Straight answers about how we sell fabric, ribbon, patterns, and notions — plus silk types, care, shipping, and exchanges.
Silk and cotton fabrics are sold by the yard. Many listings also offer 1/4 yard and 1/2 yard cuts from a dropdown. When sizes are listed, the shown price is the starting price. Ordering multiple yards of a by-the-yard cut gives you one continuous piece.
Ribbon is sold by the yard. Listings include available widths in a dropdown (often 1 inch, 1.5 inch, 2 inch, 3 inch, and more). Choose a width, then order the length you need. Some ribbons are listed in multi-yard lengths rather than a single yard.
No. Patterns are one-size items. There is no yardage. Quantity is the number of pattern envelopes, not fabric length.
No. Buttons and notions are sold by quantity, not yardage. Choose how many you need.
Silk is sold by the yard (36 inches of length). Width varies by fabric type and bolt — common widths are around 45 inches, but always check the product listing for the exact width.
Momme (mm) is the traditional weight measure for silk. Higher momme means a denser, often more durable fabric. Lightweight chiffons may be around 5-8 momme, while dress-weight charmeuse is often 12-19 momme or higher.
Silk charmeuse is a smooth, lustrous satin-weave fabric with a soft face and duller back. It drapes like liquid and is popular for dresses, blouses, linings, and lingerie.
Silk chiffon is a lightweight, sheer, plain-weave fabric with a soft, flowing hand. It is often used for overlays, scarves, blouses, and ethereal garment details.
Silk velvet has a dense pile that catches light and shows rich color. It is used for formal garments, costumes, home accents, and statement pieces.
Silk habotai (also called China silk) is a lightweight, smooth plain-weave silk. It is a classic lining and scarf fabric and works well for soft blouses.
Silk organza is a sheer, crisp plain-weave fabric with body and structure. It is used for understructures, overlays, wedding wear, and decorative volume.
Silk dupioni has a crisp hand and characteristic slubs in the weave. It holds shape well for structured garments, suits, and formal wear.
Charmeuse is smooth and lustrous with fluid drape. Chiffon is sheer and airy. Velvet has a plush pile. Habotai is lightweight and smooth for linings. Organza is sheer but crisp. Dupioni is textured with visible slubs and more structure. Choose based on drape, sheerness, and how structured you need the finished piece to be.
Dry clean is recommended for most silks. Some can be hand washed cold with mild detergent — always test a scrap first. Iron on low heat with a pressing cloth, or use steam carefully. Store silk away from direct sunlight to prevent fading.
Most dresses need about 2-3 yards, depending on size, pattern, fabric width, and whether you want a lining. Buy a little extra for matching, shrinkage, and mistakes.
A typical blouse needs about 1.5-2.5 yards, depending on size, sleeve style, and fabric width. Check your pattern envelope for the exact yardage chart.
A simple rectangle scarf often needs 0.5-1.5 yards depending on length and whether you hem or fringe the ends. Sheer chiffon and habotai are popular scarf choices.
Quilt yardage varies widely by size and pattern. A throw may need several yards of background plus assorted prints; a bed quilt needs more. Use your pattern's cutting chart, and remember binding and backing are separate purchases.
Yes when listed on the individual product page. If you need help matching a color or drape, email contact@prismsilks.com and we will help you find the right option.
Yes. U.S. orders over $75 ship free. Smaller U.S. orders are priced by destination and package weight, the same way we buy our USPS labels, plus $1 for packaging. International orders do not qualify for the $75 free-shipping threshold; those rates are estimated at checkout and may be adjusted. Most in-stock items leave our Santa Clara, CA shop within 2-4 business days.
We accept exchanges within 30 days of delivery. Items must be unused and in original condition. If we made a mistake with your order, we'll make it right - just send us a message.
No. Guest checkout is always available — no account required.
We are a family-owned fabric business based in Santa Clara, California, established in 2001. Reach us at contact@prismsilks.com.
Email us at contact@prismsilks.com or visit the contact page. Real people, real answers.