Fabri-holic & fiber nerd here; used to do living history & sew for it.
Satin is a weave while silk is a fiber produced by silkworms & mulberry leaves.
https://www.masterclass.com/article...r-satin#what-are-the-characteristics-of-satin
Satin describes the weft threads passing over a set number of warp threads to create the smooth, shiny surface. (Denim & twill are examples of other weaves.)
Satin can be woven from silk, synthetics, and even wool.
https://www.masterclass.com/article...r-satin#what-are-the-characteristics-of-satin
Sateen is generally the same weaving pattern made with cotton. Typical cotton fibers are shorter, the fabric is not so shiny but makes a very good lining -- sturdy & smooth.
A silk filament can be nearly a mile long!
Using satin or satin for the face-side of the mask could alleviate some irritation, certainly. Some synthetic satins might hold heat & be uncomfortable. Some of us wore that shiny prom dress & sweated all night.
Upthread we talked about silk. Silk fibers don't collect moisture like cotton fibers. That's why we don't see silk towels. IIRC this is structural in the fiber
and chemical -- something about the silk molecule repels many substances. This also is important in fabric dying, once you get color into silk that color
stays; cotton
will fade related to these differences.
These silk characteristics help with masks -- something about silk does provide a barrier for viruses, no idea what that is.
Rayon mimics silk in many ways. Rayon
is made from plants, but by a chemical process so is not strictly considered a natural fiber. Rayon generally feels cool to the touch (don't remember why.) A smooth rayon fabric might be a good choice?
Probably more than you
ever wanted to know about fabric & fiber!
I've used a thrift store silk blouse for a third inner layer in masks, after reading that silk was recommended due to those repellent properties. Water spotting & handling are problems with silk. Silk can wreck your sewing machine needle, and is tricky to wash. I used it as the inner layer of 3 so I don't have to see it after washing. I washed the used blouse in the washer in a lingerie bag, in defiance of the Dry Clean Only direction on the tag, continued my defiance by drying is in the dryer. The tee-shirt for the face side of the mask & the outer fabric were washed together, the way I laundry the finished masks, I wanted any shrinking to happen before the fabric was cut & sewn.
I cut the silk layer with the tee-shirt layer. This did help with handling.
Several of you here have helped many, many people stay safe be producing & sharing these masks. I am in awe of your determination & productivity! I my knowledge & my need to share anything & everything I know helps someone -- that's good.
Please forgive my wordiness!
Love you people!
