Gothic Chasuble Sewing Pattern Fabric Options

Gothic Chasuble Sewing Pattern Fabric Options

What is a Chasuble? It may be a word you have heard once in a great while but you wonder, what is a chasuble? Priest chasubles are liturgical vestments worn by priests or pastors during Mass or the celebration of Holy Communion. Our Gothic Chasuble Sewing Pattern is shown below. There are many other Chasuble styles as part of the complete line of Church Vestment Sewing Patterns available at Ecclesiastical Sewing, including many Traditional Latin Mass Vestments and chasubles

Chasubles are typically made of a lightweight, flowing fabric that features a large orphrey (decorative band) around the neck and down the front. There are a variety of fabric options that may be used for making chasubles, each with its own unique characteristics and benefits. Let’s take a few moments to explore some of the fabrics that might be used to create our Gothic Chasuble Sewing Pattern.

Using Wool

One popular choice for creating a chasuble using our Gothic Chasuble Sewing Pattern is wool. Known for its durability and resistance to wrinkling, wool makes chasubles more formal and is often chosen for traditional liturgies. They are also good at insulating heat, making them a good option for colder climates. And there are tropical wool fabrics that might work well in warmer climates. It is always helpful to look for wool with a smooth finish such as fine-suiting wool, wool crepe, wool sateen, or even wool gabardine. These types of suiting wools will give a nice drape and hand when using our Gothic Chasuble Sewing Pattern, without adding needless bulk. Remember, the goal is something light and flowing for chasubles!

Using Silk Fabrics

Silk, known for its luxurious feel and shimmering appearance, offers another option. Silk chasubles are often chosen for more formal occasions and are considered a symbol of wealth and status They are also more delicate than wool and require special care when cleaning and storing. Many types of silk fabrics might be used in making chasubles. Some of my personal favorites include Silk Dupioni and Silk Damask. Silk dupioni has a wonderful hand and luster! It creates elegant chasubles, and the price point is moderate, which is a plus! And the best part about silk dupioni is the color range! The colors are almost limitless. Our website shows a small fraction of the available colors. And the colors do change over time, depending on what is available in the county where the silk is woven. Silk dupioni is a personal favorite!

Looking for something a bit more dramatic? Silk damask would be the fabric of choice. Silk damask fabrics are also used for creating chasubles as well as many of the other items from our line of Church Vestment Sewing Patterns. The fabric often has a large pattern or design and a luster and richness that mere words can not describe. The fabric hangs so beautifully, and when the light hits the fabric just so, the look evades words. The damask weave creates high and low design elements that reflect the light in various ways. If one’s budget can extend to the silk damask fabrics, these indeed are pieces created to last a lifetime  (with proper care).

Using Polyester Fabrics

At the opposite end of silk fabrics is polyester. Polyester is a synthetic fabric that is popular for chasubles due to its wrinkle-resistant properties and low maintenance. Compared to silk or wool, it is also a more affordable option. And like all fabrics, polyester does have its issues.  It is not as breathable as natural fibers and may not be as comfortable to wear in warmer climates. If you have a small parish or a limited budget, you can turn polyester fabrics into a beautiful chasuble using the Gothic Chasuble Sewing Pattern, all while managing your budget with a bit of creativity.

Using Linen Fabrics

Linen is a natural fabric made from flax fibers and is known for its durability and breathability. We seldom use linen for our chasubles, as the current colors are difficult to find. The style is often used for more casual liturgies. many find that linen is a good choice for hot, humid climates. However, the downside to linen is that it does tend to wrinkle easily, and requires more maintenance than synthetic fabrics.

Using Brocade Fabrics

In addition to these main fabrics, chasubles may also be made of blends such as wool/polyester silk/polyester, or Cotton/Viscose. Our brocades are cotton/viscose blends. Our weaver is located in the UK and they create a wide range of fabric patterns and colors. Brocades are made using a special weaving process that gives a rich finished result.

Ultimately, the choice of fabric for a priest chasuble comes down to personal preference and the needs of the wearer. Some priests may prefer the traditional brocade fabrics, while others may appreciate the low maintenance and affordability of polyester. Whatever the choice, it’s important to choose a fabric that is comfortable, durable, and fits the style of the liturgy.