This exquisite hand-tufted Mulberry silk fabric features a sculpted, three-dimensional surface with a soft, luminous sheen and richly tactile character.

Created on a fine Mulberry silk base, raised geometric forms are produced through a carefully guided Singer machine technique. The hand-tufted surface catches light differently across every fold, giving the fabric depth, movement, and an architectural presence.

At approximately 200 GSM, the fabric has enough body to support its dimensional texture while retaining the controlled fluidity associated with silk. It feels smooth and refined at the base, with soft, plush relief across the tufted areas.

Its narrow 22-inch width makes it particularly suited to couture panels, statement details, textile art, and curated interior applications where the workmanship can remain visible and intentional.

HOW THE FABRIC IS MADE

The process begins with a finely woven Mulberry silk base constructed in a plain weave.

The surface design is then developed through manually guided stitching on a Singer machine. The fabric and needle are carefully controlled to create raised loops, tufted forms, and dimensional geometric areas.

The texture is physically constructed with silk thread—it is not printed, embossed, bonded, or attached with adhesive.

Because the process is guided by hand, slight differences in tuft height, density, spacing, and alignment are expected. These variations ensure that every cut carries its own individual character.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Fabric: Hand-Tufted Mulberry Silk

Composition: 100% Mulberry silk

Base Weave: Fine plain-weave silk ground

Technique: Hand-guided Singer machine tufting

Construction: Mulberry silk base with hand-tufted silk texture

Width: Approximately 22 inches / 56 cm

Weight: Approximately 200 GSM

Weight Class: Medium weight

Surface: Sculpted, geometric, and three-dimensional

Texture: Smooth base with raised plush relief

Finish: Natural silk sheen with matte-textured tufting

Handfeel: Soft, cushioned, and tactile

Drape: Structured with controlled fluidity

Opacity: Opaque to semi-opaque, depending on the base and lighting

Stretch: None; stable woven construction

End-Use Category: Couture apparel, textile art, accessories, and luxury interiors

HANDFEEL AND DRAPE

Base Handfeel: Smooth, soft, and refined

Tufted Areas: Raised, plush, and gently cushioned

Surface: Dimensional with contrasts between sheen and matte texture

Body: Substantial enough to hold sculptural form

Drape: Structured with graceful, controlled movement

Visual Effect: Changes subtly with light and viewing angle

The smooth silk ground reflects light softly, while the raised tufted areas create shadow and a more matte appearance. This contrast gives the cloth exceptional depth without the need for printed pattern or additional embellishment.

IDEAL USES

• Couture garments

• Eveningwear panels

• Statement jackets

• Vests and waistcoats

• Structured bodices

• Collars, cuffs, and yokes

• Sleeves and decorative inserts

• Bridal and occasionwear details

• Luxury bags and clutches

• Textile jewellery and accessories

• Cushion covers

• Wall panels

• Framed textile artwork

• Decorative screens

• Luxury interior accents

• Contemporary fibre art

• Mixed-media textile projects

The fabric is best suited to considered applications that protect its raised surface. It is not recommended for high-friction areas, heavy upholstery, everyday trousers, or garments exposed to frequent rubbing.

WIDTH AND YARDAGE

This fabric measures approximately 22 inches / 56 cm wide, which is considerably narrower than standard apparel fabrics.

Please consider the narrow width carefully when calculating yardage.

• Additional length may be required for larger projects

• Wide pattern pieces may need to be divided into panels

• Plan motif placement before cutting

• Allow extra fabric for matching the tufted design

• Check whether the full width is tufted from selvedge to selvedge

• Purchase sufficient fabric in one order when continuity is important

For couture work, the narrow format can be used intentionally to create centre panels, side panels, sleeves, yokes, borders, and other statement sections.

PATTERN PLACEMENT

The direction and spacing of the tufted forms should be considered before cutting.

• Examine the fabric from both directions under natural light

• Keep every pattern piece oriented consistently

• Centre prominent motifs where appropriate

• Avoid placing dense tufting inside bulky seam intersections

• Position raised areas away from tightly folded hems where possible

• Cut in a single layer for greater control

• Mark the reverse rather than the tufted face

• Use pattern weights instead of excessive pinning

Careful placement allows the handmade texture to become an intentional part of the finished design.

SEWING RECOMMENDATIONS

This fabric is best suited to experienced sewists, couture makers, or professional garment studios.

• Test every technique on an offcut first

• Use sharp fabric scissors or a fresh rotary blade

• Use a fine Microtex or sharp needle for the silk base

• Test a size 70/10 or 80/12 needle

• Use fine, high-quality silk or polyester thread

• Adjust the presser-foot pressure if the tufting becomes compressed

• Use a walking foot if the layers shift

• Secure thread ends where cutting passes through tufted areas

• Stay-stitch curved and bias-cut edges

• Finish raw edges carefully to protect both the base and tufting

• Use silk organza or another lightweight sew-in interfacing where support is required

• Avoid heavy fusibles that may flatten the surface

• Grade seam allowances to reduce bulk

• Consider hand finishing for visible couture areas

• Use a lining to protect the reverse of the tufting

French seams may not be suitable in densely tufted areas because of bulk. Binding, lining, hand-overcasting, or a carefully tested fine overlocked finish may be more appropriate.

LINING RECOMMENDATIONS

A lining is strongly recommended for most garment and accessory applications.

Suitable options include:

• Lightweight silk

• Silk habotai

• Cupro or Bemberg

• Fine cotton voile

• Lightweight viscose lining

The lining protects the reverse stitching, creates a cleaner interior, improves comfort, and reduces strain on the tufted construction.

PRESSING AND STEAMING

The raised texture must be protected from direct pressure.

• Do not iron directly on the tufted face

• Press from the reverse side whenever possible

• Place a thick towel beneath the fabric

• Use a pressing cloth

• Use very low heat suitable for silk

• Apply steam lightly from a distance

• Avoid prolonged heat or moisture

• Do not slide the iron across the surface

• Lift and lower the iron gently

• Allow the fabric to cool completely before moving it

Always test heat and steam on an offcut first, as excessive pressure may permanently flatten the tufted relief.

WASH AND CARE

Professional dry cleaning is strongly recommended.

• Dry clean only

• Inform the cleaner that the fabric is natural silk with hand-tufted relief

• Do not machine wash

• Do not hand wash unless a swatch has been professionally tested

• Do not bleach

• Do not soak

• Do not wring or twist

• Do not tumble dry

• Do not scrub or spot-rub the tufted surface

• Steam lightly from a distance to refresh

• Protect from perfume, cosmetics, oils, and moisture

• Store away from direct sunlight

Water, heat, friction, and agitation may cause shrinkage, distortion, water marks, colour change, or damage to the tufted structure.

STORAGE

• Store clean and completely dry

• Roll loosely around an acid-free tube where practical

• If folding, place acid-free tissue between layers

• Avoid placing heavy objects on top

• Do not compress the tufted surface for long periods

• Protect from moths and insects

• Store away from moisture and direct sunlight

• Refold periodically to prevent permanent crease lines

Long-term hanging may place stress on the narrow silk base, particularly before the fabric has been made into a supported garment.

ARTISAN CHARACTERISTICS

This fabric may naturally display:

• Variations in tuft height

• Differences in loop density

• Slight changes in spacing or alignment

• Small variations in geometric forms

• Visible thread joins

• Minor differences in surface sheen

• Subtle irregularities in the silk ground

These characteristics are inherent to the manually guided process and contribute to the uniqueness of the fabric. They should not be considered defects.

PLEASE NOTE

• The fabric is only approximately 22 inches wide

• It is designed for couture, decorative, and specialised sewing applications

• It is not recommended for heavy wear or high-friction surfaces

• The tufted areas may snag on jewellery or rough objects

• Pressure may temporarily or permanently flatten the relief

• The fabric contains no elastane and has no mechanical stretch

• Colour and sheen will change with lighting and viewing angle

• Separate pieces may vary slightly in tuft placement and density

• Dry cleaning is recommended to preserve the fabric

• Purchase sufficient fabric for the complete project in one order when continuity is important

We recommend ordering a swatch before purchasing larger quantities when exact colour, sheen, texture, scale, or project suitability is important.