Organza fabric is a fine, thin, lightweight see-through, and crisp plain weave fabric. The best use I know of Organza is in making wedding gowns, lingerie, and fabric trims.
Organza was traditionally made of silk fibers. Today polyester and rayon fibers are also used to create the material.
The term organza may be derived from the thinnest cotton called ‘Organdy’. When the thin cotton with the stiff handle is called organdy, a similar fabric made of silk fibers came to be known as organza.
History of Organza as a dressmaking fabric
Silk organza fabric, like most silk fabrics, is supposed to be made in China, where silk was first cultivated. It is supposed to have originated in China during the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644). Organza was traded along the Silk Road, a trade route connecting China and Europe.
China is still the world’s largest producer and exporter of silk organza. Along the Yangtze River, notably in Zhejiang Province, there are various organza weaving mills. India is also a major exporter of organza, with the Bangalore region producing a stiffer variety.
High-quality organza is made in France and Italy at a very high standard, specifically used for high end bridal wear
Reference : https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Organza.
Today Organza is made from various fibers including silk, synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester, and even plant fibers like cotton and hemp.
Advantages and features of Organza Fabric
| Property | Features of Organza |
|---|---|
| Fabric Composition | Typically made from silk, polyester, or nylon. |
| Weave | Plain weave |
| Texture | Smooth with a slight stiffness. |
| Fabric weight | Lightweight, sheer |
| Breathability | Highly breathable due to the open weave. |
| Wrinkle Resistance | Prone to wrinkles |
| Drape | Minimal drape, maintains its stiffness. |
| Durability | Delicate and may snag or tear easily. |
| Care | Handwashing preferred. Lay flat to dry. Should be ironed at low heat with care. |
Transparency
Organza is a transparent fabric, which means you can see through it due to the tiny holes created by the weave due to the twisting of the fibers before weaving. The see-through nature makes it suitable for making overlays over other clothes, wedding veils, etc. It is also used to make see-through sleeves.
Thinness
The fabric is exceedingly thin and fine. It can be used as an overlay in clothes, as underlining or lining, and even as interfacing. Because of its thinness but stiff nature it provides good support to the main fabric above it. Organza is used to make light but full ruffles and sleeves on blouses and gowns.
Lustre and sheen
High sheen is a very good quality of both synthetic and natural organza fabrics. Organza has a shimmering and translucent quality that creates luxurious silhouettes, making it a favorite choice for wedding gowns and evening attire. It is not shiny but can be iridescent
Crispness
Organza is slightly stiff and not as soft and flowy as other similar thin materials like chiffon due to the acid treatment of the threads before weaving. The wiry feel creates a different appeal than other flowy fabrics. It has a buoyancy that is appreciated in making clothes with many design elements.
But this does not mean that it does not fall nicely. Silk organza fabric has a very attractive fall because of which it is used so much in making wedding gown outer layers. It is a suitable backing fabric under open-weave fabrics like lace.
Gives body to clothes
The wiry nature of fabric can lend other flowy and thin fabrics some structure when used as lining. Organza can be ruched or manipulated in different shapes or folds; when designing clothes with voluminous silhouettes, this is a boon. The fabric does all this without adding thickness or bulk.
You can create several exaggerated details with it. Puffy or exaggerated sleeves, tiered full ball gowns, and pouffy tutus all benefit from this quality of organza.
Breathability
Organza fabric is light and airy, thanks to the perforations in the fabric that allow air to move through easily.
Pleats well
If you are looking for pleating, silk organza is better than polyester organza.
Embroidered organza is a dream
The embroidery on organza fabric looks as if it is floating on air. The fabric is dense enough for doing any embroidery and thin enough for it to look exquisite.
Disadvantages of Organza fabric as a dressmaking fabric
Easily damaged
Silk organza can split after some wear. Both natural and synthetic organza may have seam slippage – cloth can come apart at the seams. You will have to use a lining or some other backing to prevent this if you are not careful. Too many intrusive design elements like slash pockets may also end up damaging the fabric.
It can also be damaged if high heat is applied while ironing or hot water wash.
Easy to wrinkle
Because of its thin nature, organza fabric is prone to lots of wrinkles.
Sheerness
You may find this a disadvantage as you will need a lining underneath if you are making a dress with organza.
Expensive
Silk organza is expensive. Synthetic organza is not expensive, but it does not have the grace or luster of silk organza.
Not easy to Care for
Silk is normally difficult to maintain. Polyester organza is easier to maintain but to keep its first-fresh looks, you will have dry clean. It does not snot tolerate high heat. So removing wrinkles may be difficult. And organza is a fabric that wrinkles a lot.
Seam slippage
The fabric may come apart at the stitching line – the best thing is to avoid making very tight-fitting clothes with organza.
Not comfortable
Synthetic organza may not be very comfortable to wear. A dress made of polyester organza can make you uncomfortable in summer.
Lacks hang or drape
Because e of its crisp wiry nature, it stays out of the body. If you want a flowy silhouette, this fabric is not suitable.
Different types of organza
Silk organza
Silk organza is made of filament yarns. As a result, it is a very smooth fabric. Organza Fabric is woven from lustrous silk strands and has a beautiful sheen as well as a unique volume that allows it to stand out from the body. Silk organza is also very soft. Mikado organza is a type of high-quality silk organza.
Blended organza
Polyester and silk blend organza fabrics have all the advantages of synthetic fibers and silk.
Polyester organza
It is a silk-organza look alike. Polyester organza is very cheap. Synthetic organs are more fragile and prone to fraying and tearing.
Metallic organza
This is a crisp, transparent metallic fabric made with metallic threads.
Satin faced organza
This is organza that looks like satin on the front with a satiny weave. On the back, it appears like the plain weave fabric it is. Satin organza has the lustrous sheen of satin while preserving the crisp drape of organza.
Crinkled organza
Organza has been crushed and crinkled to give it an intentionally wrinkled look.
Shot Organza
This is an organza fabric that looks different in color from different viewpoints. Different colored silk threads are used as the warp and weft, resulting in this effect.
Embroidered organza
The addition of embroidery to embroidered organza improves the regular fabric. Mirror and crystal organza can be enhanced with rhinestones, sequins, and a variety of designs for a decorative effect.
Mirror organza
This is polyester organza with a very high sheen. It is quite thin
More questions answered about Organza Fabric
Silk Organza vs Polyester Organza – What is the difference? Which is better?
Organza was originally made from silk. But now that synthetic fabrics have gained popularity as a more cost effective and more durable option many people substitute silk organza with polyester organza. Silk organza is softer and more fluid than polyester.
Compared to the original silk, synthetic fabrics are a bit stiffer. Some polyester organza may have a resin finish that adds to its stiff hand. Silk organza is significantly more expensive than polyester organza.
How is organza fabric Made?
Organza fabric is made of high twist, multifilament yarns.
After the filament fibers—long, continuous strands of silk or synthetic material—are created, the yarn is formed by twisting two single fibers tightly in opposite directions. The strands are combed and acid-treated before being woven into a fabric. This increases the rigidity of the cloth, which is an essential characteristic of organza. Synthetic materials don’t always need to be treated this way because they’re naturally stiff. The yarns are then woven together in a criss-cross pattern using the plain weave method, in which the warp and weft threads are weaved over and beneath each other in an equal ratio.
What is usually made with organza fabric?
Evening wear– For evening gowns, prom dresses, and other special occasions, organza is commonly placed over more opaque materials like satin or silk to lend dimension and buoyancy. Designers can employ multiple layers of organza to create sculptural dimensions because the fabric is thin and transparent. Organza is also used as a shawl or dress overlay.
Bridal gowns– Organza is employed in bridal wear, such as wedding gowns and bridesmaid dresses, because the lustrous fabric creates delicate, full silhouettes because of its firm drape and structure. Bridal veils are frequently made from this fabric.
Home decor-Organza is a lovely fabric that’s commonly used in sheer curtains and table runners. Other uses include Cushion covers, aisle runners, and arch curtains.
Bags– Small drawstring pockets to carry accessories like earrings and necklaces
Costumes– Organza is a popular fabric for stage costuming, especially for dancing costumes like tutus and skirts, because of its elegant flow and ability to catch stage lighting.
Interfacing – Organza is commonly used as interfacing/backing under other thin fabrics
Related posts : More sheer fabrics like organza; How to sew with thin trasparent fabrics; How to sew organza; What is organdy fabric?.
