05-16-2016, 01:29 PM
I have had some trouble getting my chiton(s) to drape, also. Things I have learned:
The linen needs to be 5 oz. weight or lighter. Fabric by the yard suitable for dress shirts or blouses. Handkerchief linen by the yard is around 3 oz. weight and might be too sheer for modern sensibilities. Linen need to be washed (before or after making your chiton) in cool water with detergent AND something like or exactly like 20 Mule Team Borax. This will remove the tons of oils and finishers left in the fabric after weaving. My best chiton became most soft and pliable after washing in the borax and soap.
It is very hard to find a lightweight suitable wool fabric. I found men's plain wool large prayer shawls (loki) from India to be affordable if you search a bit. (9 feet x 4 feet worked for me). Maple Clothing in Canada sometimes has them. Another source is ExoticIndia dot com. Watch for sales. I got a very light shawl for 40USD. Plain pashminas might work if you are very thin, but are more expensive and more sheer.
Good luck.
The linen needs to be 5 oz. weight or lighter. Fabric by the yard suitable for dress shirts or blouses. Handkerchief linen by the yard is around 3 oz. weight and might be too sheer for modern sensibilities. Linen need to be washed (before or after making your chiton) in cool water with detergent AND something like or exactly like 20 Mule Team Borax. This will remove the tons of oils and finishers left in the fabric after weaving. My best chiton became most soft and pliable after washing in the borax and soap.
It is very hard to find a lightweight suitable wool fabric. I found men's plain wool large prayer shawls (loki) from India to be affordable if you search a bit. (9 feet x 4 feet worked for me). Maple Clothing in Canada sometimes has them. Another source is ExoticIndia dot com. Watch for sales. I got a very light shawl for 40USD. Plain pashminas might work if you are very thin, but are more expensive and more sheer.
Good luck.
Cheryl Boeckmann
