Everything you need to know about silk fabric

Silk is often known as the queen of textiles. If you’re curious to learn more about this amazing material, you’ve come to the right place. This article covers everything you need to know about silk: the meaning of silk, the different types of silk fibers, the benefits of wearing it, and a bit of its history, from cultivation to production. Let’s dive deeper into this natural fiber and explore it together.

Silk is made from silkworm cocoons. More specifically, it comes from the larvae of the silk moth. The silk-making process begins when a female silk moth lays eggs. These eggs hatch into larvae (silkworms), which then feed on mulberry leaves to grow.

The majority will eat mulberry leaves (Morus alba). Some of the silkworms will eat castor (Ricinus communis), som (Persea bombycina), and soalu (Litsaea polyantha Juss) leaves.

Over several weeks, the silkworms multiply at a tremendous rate. Meanwhile, they will eat a lot of mulberry leaves to get bigger and stronger. The larvae are completely grown in about 4 to 6 weeks.

Once the silkworms have matured, they stop eating and begin spinning their cocoons. During this stage, they release a protein-rich substance called sericin. When this protein comes into contact with air, it hardens and forms a long silk thread.

Silkworms spin a single strand of silk by shaking their bodies to form a cocoon. Once spun, the cocoons are boiled to dissolve the gluey material and kill the larvae. The silk filaments are then unwound with care and twisted into stronger fibers to create yarn and then fabrics. All this can take weeks to do and is a lot of work and expertise.

Silk was first discovered in China by Xiling Shi around 3000 BCE. According to legend, while she was walking, a silkworm cocoon fell from a mulberry tree into her tea. As it soaked, a strong white thread began to unravel. Curious about what she had found, she took the cocoon and began investigating further.

After conducting experiments, she discovered that the silkworm produced the thread and could be unwound to create a delicate yet strong fiber. For a long time, China kept the secret of silk production to itself and did not share it with the outside world. Eventually, the secret was revealed, and the practice of sericulture spread to other countries around the world.

Some of the popular types of silk fabric

Mulberry silk

Mulberry silk is the most common and finest type of silk. It is produced by silkworms that are fed exclusively on mulberry leaves. This results in the finest silk available on the market. Mulberry silk offers many benefits. It’s extremely soft, smooth, durable, and has a natural, bright luster.

To get the best quality silk, the cocoons are boiled before the silkworms come out. This keeps the silk threads long and strong. If we wait for the silkworm to leave on its own, the thread breaks, and the silk isn’t as fine as we expect. India is the second-largest mulberry silk-producing country after China. 

Eri silk / Wild silk / Ahimsa silk 

Wild silk is obtained from silkworms that live naturally in the wild. It is slightly rougher and has a less smooth texture compared to mulberry silk. However, it is produced without killing the silkworms, which is why it is often called peace silk.

The silkworms are completing their natural life cycle. Silk is reeled after they have exited the cocoon. This process is more environmentally friendly and is typically done through traditional artisanal weaving methods. The eri silk is produced more in the northeastern states of India. 

Tussar silk

Tussar silk, also known as Kosa silk, is a beautiful and natural silk made from the cocoons of silkworms (Antheraea genus), mainly found in forests of India. Tussar silk has a rich texture and a natural golden sheen. It is perfect for traditional sarees, scarves, and other handwoven garments.

What makes tussar silk special is its lightweight feel and slightly coarse texture, which gives it a raw, earthy charm. It is breathable and comfortable to wear, especially in warmer weather.

Muga silk                                 

Muga silk is also known as the golden silk of Assam (India). It is the product of the silkworm Antheraea assamensis. It is naturally durable and has a yellowish-golden tint with a glossy texture. It takes around 1000 cocoons to produce 125 grams of silk. However, this silk has high demand because of its natural golden gloss and delicate texture. 

1. It regulates body temperature, keeping you warm in cold weather and cool in warm weather.
2. Silk looks fine and delicate, but it is very strong and durable.
3. As it is hypoallergenic, it is well-suited for sensitive skin.
4. It is breathable and comfortable on your skin.
5. Silk is highly absorbent.
6. It has a natural shine that looks beautiful.
7. Silk is also biodegradable, making it an eco-friendly choice for your projects.

Endpoint

As you’ve seen, silk fabric is known for its incredibly soft texture and breathable quality. That’s why it’s considered one of the most luxurious and expensive materials. Wear soft and smooth silk for a more comfortable feel and to protect your skin.

If you are searching for natural and sustainable fabrics to buy, at Fibre Bio, we offer ready-to-dye and breathable fabrics and products worldwide. You can get cotton, linen, silk, wool, and many more fabrics and products at affordable prices.

Do you have any questions to clarify? You can contact us by emailing us at contact@fibrebio.com.