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What Is Dupioni?

There are dozens of silk fabric types available, depending on the weave, type of silk worm, thread, process and finish. Dupioni is only one such silk, made from hard to find twin silk worms, which creates the fabric's unusual and attractive characteristics. Often used in home furnishings and formal wear, it is popular and one of the less expensive silks.

The Beginning
- The name Dupioni comes from the Italian word, "doppio," meaning "double." The twin silkworm produces the thread which has tiny variations in the thickness and creates a nubby texture to the finished silk cloth. Part of the character and beauty of dupioni are the remnants of the silk cocoon left in the thread and weave and may appear as tiny black specks and streaks in the cloth. This is the uniqueness of Dupioni silk, as no two pieces of the silk are the same.
What Dupioni Silk Looks Like
- In addition to the subtle nubby texture and tiny black streaks and specks, Dupioni silk is woven with two threads, which create a stunning shimmering effect to the fabric. Often the two threads are of different colors, so when the fabric angle changes, so does the color. A light to medium weight fabric, Dupioni, because of the double thread weaving, has a stiffer feel to the cloth than other silk types.
Uses for Dupioni Silk
- The stiffer body and shimmer of Dupiono silk make it an excellent candidate for home decor and is often used in drapery.
  Using Dupioni silk in bridal gowns and evening wear is popular because the fabric gives a lustrous sheen, the stiffer body of the fabric hold beads and embroidery well, and it is relatively inexpensive compared to other fabrics.
Sewing with Dupioni Silk
- Although Dupioni silk is a popular fabric, there are some issues in using it for home sewing projects. Dupioni silk has little stretching ability which will restrict its suitability for many sewing projects. Dupioni silk will shrink approximately 10 to 12 percent per yard if it is washed.
  It is not as susceptible to wrinkles as other silks and holds a crease well, but the cloth does not recover from the use of pins and may leave tiny "pin marks."
Care of Dupioni Silk
- Because of the shrinking of Dupioni fabric, unless it is as yardage, washing is not recommended. Should you choose to wash Dupioni yardage, be aware some of the stiffness and sheen will be lost.
  Dry cleaning is the recommended method of care.

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