This original Margilan Excelsior 100% silk fabric from Uzbekistan is a bit heavier than the rarefied silk gauze or the silk gauze, although still very light at approximately 18 gsm (4 momme). The Excelsior Margilan fabric is similar to pongee silk. It is a lightweight, handwoven pure silk fabric from Uzbekistan, known for its sheer, gauzy texture and delicate, open weave. It is most prized in textile arts and high-end garment making for its breathability, softness, and responsiveness to natural dyes.

Luxurious and nearly weightless, this unique hand-made material emits a delicate sheen reminiscent of pearls. Among all natural fabrics, Margilan Excelsior silk stands out as exceptionally tender, elegant and noble. Its pearlescent shine makes it ideal for Nuno felting, where it enhances texture and depth, creating beautifully intricate felted designs.

This unique handmade fabric is undyed and sold by the yard or by the metre.

Details:

• Length: by the yard or by the metre
• Width: available in the following widths: 45 cm (18 in.), 65 cm (26 in.), 80 cm (31 in.), 90 cm (35 in.), 115 cm (45 in.), these measurements are approximate and may vary slightly due to hand-made nature of the fabric.
• Weight/density: this is a medium-weight sheer silk fabric in the Margilan Silk collection – 18 g per square metre (4 momme).

Usage:
Perfect for nuno-felting projects, batik painting, wedding veils, silk scarves, home decor, fashion, costume design projects and theater stage decorations. Margilan silk brings a beautiful sheen, softness, and unique texture to nuno-felted wearables and wall hangings. The fabric is also known as gossamer silk or butterfly silk. It is Ideal for Nuno felting. When scrunched up it will provide surface texture, when laid flat and integrated, it enhances stability without adding significant weight. Its also excellent for securing elements like nepps and felted pebbles. Perfect for crafting fine felted garments with an elegant drape.

Margilan silks are famous for their unique natural brilliant pearl shine and a rich luster. Margilan silk gauze has a greater sheen than Chinese silk gauze, allowing you to create beautifully textured designs with brilliant luster while keeping your creations lightweight.

Margilan Excelsior silk is widely used in nuno felting, where its open weave allows wool fibers to bond easily through the silk, creating lightweight, textured felted garments, scarves, and art pieces. It is also a favorite in eco-printing and natural dyeing, where its untreated surface absorbs botanical prints and pigments beautifully. In fashion, Excelsior silk is used for bridal veils, lightweight shawls, and layered garments, offering a soft, ethereal effect with subtle structure. Textile artists use it for surface design, fabric collage, and mixed media work, while couture designers value it for transparent overlays and avant-garde details that require movement without weight.

Main qualities:

• Ultra-lightweight – feels weightless, ideal for layering or floaty effects.
• Sheer & Gauzy – highly transparent due to its open weave, perfect for veils, overlays, and ethereal designs.
• Soft & Airy Drape – flows naturally without stiffness, adds gentle movement to garments and textile art.
• Open Weave Structure – allows wool fibers to penetrate easily – excellent for nuno felting, enhances dye and print absorption in eco-printing
• Natural, Handwoven Texture – organic feel, breathable and skin-friendly
• Natural and undyed – ready for customization through dyeing, printing, or felting
• Highly Dye-Receptive – absorbs natural and synthetic dyes well, duitable for botanical printing, shibori, and natural color work.

Comparison of Margilan Silk Fabrics
For your convenience, we are providing below a brief side-by-side comparison of all of our hand-made fabrics in the Margilan Silk collection.

1. Margilan Rarefied Silk Gauze/Scrim Fabric
   Weight: the lightest sheer fabric in the Margilan Silk collection – 9 g per square metre (2 mm).
   Usage: nuno-felting projects and theater stage decorations.

2. Margilan Silk Gauze Fabric
   Weight: a lightweight sheer fabric in the Margilan Silk collection – 14 g per square metre (3 mm).
   Usage: nuno-felting projects, wedding veils, silk scarves and garments, also suitable for sewing.

3. Margilan Excelsior / Pongee Silk Fabric 18 GSM
   Weight: a medium-weight sheer fabric in the Margilan Silk collection – 18 g per square metre (4 mm) , similar to 5-mommee silk paj / pongee silk.
   Usage: nuno-felting projects, silk scarves, garments and sewing, ideal for batik art and botanical printing in your felting and textile projects.

4. Margilan Excelsior / Pongee Silk Fabric 20 GSM
   Weight: a medium-weight sheer fabric in the Margilan Silk collection – 20 g per square metre (4.5 mm), similar to 5-mommee silk paj / pongee silk.
   Usage: very popular for batik art and botanical printing in felting and textile projects. Its also perfect for silk scarves, garments and sewing. Can also be used in nuno-felting projects, but is less suitable for felting than the other lighter Margilan fabrics.

5. Margilan Shoyi / Habotai Silk Fabric 44 GSM
   Weight: a medium-weight dense fabric in the Margilan Silk collection – 44 g per square metre (10 mm), similar to Habotai Silk.
   Usage: commonly used for scarves, veils, lightweight garments, and textile art, valued for its soft, smooth texture, subtle natural sheen, breathability, and ability to absorb natural dyes. Its handwoven structure makes it ideal for eco-printing, nuno felting, and layered clothing in artisanal and slow fashion.