Silk pillowcases

[Cate]

Hi, i want to make silk pillowcases because of the benefits to hair and skin. I’m not sure what type of silk to buy for this.  Anyone any experience of making silk pillowcases?

[HenriettaMaria]

Not pillowcases but I have had silk cushions and they don't last.  Very susceptible to wear.  Maybe think about cotton sateen instead?

[Lachica]

DGD has a silk pillowcase because of curly hair. I think my daughter said she bought it on eBay. It's silk satin, quite substantial. Habotai will be too flimsy.

[Renegade Sewist]

@Cate you want charmeuse, at least 22 mm. That stands for momme, which denotes the weight and density of the fabric in silk. The higher the momme the better the fabric will wear. Charmeuse is sometimes called crepe backed satin. Absolutely use nothing lighter than 19.5 mm which is easier to find. Look for it to say something about being 100% mulberry silk. Expect to pay 20 to 30 pounds per meter. The better silk pillow cases have an envelope type back, two overlapped pieces, so the surface remains somewhat taut and wrinkle free. That might take more than one meter, measure first before you order. I would need more than a yard.

[Lachica]

Daughter has just requested silk pillowcases. Their bed is super king-size & she can't find that size to buy. Where should I start looking for fabric? Sounds like I need 20momme silk charmeuse from this reply. She wants white so I'm guessing a bridal supplier?

[Acorn]

If you find one, please tell me!  I never have the courage to buy silk online because I just don't know what to look for.

[BrendaP]

Looking at the prices of silk charmeuse
https://beckfordsilk.co.uk/product/silk-charmeuse-natural-white/
and
https://silktime-on.com/en/silk-280-cm-wide/627-fabric-silk-charmeuse-off-white-22-mm.html
I think you will be financially better to purchase ready made pillowcases!

https://uk.blissy.com/collections/pillowcases

[Lachica]

Thanks for those links @BrendaP . The problem is that DD's pillows are super king size so ready made silk ones are too small. Tomorrow she'll drop off one so I can measure it but it looks as though I can buy a metre of 280 wide silk for 100€ plus VAT & delivery 😱 which would make 24 off 50*70 . They'd have to have zips as there wouldn't be enough for envelope style.

[realale]

. They'd have to have zips as there wouldn't be enough for envelope style.

The envelope bit wouldn't necessarily have to be silk though @Lachica. As it's 'inside' the pillowcase - depends on the style you are doing I suppose.

[Lachica]

Ooh, good thinking @realale!

[charley]

Beckford silk also do silk pillow cases, as well as fabric; super king and standard size. The prices though 

[Lachica]

Thanks so much @charley. I'd looked at their silk & reckoned I could make a pair for about £77 but at £38.40 each I'll let them do the work.

[Bodgeitandscarper]

Is it just me that had no idea you can get king size pillows for bigger beds??   

[BrendaP]

@Bodgeitandscarper I didn't know that.

Do the super king size duvet sets (cover and pillowslips) come with extra big pillowcases?

[Sewbusy]

@Lachica  How about making the pillowcases with only the 'face' fabric from the expensive silk and use a matching colour but different fabric for the 'back' side, use something less likely to slide? Two for the price of one that way?