From the Persian word shirshukar, a cotton, cotton mix, rayon or linen fabric with puckered, vertical stripes in varying widths made by alternating tight weaving and loose weaving. It was introduced to Europe via the 18thC East India Trade Company The fabric comes in plain colours, checks or stripes and is pre –washed; it also doesn’t show creases. Use for tablecloths, blinds and lightweight curtains, children’s rooms, bathrooms and kitchens.