1 INTRODUCTION

Silk crepeline has been used for many years by textile conservators but its fragility and sensitivity to light were limiting factors. When Stabiltex, a plainwoven multifilament polyester fabric came on the market, it was a more durable, strong, and sheer fabric; however, its limitations soon became apparent. The “slickness” of the fabric made it difficult to handle. The soft plain weave, with no sizing, resulted in heavy fraying of cut edges. The fiber's resistence to taking a bend without heat setting made folding over an edge difficult.

The availability of seven colors made it a desirable fabric to cover or “sandwich” textiles such as flags. The one meter width was too narrow for many of the flags and the cut edge had to be turned under leaving a strong colored edge.