About Satin Bows

Satin fabric has been used for centuries, and has become especially popular in fashion during the past century. Satin bows are a common style for satin clothing, decorations, wrapping and details on furniture. Although there are numerous types of satin to choose from, they all can easily be created into bows that add a touch of class and beauty as a simple decoration or accessory.

History

Satin was first documented originating in China and spread to Europe during the Middle Ages. It was a heavy twill weave with lavish colors and different types of thread. Originally named samite, which eventually turned into satin. Satin is a material made from a weaving technique of the minimum number of intertwining laces in the fabric. Using fibers, such as silk and nylon, these are then minimally weaved together to create the soft smooth feel of satin. It is soft with a sheen on one side, and dull on the other side. The reason the fabric is so soft is the missing patches of intertwining fibers that creates a more glossier appearance.

Function

Satin is used is a lot of different types of apparel. These include fancy evening gowns and dresses, neckties, basketball shorts, men's and women's shirts, women's lingerie, and underwear, to name a few. It is also used to make luxurious bed sheets, robes, nightgowns and curtains. Satin can also be custom made to create upholstery and ballet shoes. Satin is also used in coffin linings and gift boxes. On holidays, many people use satin bows to decorate packages and gifts. They are also used as hair accessories.

Types

There are a variety of different satins. Slipper satin is mainly utilized for shoes, especially ballet pointe shoes and slippers. Crepe satin is satin with more fibers weaved into it and twisted. Duchess satin is a little heavier, and used a lot for clothing, most commonly wedding dresses and evening gowns. Antique satin has a different weaving style to make it a little less soft. Delustered satin is the most lightweight out of the satin types and is the one of the only satins that is shiny on both sides because of the fiber threading. Satin Faconne is satin with designs woven throughout the fabric, and can be heavy but more flexible.

Making a Satin Bow

To make a satin bow, first cut a couple yards of fabric and set it aside. Shape an oval out of a 7-inch piece of thin wire that you can purchase at a crafts store. You will need this to use later to secure the back of the satin bow. Tie the satin strip into a bow carefully, making sure not to pinch the middle of the bow as not to squash it. When complete, securely the piece of wire around the back of the bow to hold it, and then you can also use the extra hanging wire to secure it to a wall decoration, gift, strap or other object.

Considerations

Satin can be difficult to clean and gets dirty quite easily. Most of the time it must be dry cleaned. It can also be expensive for large amounts. On the other hand, satin is a very luxurious material that improves the appearance of everything it accompanies. It you are going to create clothing with satin and you are not experienced, it is not recommended that you use the satin right away because it is easy to clip scissors through the fabric. It can be ruined easily.