FAQs
We’ve answered the questions we’re most often asked, offering clear guidance to support you in selecting and working with our fabrics and materials.
Frequently asked questions
Are your silks 100% pure?
Yes, our silks are 100% A grade pure mulberry silks, unless stated otherwise. For example, silk cotton voile (30% silk, 70% cotton) and stretch silk satin (92% silk, 8% spandex).
What is Pongee silk?
Pongee silk is the same as Paj silk. In Europe the word Pongee is used instead of Paj.
Paj and Habutai have the same structure. When the weight is more than 6 momme we call it Habutai.
Do you use any bleaches or dyes on your silks?
Our silks and silk scarves are undyed and unbleached. They don't contain any factory finishes or treatments that may prevent dyes penetrating the silk.
Should I wash it before I begin my creation?
We recommend you wash your silk before dyeing to remove any finger marks or grease from handling.
Does silk shrink?
Yes, silk does shrink when washed. Our silk fabrics and silk scarves are not pre-shrunk. If you are using silk to make clothes please make allowance for silk shrinkage.
The amount the silk shrinks depends on how tightly woven it is. Tightly woven silk fabric shrinks less than a loosely woven silk fabric.
The table below gives you some examples of estimated shrinkage:
| Silk fabric | Shrinkage % |
|---|---|
| Pongee, Habutai | 3-6 |
| Chiffon | 3-6 |
| Crepe de Chine | 9-12 |
| Georgette | 13-15 |
| Crinkle Georgette | 18-23 |
| Twill | 4-6 |
| Crepe Satin | 4-6 |
| Silk Cotton | 5-7 |
What does mm mean?
'mm' is the abbreviation for the word 'momme'. Momme is a weight measurement for silk. The higher the momme, the heavier the silk. 1 momme = 3.75 grams approximately.
What size scarves do you offer?
We offer a variety of scarf sizes. Each silk scarf is cut to the specified size, for example 160 x 28cms. Then a rolled hem of approximately 1-2cm is sewn on all sides. This reduces the size of the finished scarf.
Can I order custom size scarves?
Yes, you can request a quote for custom size scarves if we don't stock the size you want. Just email us with your requirements so we can get a quote for you.
To email, please visit our contact page: Contact
What are my shipping options?
We use Australia Post to ship orders. You can choose either Express Post for faster delivery or Parcel Post if your order is not urgent.
What packaging do you use?
We understand the importance of reducing our carbon footprint, so we have updated our packaging by:
- Using certified home compostable bubble wrap and tubular wrap to pack orders.
- Reducing the amount of packaging where appropriate and use only enough to protect products for shipping.
- Reusing cardboard boxes for to pack liquids for shipping when necessary. However, we may have to use some plastic to ensure safe transportation.
Customers can reuse the:
- Bubble wrap
- Australia Post satchels
What are common mordants used to fix natural dyes?
These are the most common mordants used:
How do I mordant fabric?
You will find instructions here: Mordanting Natural Fibres
Do you have information on dyes and dyeing techniques?
Find lots of information about using H Dupont silk dyes and various dyeing techniques on this page: Techniques with H Dupont products