Crape

krap, a fabric of silk, wool, or cotton whose surface is crinkled by small, irregular ridges or puckers. In making silk crape a hard twisted thread is used for the weft, and sometimes for both warp and weft. A group of wefts is woven into the warp; then another group the threads of which are twisted in the reverse direction. The threads are woven with more or less space between them; when removed from the loom they untwist, each in its own direction. In making the best qualities of crape both warp and weft threads are twisted. This gives elasticity to the fabric in both directions. When only weft threads are twisted the elasticity is only from side to side. The crinkled surface of crape reflects little light, and thus permits color to be seen to advantage. Silk crapes in rich colors have special beauty. They are used for evening gowns, neck scarfs and similar purposes.

English mourning crape is given its elasticity and crinkled surface, not by weaving, but by a process of pressing between ridged and crisped rollers. Japanese silk crape, one of Japan's most notable textiles, is produced by a process similar to that employed in the manufacture of American crape. The weft threads are twisted in two directions. The web, however, is boiled after removal from the loom. It is then washed, rolled, stretched, and dried in the sun. The result is a soft, clinging, rich, and beautiful fabric.

Cotton and wool crapes are produced by similar methods. A paper, having the crinkled appearance and elastic qualities of the cloth of that name, is called crape paper. The name crape is the English spelling of a French word, signifying crisp or wavy. See Crepe De Chine