Silk Mesh Fabric: What It Is and How to Sew It
Silk mesh knit is an open, airy knitted silk that looks like a very fine sweater knit but drapes far more fluidly. It is delicate, luxurious, and best treated like your finest knitwear at every stage — from the needle you choose to how you press it. Keep the styling simple and the trims light, and it makes beautiful layering pieces. Here is how to handle it, with expert tips from sewing instructor Shannon Gifford.
What is silk mesh fabric?
Soft, luxurious, and with a wonderful drape…these knits are of the finest quality. You'll love the way this fabric feels! Silk mesh knits are similar in appearance to a very, very fine sweater knit, but with a more luxurious drape. These knits come in beautiful prints, suitable for your favorite sewing projects.
Pretreatment
Hand wash in cool water with a drop of baby shampoo. Allow to dry flat. Treat the finished garment as you would treat your finest sweaters.
Needles and thread
Use the smallest machine needle you can see to thread; a size 9, 10, or 11 jersey (ballpoint) needle is recommended. Silk thread, cotton embroidery thread, or cotton/covered polyester threads are best for this fabric.
Interfacing
No fusibles…the fabric is too delicate. Use a layer of flesh-colored swimwear lining, tricot, or synthetic mesh knit for those areas requiring support.
Seams, seam finishes and hems
If you have a serger, use a 3-thread balanced stitch for seams. For a standard machine, use a small zigzag stitch, 2.0 width and 2.0 length, for construction. Seams can be finished with binding made from tricot knit.
For hems, use a knit binding, ribbing, or hand-stitch your hems in place. Bind the hem edge with tricot knit binding.
What to make with silk mesh
Keep it simple, with minimal seams. Tees, tanks, cardigans, and sweater-like garments are the best choices for this fabric. Draped necklines, such as cowls, and wrapped front designs are excellent choices.
Creative possibilities
Add a touch of lace or trim to the neckline, cuffs, and hem. Tiny glass beads, silk ribbons, and baby-fine piping will all be excellent additions to this fabric. Keep any added trim of a similar weight to the fabric for best results.
Pressing
Avoid using high heat when pressing your seams. Use steam, hovering the iron over the fabric, and protect the fabric with a press cloth. Always allow the fabric to cool before moving it after steaming.
More on silk and mesh
See the main silk fabric guide for silk in general, or the guides to silk jersey and power mesh for other fine and open knits.
Shop silk mesh
Browse the silk fabric collection and the knit fabrics collection at EOS. Back to all fabric care guides.
FAQ
What is silk mesh fabric?
An open, finely knitted silk — like a very fine sweater knit but with a much more fluid drape. Usually sheer or semi-sheer.
What needle do you use for silk mesh knit?
The finest you can thread: a size 9, 10 or 11 jersey (ballpoint) needle, with silk or fine cotton thread.
Can you use fusible interfacing on silk mesh?
No — it's too delicate. Use a sew-in support layer such as swimwear lining, tricot or a synthetic mesh knit.
How do you finish seams on silk mesh?
A 3-thread balanced serger stitch, or a small 2.0 × 2.0 zigzag on a standard machine. Bind seams and hems with tricot knit binding.
How do you wash silk mesh knit?
Hand wash in cool water with a drop of baby shampoo and dry flat, exactly as you would a fine sweater.