ave you seen the beautiful silk cloths tarot readers wrap their cards in between readings? You might wonder if it can be any textile, or do you need a silk scarf? There are so many “rules” regarding tarot, it can be pretty overwhelming as a beginner.
As a general rule, you use a silk tarot cloth to protect your tarot deck in between readings. 23% of tarot readers that use cloths choose silk. Silk is the traditional fabric for tarot cloths, but other materials are used in modern-day tarot practices as well.
Silk cloths are seen by many as the go-to fabric for tarot cloths. Do you need to use silk? And how do you wrap your cards the right way? Let’s dig a little deeper into the subject.
THE PURPOSE OF A SILK TAROT CLOTH
Tarot cloths are used to store your tarot deck in between readings. Silk is traditionally used, but you can use any fabric in modern-day tarot practice. The primary purpose of tarot cloths is protection against wear and tear and as a mat for spreads.
A tarot cloth establishes a sacred space for your reading. Back in the day, precious and holy things were often wrapped in silk. It signifies that the deck was essential and beloved. Silk was costly, and the precious fabric made the significance of the deck stand out even more.
Silk folds around the deck like a charm. It’s easier to wrap than many other materials. It’s very delicate and thin, and this will make it easier to bring on travels.
A silk tarot cloth is also used to clean and protect unwanted energies in divination practices. It’s easy to wrap a cleansing crystal along with the tarot deck.
Tarot cloths are used as reading mats as well. This creates an instant sacred space, and the ritual itself will help you get into the reading “mood” on a whim. Tarot cloths are also convenient when you are out and about doing readings. The cloth keeps the deck together with minimal bulk in your bag.
It’s easy to unwrap your deck and place the cloth on a cafe table, on the grass, on a bench… you get it. It’s a convenient accessory that holds both practical and spiritual properties. It’s an easy way to get a clean reading area when you are not able to wipe an area down. But as silk is a bit tricky to clean, be sure not to go too wild with it.
23% USE SILK TAROT CLOTHS
While researching this article, I found that many have strived away from using silk in tarot cloths. In the forums, many stated that they thought silk was cruel due to the abuse of the silkworm.
I asked, “What fabric is your tarot cloth?” in a Reddit tarot forum. In total, 101 tarot readers answered my survey. Besides the traditional silk, commonly used fabrics were: cotton, velvet, synthetics, linen, and satin.
38% used cotton fabrics and 23% used silk. 16% used a velvet tarot cloth.
| Answer | Number | % |
| Cotton | 38 | 38% |
| Silk | 23 | 23% |
| Velvet | 16 | 16% |
| Synthetic | 11 | 11% |
| Linen | 10 | 10% |
| Satin | 3 | 3% |
As you notice, cotton was the most popular fabric for tarot cloths. Silk came in second. This is a sign that silk is still very common, but other materials are popular too.
In the comments, you could notice that the opinions against silk were strong in some camps—many preferred other organic materials as linen, cotton, and wool. Handy tarot readers stitched or crocheted their cloths themselves. Others made them out of bandanas, scarves, leftover fabrics, and pashminas.
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HOW TO WRAP YOUR TAROT CARDS
When you know the basics about silk tarot cloths, it’s time for you to learn how to wrap the cards. I use a silk scarf as a tarot cloth. You can, of course, use any fabric you prefer.
HOW TO WRAP YOUR TAROT DECK
- Place the tarot deck in the corner of the tarot cloth
- Roll to the center of the cloth
- Fold the left and tuck the right flap
- Tuck the lower “flap” in the upper fold
I found this handy video by Genevieve Barbee-Turner on YouTube on how to wrap your tarot cards in style. I do it in the same way. The most crucial part is that you need to start in the corner of the cloth.
HOW TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR SILK TAROT CLOTH
When you have a silk tarot cloth, it’s essential to care for it properly. The fabric is very delicate and expensive, so don’t ruin it by throwing it in the washing machine along with your jeans and t-shirts!
You don’t have to dry clean your silk cloth. I wash my silk tarot cloths in the washing machine on the silk program with a dedicated washing detergent for silk and wool. You can’t use the ordinary washing detergent; it will ruin the fabric! If you wash it by hand, use lukewarm water. The best results always come from washing your cloth by hand, so if you have the possibility to do so – go for it! It’s not hard to do. If you have never done it before, watch the video below for instuctions.
Another important thing is not to wash it too frequently. It will wash out the colors of your cloth. Add 1-2 tablespoons of vinegar to the water to protect the colors from fading. Don’t worry about the smell, it will disappear when it dries. Be sure to rinse twice to get all the shampoo or detergent out.
When you iron it, make sure you iron it at a low temperature and when it’s still damp. Follow the threads of the scarf. Be sure to check that your iron is clean. If it’s dirty, it can burn your scarf! Many irons have a special setting for silk, check your manual.
Never put your silk tarot cloth in the drier! Let it dry laying flat on a surface if possible. Another trick is to fold it and let it dry hanging over something that will not crease the fabric. Look for padded hangers, a broomstick, or alike.
Lately, I have been washing my silk cloths with shampoo. It has been hard to go to the store due to lockdowns. I found this fantastic video by “How to tie a scarf” on YouTube, and I have adapted her technique ever since. It’s in-depth, and you learn everything you need to know!
I compiled examples for you on great accessories for washing your silk tarot cloth at home. There are many brands of detergents for silk, though. You find many options in your grocery store as well.
IN SUMMARY
Silk tarot cloths are still very commonly used, even if other materials as cotton and organic fabrics are popular too. A tarot cloth protects your deck from wear and tear between readings and functions as a convenient and beautiful mat for spreads.
A tarot cloth establishes a sacred space for your reading. Back in the day, precious and sacred things were often wrapped in silk. In modern-day tarot practice, some stay away from silk for animal cruelty reasons. The fabric is costly too, and many of us have many decks – not only one as in the old times. It’s just not economical to use only silk cloths.
Be sure to care for your silk tarot cloth in the right way. It’s easy to ruin it by washing or ironing too hot. Use detergent that is suitable for silk and wool. But remember, you can use shampoo as well!
Sandra Törnroth
Intuitive multi-modal tarot reader with a love for crystals and everything esoteric
THE DEFINITIONS IN THIS ARTICLE ARE BASED ON THE RIDER WAITE DECK AND SYSTEM.
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