help reduce frustration should you choose to dive into this more advanced fabric.
What is Chiffon?
Known for its ethereal sheerness and enchantingly fluid drape, chiffon is a plain weave fabric composed of highly twisted crepe yarns. Thanks to the crepe yarns, chiffon typically features a more matte appearance than organza or even tulle, and it’s surprisingly durable despite its delicate appearance.
Chiffon can be made of many fibers, with some more popular than others, and each fiber has its own benefits. Silk chiffon is the height of luxury, with a softness and subtle luster that only silk can achieve. Polyester chiffon has come a long way since the introduction of synthetic fibers and does a remarkable job of imitating silk at a fraction of the cost, perfect for sewists on a budget, though it does tend to be less breathable than natural fibers. Rayon or Viscose Chiffon presents the best of both worlds, with a silky softness and luster and a more affordable price point—but it is a bit more delicate than other options.
Not to be limited to one feel or solid colors, chiffon has an infinite number of varieties.
- Chiffon may be pressed with a permanent texture like pleats or crinkles.
- Printing adds unique patterns, from subtle ombre to bold florals.
- A metallic finish can come from the inclusion of metallic threads or a metallic coating.
- Chiffon is often used as the base for Swiss Dot fabric, like our Annamae Collection.
These featured collections offer a range of chiffon styles:
The Premium Crinkled Silk Chiffon Collection
The Netta Premium Polyester Chiffon Collection
The Sammi Ombre Chiffon Collection
The Etereo Pleated Chiffon Collection
Projects for Chiffon Fabric
Chiffon is suited to a wide range of sewing projects, from casual to formal, and covering every occasion in between. We’re imagining the Mal dress in chiffon worn over a bralette and bike shorts, or the Tamarind dress with a sheer chiffon overlay. Swimwear cover-ups are a great way to use chiffon for the summer, whether you go for a more dramatic long option or something short and sweet like the Petal cover-up. And, of course, we can’t talk about sheer sewing without mentioning some lingerie!
For a beginner’s first foray into chiffon sewing, consider a simple project like a shawl or scarf to get a feel for the fabric before you dive into cutting and sewing more complex designs. Feeling confident? Here are some free sewing patterns to try:
Top and Blouse Patterns
The Camellia Top
The Calendula Blouse
The Lantana Shirt
Swimwear Coverup Patterns
The Callisia Cover Up
The Petal Cover Up
The Cassandra Kaftan
Dress and Skirt Patterns
The Yarrow Dress
The Edith Dress
The Mal Dress
The Bridgerton Dress
The Tamarind Dress
The Tarragon Skirt
Lingerie Patterns
The Roselle Romper
The Coral Bell Slip
