Buying Fabric
The internet offers a convenient way to shop for silk fabric, allowing you to browse a vast inventory from the comfort of your home. However, before making a purchase, there are several important factors to consider.
The following guide is designed to help you find the perfect fabric from a reliable company - regardless of who that company may be - based on over 40 years of experience with JB Silks Inc.
How Long Has the Company Been in Business?
A company with many years of experience demonstrates a proven track record of customer satisfaction and a strong commitment to the textile industry. Established silk fabric suppliers typically offer a large inventory, fast order processing, and knowledgeable staff ready to assist you.
In contrast, many new companies may have inexperienced management and limited inventory, which can lead to longer shipping times and higher costs. While not all new businesses are problematic, consider repeatability, timely service, and expertise when choosing your silk fabric supplier.
Beware of Prices That Are Unusually Low
Low prices often come with hidden consequences. The saying, “If the price is too good to be true, it probably is,” should guide your purchasing decisions. Be cautious of claims like “ultimate highest quality” silk offered at prices comparable to polyester or polyester blends.
Always request a sample to verify fiber content and weight before purchasing. Keep the sample to compare with the fabric you receive. Watch out for gimmicky sales tactics such as exaggerated discounts, membership fees, or your email being sold to third parties.
Watch Out for Misleading Terms Like “Silky,” “Silk-Like,” and “Art Silk”
These terms describe only the fabric’s surface appearance and do not guarantee the presence of silk or natural fibers. They often refer to synthetic fibers like polyester, which is a form of plastic. Remember, “you get what you pay for.”
“Art Silk” is short for “Artificial Silk” and does not indicate genuine silk content. Be especially cautious of fabrics labeled as “polyester silk satin,” which may be polyester, silk, or blends with unclear percentages.
Insist on Knowing the Exact Fabric Content
Good prices can sometimes lead to disappointment if the fabric contains little or no silk. Always ask your supplier for the exact fiber content and silk percentage.
A common misleading practice is stating combined percentages like “65/35,” which can be unclear. To test fabric content yourself, you can dissolve a small sample in liquid drain cleaner (following all manufacturer's safety precautions and remember to keep the test away from children and pets). Pure silk dissolves completely in about 15 minutes, similar to human hair. Blended fabrics will leave synthetic fibers behind, while 100% polyester remains unaffected.
Compare Fabrics of the Same Weight When Comparing Prices
This is a crucial but often overlooked point. Different regions and textile industries use varying standards for fabric weight, causing confusion. Terms like momme (mm), grams per square meter (gsm), and ounces per square yard (oz/yd²) must be carefully compared. Please refer to the following conversion guide to help you when comparing fabric weights.
Fabric Conversion Guide: Momme (mm) to GSM to OZ/yd²
| Momme (mm) | Grams per Square Meter (gsm) | Ounces per Square Yard (oz/yd²) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4.34 | 0.13 |
| 5 | 21.70 | 0.64 |
| 6 | 26.04 | 0.77 |
| 8 | 34.72 | 1.01 |
| 10 | 43.40 | 1.28 |
| 12 | 52.08 | 1.54 |
| 14 | 60.76 | 1.79 |
| 16 | 69.44 | 2.05 |
| 18 | 78.12 | 2.30 |
| 19 | 82.46 | 2.43 |
| 20 | 86.80 | 2.56 |
| 22 | 95.48 | 2.82 |
| 28 | 121.52 | 3.58 |
| 30 | 130.20 | 3.84 |
| 32 | 138.88 | 4.10 |
| 35 | 151.90 | 4.48 |
| 38 | 164.92 | 4.86 |
| 40 | 173.60 | 5.12 |
| 45 | 195.30 | 5.76 |
| 50 | 217.00 | 6.40 |
| To convert gsm to ounces per square yard (oz/yd²), divide gsm by 33.906. | ||
Understand Fabric Weight Before Starting Your Project
Ultralight fabrics like 5 momme (mm) are unsuitable for heavy-duty projects such as upholstery, while very heavy fabrics like 50 momme may not be appropriate for sheer or delicate applications.
We recommend ordering a small cut—such as half a yard—to test the fabric’s suitability before committing to larger quantities. This helps ensure your finished product meets your expectations and protects your reputation for quality.
Compare Fabrics of the Same Width
Wider fabrics may seem more expensive but can reduce fabric waste and seams in projects like evening gowns, potentially saving money overall.
Ensure Units of Length Are Consistent When Comparing Prices
Be careful not to confuse yards with meters or half meters with full yards. Remember:
- 1 yard = 36 inches = 91.44 cm
- 1 meter = 39.37 inches
To convert meters to yards, multiply the meter measurement by 1.094.
Check Fabric Color in Natural Daylight
Never rely solely on online photos for color selection. Many websites use altered images that do not reflect true colors. Order swatches and view them outdoors to confirm color accuracy before purchasing.
Nothing is worse than sewing a white wedding dress only to find it appears cream or yellow in natural light.
We hope this guide helps you find the perfect silk fabric supplier for your needs. We look forward to assisting you with any questions you may have.