Satin

Origin Satin originated in China and was originally made solely of silk. Various forms of satin fabrics existed, which came under several names, such as (), (), (), (), () and (). Chinese satin, in its original form, was supposed to be a five- or six-end warp satin. The six-end warp satin weave was mostly likely a derivative of the six-end warp twill weave during the Tang and Northern Song dynasty periods. ==Etymology==

The word "satin" derives its origin from the Chinese port city of Quanzhou (), During that period, Quanzhou was visited by Arab merchants and by Europeans. The Arabs referred to silk satin imported from Quanzhou as . During the latter part of the Middle Ages, Quanzhou was a major shipping port of silk, using the Maritime Silk Road to reach Europe. It was mostly used in the Arab world. ==Types of satin weave==

Satin-weave fabrics are more flexible, with better draping characteristics than plain weaves. In a satin weave, the fill yarn passes over multiple warp yarns before interlacing under one warp yarn. Common satin weaves are: • 4-harness satin weave (4HS), also called crowfoot satin, in which the fill yarn passes over three warp yarns and under one warp yarn. It is more pliable than a plain weave. • 5-harness satin weave (5HS); the fill yarn passes over four warp yarns and then under one warp yarn. • 8-harness satin weave (8HS), in which the fill yarn passes over seven warp yarns and then under one warp yarn, is the most pliable satin weave. ==Types of satin==

• Antique satin – is a type of satin-back shantung, woven with slubbed or unevenly spun weft yarns. • Baronet or baronette – has a cotton back and a rayon or silk front, similar to georgette. • Charmeuse – is a lightweight, draping satin-weave fabric with a dull reverse. • Cuttanee – fine heavy and stout silk and cotton satin • Double face(d) – satin is woven with a glossy surface on both sides. It is possible for both sides to have a different pattern, albeit using the same colours. • Duchesse satin – is a particularly luxurious, heavy, stiff satin. • Faconne – is jacquard woven satin. • Farmer's satin or Venetian cloth – is made from mercerised cotton. • Messaline – is lightweight and loosely woven. • Polysatin or poly-satin – is an abbreviated term for polyester satin. • Slipper satin – is stiff and medium- to heavy-weight fabric. • Sultan – is a worsted fabric with a satin face. • Surf satin – was a 1910s American trademark for a taffeta fabric used for swimsuits. ==Uses for satin==

Because of the different ways the weave is employed, satin has a range of functions from interior décor to fashion. • Dresses: Satin's drape and shiny texture make it a favorite for evening gowns and bridal gowns. • Upholstery: Satin was first used for ornamental furniture in Europe at the Palace of Versailles, and it is still used for pillow covers, chairs, and other forms of cushioned furniture today. • Bed sheets: Satin is frequently used for bed linens because of its flexible and silky texture. • Footwear: Satin is a popular fabric for shoe makers, from ballerina slippers to high heels. • Fashion accessories: Satin is commonly used for evening bags and clutches in the fashion industry. • Crafting: Satin in the form of ribbons is very common for crafting various products such as rosette leis, corsage, and even decorative flowers. ==References==