‘Byzantium’ gold + emerald viscose challis fabric

We were on the hunt for a fabric (or two) that would whet our appetite for a little light sewing for warmer weather. This gold and emerald viscose challis fabric is one of two colourways of a fabric inspired by traditional yarn-dyed ikat fabrics. The colours here are rich chartreuse green-gold, garnet red and emerald green – perfect for those of you with a penchant for warmer jewelled palettes. This is a lightweight but closely-woven fabric, perfect for all kinds of tops as well as voluminous summer dresses.

What kind of fabric is this?

This is a 100% viscose fabric which; ‘challis’ simply means that it has been woven using a plain weave pattern. In this case it’s a close weave using fine yarns.

There’s no ease in this fabric except for a little give on the bias, so you’ll need to factor that into your garment choice and sizing. You’ll also need to pre-wash your fabric to ensure that any initial shrinkage is removed prior to cutting.

What does this fabric feel like?

This is a very smooth, bouncing fabric; cool and soft to the touch and supremely comfortable next to the skin.

How does this fabric move?

Our gold and emerald viscose challis fabric is a rippling cloth which falls and swings beautifully. Although it doesn’t hold a shape it is fine enough to gather and ruche without adding bulk. You can see how it moves in this video.

NOTE: Our videos are intended to show the movement of a fabric. For accurate colour and pattern detail, please refer to our still images.

Will I need to line this fabric?

You won’t need to line a shirt, top or tunic made from this fabric. A dress may require a bodice lining for structure depending on your pattern design. Unless you’re wearing it over bare legs it would also need a half-slip or lining to enable this fabric to move against your body. The close weave and print pattern means it has very good opacity for its weight although a silhouette may be visible in front of a strong light.

What can I make with this fabric?

This emerald viscose challis fabric is a versatile fabric which we think will lend itself to shirts, tunics and dresses with movement, based around more draping or voluminous designs. Alice thought it would be the perfect choice for some of the top and blouse patterns by The Sewing Revival; their ‘Heron’ Shirt would  be rather lovely in this finely-draping fabric since the fine weave of the fabric would mean that those neckline gathers would not be in any way bulky. We also like the ‘Esther’ Top from Wardrobe by Me – the volume isn’t too overwhelming and that’s a lovely neckline band.

Sustainability

Viscose fibres are produced using cellulose which has been extracted from wood. As such it is a plant-based fabric, however unless stated otherwise, chemicals will have been used to produce the viscose yarns used in textile production.

Deadstock? ✅

Organic? ❎

OEKO-TEX standard? ❎

Fabric width

142cm

Fabric composition

100% viscose

Fabric preparation

Machine wash separately at 30º or 40º

Fabric care

Machine wash at 30º or 40º.

See our Fabric care pages for more information.