Challis (fabric)

Challis, sometimes referred to as challie[1] or chally,[2] is a lightweight woven fabric, originally a silk-and-wool blend, which can also be made from a single fibre, such as cotton, silk or wool,[3] or from man-made fabrics such as rayon.[4] It was first manufactured in Norwich, England, in about 1832, when it was designed as a thin, soft material similar to Norwich crepe, but matte-textured rather than glossy, and more pliable.[3][5] It was being exported to Australia in 1833. [6] Challis could be made with woven designs, or printed.[5] 'French challis' has a glossy finish.[3] The designs were often floral, paisley, or geometric,[7] and based on French silk patterns.[3]

The term is derived from an Anglo-Indian word, shallee, which means 'soft'.[7] At least one source suggests the term is American Indian.[8]

References
  1. Victorian Fashions and Costumes from Harper's Bazar, 1867-1898, by Stella Blum; published 1974 by Courier Corporation; via Google Books
  2. Bulletin of the National Association of Wool Manufacturers, volume 23, page 144; edited by S.N. Dexter North; published 1893; via Google Books
  3. Dooley, William Henry (1924). Textiles for Commercial, Industrial, and Domestic Arts Schools. Istodia Publishing LLC. pp. 66–67. ISBN 9781449589363.
  4. Stauffer, Jeanne (2004). Sewing Smart with Fabric. DRG Wholesale. p. 106. ISBN 9781592170180.
  5. James, John (1857). History of the worsted manufacture in England: from the earliest times; with introductory notices of the manufacture among the ancient nations, and during the middle ages. Longman, Brown, Green, Longmans, and Roberts. p. 436.
  6. http://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/12846065
  7. Maitra, K. K. (2007). Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Clothing and Textiles. Mittal Publications. p. 72. ISBN 9788183242059.
  8. Pizutto, Joseph James; Arthur Price; Allen C. Cohen (1987). Fabric science. Fairchild Publications. p. 352. Retrieved 16 July 2013.
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