Journal · 20 guides
Fabrics and care
Lawn, cambric, chiffon, khaddar and more: what each fabric is like to wear, stitch and look after.
- 4 min readHow to wash and care for lawn, chiffon and embroidered suitsWashing, drying, ironing and storing lawn, cambric, chiffon and embroidered Pakistani suits: how to stop colours bleeding and keep embroidery and zari looking new.Read
- 4 min readDoes my kameez need lining? When to line a kameez, dupatta or trousersWhen a kameez or dupatta needs lining, from sheer lawn and chiffon to organza and net, which lining to choose, full or half lining, and how much extra it takes.Read
- 4 min readKhaddar, karandi, marina or linen? Winter fabrics for UK weatherKhaddar, karandi, marina, linen, cotton silk and velvet shawls compared for warmth, drape and feel, with stitching tips for Pakistani winter suits in UK weather.Read
- 4 min readChiffon for kameez and dupattas: how to wear it and have it stitchedHow chiffon behaves in a kameez and dupatta, why it needs lining and careful seams, how to wear it without slipping or snagging, and what to ask your tailor for.Read
- 4 min readOrganza beyond formal wear: sleeves, dupattas and overlays for every dayHow to use organza in everyday outfits: organza dupattas, sleeves and overlays with cotton kurtas, how it behaves when stitched, and how to stop it feeling scratchy.Read
- 4 min readJacquard suits explained: woven patterns and how to cut themWhat jacquard fabric is, how its woven pattern differs from a print, how to tell the right side, and why motif placement matters when a jacquard kameez is cut.Read
- 4 min readCotton silk and raw silk: the in-between fabrics for Eid and gatheringsWhat cotton silk and raw silk are, how they differ in sheen, weight and drape, which cuts suit each, and how to stitch and care for them for Eid and gatherings.Read
- 4 min readNet and lace fabrics: sleeves, dupattas and how to line themNet and lace for kameez and kurtas: tulle, embroidered net, guipure and cotton lace, where each works best, how to line them and how to wash and press them.Read
- 4 min readDobby, slub and textured cottons: everyday fabrics with characterWhat dobby, slub, seersucker and other textured cottons are, why they suit everyday kurtas, how they hide creases, and what to ask for when having them stitched.Read
- 4 min readViscose and rayon kurtas: soft drape, shrinkage and careWhat viscose and rayon are, why they drape so softly, why they can shrink or stretch in the wash, and how to stitch, wash and iron viscose so it keeps its shape.Read
- 4 min readGeorgette vs chiffon: which drapes better for your outfit?Georgette and chiffon compared: weight, sheerness, texture and drape, which suits a kameez, dupatta or sleeves better, and how each behaves when stitched and washed.Read
- 4 min readHow to judge the quality of an unstitched suit before you buyA checklist for judging an unstitched suit before you buy: weave and weight, print and embroidery quality, colour, lengths and what to check when buying online.Read
- 4 min readThe colour-fastness test to do before any suit is stitchedAn at-home colour-fastness test for suits and dupattas before stitching: how to check for bleeding and rub-off, what the results mean and what to do if colour runs.Read
- 4 min readHow to iron and steam kurtas, lawn and chiffon without damageHow to iron and steam kurtas without shine or scorch marks: heat settings by fabric, the right pressing order, and how to treat chiffon, embroidery, zari and velvet.Read
- 4 min readStoring dupattas and embroidered suits: folds, moths and dampHow to store dupattas and embroidered suits: folding and rolling, protecting zari and embroidery, and keeping moths and damp away in UK and European homes.Read
- 4 min readRemoving common stains from lawn and cotton (safely)General advice for removing turmeric, oil, tea, makeup, henna and other stains from lawn and cotton suits, and when to take a piece to a dry cleaner instead.Read
- 4 min readShould you pre-wash fabric before stitching?When to pre-wash fabric before stitching and when not to: shrinkage, colour and finishes by fabric type, and how to pre-wash an unstitched suit without fraying it.Read
- 4 min readFabric widths explained: 36, 44 and 58 inch and why they matterCommon fabric widths explained in inches and centimetres, how width changes the metres you need for a kameez, trousers or dupatta, and what to check before you buy.Read
- 4 min readBlock print, digital print and screen print: what you are buyingBlock, screen and digital printing for lawn and cotton suits: how each is made, how to tell them apart, how they wear and wash, and what they mean for stitching.Read
- 4 min readMaking your suits last longer: rotation, repairs and restylingHabits that make shalwar kameez and kurtas last longer: rotating what you wear, washing less and more gently, fixing small problems early and restyling older suits.Read
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