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Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Today I got a question in my email that probably is one many of us want answered.
How do I recognize a serger hem on silk? For someone who does not sew, the easiest way to spot a serger hem on silk is to look at an inexpensive bathcloth. Notice the edges have a very bulky feeling like there is a piece of heavy string wrapped inside. It will also leave a pretty sloppy looking corner that is not likely square and they do not even match. It is the cheapest silk hem available in the USA. A miniture version would be the sewing around a button hole. Do I want serger hems on my magic silks? As a rule, never! There is absolutely no reason to have serger hems on good silks cut with the weave regardless of the weight of the fabric, even as a repair. Remember that a quick and dirty test of silk quality is how well it folds perfectly square. That takes good square corners as a given. Rounded corners just won't pass. There is an exception when serging is a necessary evil. Diamond cut silks are not cut with the weave of the fabric. Serger hems are a way out here. Diamond cut silks are gimmicks anyway. The square silks with good flat hems will always be superior to diamond cuts for workmanship and quality. But they can't fit into the same space as the diamond cut that appears to be the same diagonal size. It's a trick! It is not rare for the hem in a silk to cost more than the silk fabric. The reasons are real. Enjoy your silk magic! Bob Sanders Magic By Sander |
carbone1853 Loyal user RI USA 239 Posts |
Is this a joke post? If it is, ignore the following…
Of course diamond cut silks are gimmicks. (Although technically they should be called fakes) You cannot tell the difference between surged and non-surged hems from the audience and I certainly don’t give them out for examination. The surged hems seem to last as long as non-surged. Last they fold and compact the same. So much so I had to go back and check which ones were surged. So why do you think non-surged are better? |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Quote:
On 2005-10-04 00:04, carbone1853 wrote: Experience! (forty-four years as a magician and being an importer since 1969) Serger hems don't last better, they certainly are more bulky and stiff, they do not allow the silks to tie knots the same, and I and other professional magicians frequently do hand silks to volunteers and audience members. Some serger borders use cheaper thread that stains the silks when they are wet or washed. We do import the cheaper serged hems for toy manufacturers. So we have both kinds. At retail there is usually no price difference either. It's your money! Thank you for the good question. Bob Magic By Sander |
leftytheclown Loyal user Illinois 255 Posts |
Thanks Bob for the great information on silks. Although I have never specialized in silks, I do use them in my routines. Knowing what to look for when I buy is a real plus.
Lefty (aka) Sterling Dare
Author: Money Menagerie Book and DVD |
Bob Sanders Grammar Supervisor Magic Valley Ranch, Clanton, Alabama 20504 Posts |
Sterling,
Thank you for the compliment. I value it. If anyone should understand the characteristics of folded materials, you should be the king! Besides, you fold money! The rest of us are still looking for the materials. Enjoy! Bob Magic By Sander |
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