Metalization is one of the finishing processes in textile treatments that can produce fabrics with a unique appearance. It has great potential for textiles and garments, including functional and decorative effects. Chemical plating is an autocatalytic deposition method for precision work in conventional manufacturing. In this study, the operation and final properties of the chemical silver plating of cotton and polyester fabrics were investigated. The results showed that a specific performance of silver-plated fabric could be obtained if the optimum chemical-plating conditions were chosen. In addition, a fabric design practice employed by this chemical technique with a craft approach achieved a diverse effect. (c) 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.