Mitch's mom

I'm going to be quick because I have to get ready for work.
I found a large piece of fabric at a thrift store. It is unlike any lightweight fabric I have ever felt. It drapes beautifully, doesn't ravel continuously and it doesn't get little pulls in it like a polyester fabric would. It is lightweight but heavy enough to make a blouse or shell type top or can easily be used as a scarf. I found it in a basket with a bunch of other fabrics but there were also several books above the basket geared toward sewing with silk so I am wondering if maybe I scored 2 yards of 100% silk for 50 cents and how can I test it to find out what it is made of? It is a dark fuschia pink solid color if that matters.

DogHouseMom

Do a burn test on it.

I need to run, but if you do a google search on "fabric burn test" you'll find something that will tell you the burn properties of silk vs other fabrics.

My guess is that it's Rayon only because of your comment about lack of fray. Silk fray's a lot. It also "shifts" .. if you pull on the weave you can shift the threads fairly easily.

ptquilts

If you can compare it to any silk clothes, once you see the difference between silk and synthetics, it jumps right out at you.

willferg

I know silk threads are incredibly strong – if you can snap a thread with your hands, it's not silk!

drgranny

Unravel some threads and strike a match to them. If it smells like hair burning it is silk.

Mitch's mom

Thank you, Ladies. I will report back after I burn it.

Mitch's mom

Not silk. It melted into a shiny ball. It is still a nice piece of fabric that I'll turn into a couple infinity scarves.