‘Rackham’ silver grey paisley viscose twill fabric

We just couldn’t resist the floating, almost fairy-tale design of this silver grey paisley viscose twill fabric. It has a dream-like quality with a classic 1930s palette of silver grey and white, with touches of ice blue and soft lemon. It looks as if it might have been lifted from a children’s book with its delicate star-like dots on the silver background, hence the name we gave it. There’s no reason why this couldn’t be a gently-draping blouse or top – but to us it has the look and feel of comforting, yet sophisticated nightwear.

What kind of fabric is this?

Our silver grey paisley viscose twill fabric is 100% viscose (also known as rayon). It’s been woven as a twill with the distinctive diagonal weave pattern, in a cloth which we’d describe it as a lighter-weight dress fabric.

What does this fabric feel like?

Viscose twill fabrics tend to be very soft to the touch and this cool print is no exception. It has a very smooth handle and will be beautifully comfortable next to the skin.

How does this fabric move?

As you’d expect with this type of fabric, our silver grey paisley viscose twill fabric has a beautiful drape. It gathers well, falling into soft folds and moving with fluidity. You can see how it moves and drapes 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 for modesty purposes, since this is a fabric with excellent opacity for its weight although a faint shadow may be visible if you have the sun behind you. However a skirt or dress may need a lining or a half-slip to enable movement against the body, especially over hosiery. You’d also need to line it for strength if you were making a more structured garment such as a fitted bodice for a dress – in which case a self-lining would work well in terms of structure and comfort. However we’d suggest that more relaxed, draping designs are going to work better with a fabric of this type.

What can I make with this fabric?

You could certainly make a dreamy blouse, top or tunic with this fabric – and a voluminous dress with gathers and ruffles would also work beautifully with the draping quality of this silver grey paisley viscose twill fabric. However we’re going to go against our natural grain with this fabric and suggest that you might want to consider upmarket lounging pyjamas or a robe. The ‘Lavender Robe’ from Alice & Co Patterns is a simple but versatile design which invites high-quality finishing and indulgent wearing. We think it would make the most of the soft feel and elegant drape of this fabric.

Sustainability

Viscose fibres are produced using cellulose which has been extracted from wood. As such it is a plant-based fabric and therefore more sustainable than synthetic fibres. 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

135cm

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.