What is Scrim, is it Cheesecloth?
I saw an interesting question on Facebook today, someone asked if the scrim mentioned on a site from the U.K. was the same as cheesecloth here in the U.S.. The answer is, for the most part, yes, it is. Especially in fiber pieces, art quilting, mixed media the terms refer to the same loosely woven cotton fabric.
Undyed 100% cotton scrim, scanned against a black background
In the fiber arts scrim is widely used as a background layer, as a base for felting, or even stiffened for 3-dimensional pieces. It’s a very versatile ingredient in layered work. The above scan is of the 100% cotton cheesecloth that we stock.
Detail of Oliver Twists dyed scrim
Above is a detail shot of dyed Oliver Twists scrim. Once washed of its sizing, cheecloth/scrim plumps up a bit and gets slightly fuzzy. It drapes beautifully.
Detail of dyed scrim
This is a detail of the Dyed Scrim Packets scrim. Lovely!
Not to confuse anyone, but there are other types of scrim. In the theater a scrim is a type of screening “curtain”; the covering over a speaker is sometimes called scrim, a face or head covering fabric can be a scrim. I’m sure there are others. The basic idea behind a scrim, is “to screen”, and that is very easy to remember, as the fabric looks similar to a window screen.
As for the term “cheesecloth”? I think this Cheesehead should save that term for another day!
Dyed Scrim Packets, more Angelina Film colors, and more newness
We just received some Hand Dyed Scrim Packets. They are packets of three pieces of hand dyed scrim (each piece when ironed is approx. 8″ x 10″). They are available in various colorways and are very nice!
We’re also hard at work getting more new merchandise up on the site. With having to photograph, log, describe, etc. each product it can be a tedious process, but we’re getting there! If you’re curious head on over to our New Items page to check them out. Some have limited details or no photos yet (like more colors in our Angelina Film).
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New Sari Ribbon Pieces, Restocked Sari Fabric, Scrim Twists
New: Sari Ribbon Pieces Bags
They are very similar to our Cut Sari Strip Bag, but these pieces tend to be narrower, not so “hairy”, with a bit more metallics. Just a bit more refined. Each bag is approx. 3.5 oz, and 8×8″. This is a fair trade product, supporting women and families.
Reclaimed Silk Sari Lengths
These lovely sari fabrics have been restocked with fresh colors for spring. They are light, bright and very silky! These also are fair trade.
Oliver Twists Scrim Twist
These have been restocked but there is no color chart yet (sorry!). If you are familiar with the Oliver Twists colors you won’t have a problem, if you have a question please let us know.
