Taffeta--if not for quilting, then what?
03-04-2025, 10:58 AM
#1
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Join Date: Mar 2025
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Taffeta--if not for quilting, then what?
I'd like to reclaim fabric from my wedding gown and make something to pass down. I've read elsewhere in this forum that making a quilt with taffeta isn't practical for various reasons. I wonder if anyone here has alternative project ideas or experiences to share?
03-04-2025, 11:07 AM
#2
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Location: Peoria, IL -- Midwest Transplant
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The first thing is always what will be the use? Wallhanging? Why not use anything you want?? Bed sized of some sort, my first question is washability. I've reclaimed many garments for their fabric, I prefer to cut away things like seams and/or waistbands, cuffs on sleeves or necks. I throw them in a regular (for me) cycle and see how they come out. Sometimes just awesome! Other times not so good 
Slippery fabrics make slippery quilts and they aren't as well behaved as cotton when you are sewing, if you don't usually pin you may need to change that. Some people can feel sticky next to satins or taffeta, but some people don't like metallic embellishments on quilting fabric either.
I don't know if it was a local tradition or just one denomination, but I know several marriages where they get a roll of satin and use it on the aisle for a wedding, and then use that for a quilt back with the quilt presented on the first anniversary??
Slippery fabrics make slippery quilts and they aren't as well behaved as cotton when you are sewing, if you don't usually pin you may need to change that. Some people can feel sticky next to satins or taffeta, but some people don't like metallic embellishments on quilting fabric either.
I don't know if it was a local tradition or just one denomination, but I know several marriages where they get a roll of satin and use it on the aisle for a wedding, and then use that for a quilt back with the quilt presented on the first anniversary??
03-04-2025, 03:08 PM
#5
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Join Date: May 2012
Location: S.E. Queensland, Australia
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Try sewing a sample to see if it will work for you. I have made a bed quilt using slippery satin (and spray starch) with good results, and personally I don't see any reason for not using taffeta. Many years ago vintage type quilts used all kinds of fabrics, including taffetas and silks especially in crazy quilts. I wouldn't want to have to wash it much, so probably only have on display is best, and out of direct sunlight.
03-04-2025, 08:33 PM
#7
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Years ago I was given a vintage quilt top. The only patches I had to replace before quilting it were made of taffeta. The cotton held up fine, but the taffeta was disintegrating. This was a top that had probably spent decades folded up in a drawer or box, probably not handled much, definitely not washed, and not exposed to rough handling.
03-04-2025, 08:54 PM
#8
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Location: Reno, Nv
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I made these one year. Little rose pillows. I still have the pattern somewhere.
Also, how about christmas angels for the tree? A little fancy purse for going to a dressy gala. Vogue has lots of nice purse patterns. Or dust bags for jewelry or whatever storage. A cute little long sleeved jacket to go over a short-sleeved dress. I can think of more, but, you probably can go through a pattern book at the fabric on-line store and come up with more ideas.
Also, how about christmas angels for the tree? A little fancy purse for going to a dressy gala. Vogue has lots of nice purse patterns. Or dust bags for jewelry or whatever storage. A cute little long sleeved jacket to go over a short-sleeved dress. I can think of more, but, you probably can go through a pattern book at the fabric on-line store and come up with more ideas.
03-05-2025, 05:27 AM
#9
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Join Date: Oct 2019
Location: Corpus Christi, Texas
Posts: 2,814
I just had to use taffeta for the sun in an applique quilt. Huge mistake, never again. Absolutely did not hold up. It shredded horribly. I had to replace the sun with cotton fabric, but quilt was just repaired and repaired before actually replacing. It was many years ago, and I still remember the frustration!
So, make something that doesn't need washing. The purse is a good idea!
So, make something that doesn't need washing. The purse is a good idea!
03-05-2025, 06:35 AM
#10
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Thread Starter
Join Date: Mar 2025
Posts: 3
Taffeta uses
I love the wall hanging idea--had not thought of that! I will put some thought into how I can make it special. Thanks!--kr
The first thing is always what will be the use? Wallhanging? Why not use anything you want?? Bed sized of some sort, my first question is washability. I've reclaimed many garments for their fabric, I prefer to cut away things like seams and/or waistbands, cuffs on sleeves or necks. I throw them in a regular (for me) cycle and see how they come out. Sometimes just awesome! Other times not so good
Slippery fabrics make slippery quilts and they aren't as well behaved as cotton when you are sewing, if you don't usually pin you may need to change that. Some people can feel sticky next to satins or taffeta, but some people don't like metallic embellishments on quilting fabric either.
I don't know if it was a local tradition or just one denomination, but I know several marriages where they get a roll of satin and use it on the aisle for a wedding, and then use that for a quilt back with the quilt presented on the first anniversary??
Slippery fabrics make slippery quilts and they aren't as well behaved as cotton when you are sewing, if you don't usually pin you may need to change that. Some people can feel sticky next to satins or taffeta, but some people don't like metallic embellishments on quilting fabric either.
I don't know if it was a local tradition or just one denomination, but I know several marriages where they get a roll of satin and use it on the aisle for a wedding, and then use that for a quilt back with the quilt presented on the first anniversary??
