Description
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. It was being exported to Australia in 1833. Challis could be made with woven designs, or printed. ‘French challis’ has a glossy finish. The designs were often floral, paisley, or geometric, and based on French silk patterns. The term is derived from an Anglo-Indian word, shallee, which means ‘soft’. At least one source suggests the term is American Indian.