EnglishSilk is commonly considered the queen of textiles. If you’re interested in learning more about this exceptional material, you’ve come to the right place. This article will introduce you to the complete vocabulary of silk, the different types of fibers, its benefits, and the history of its cultivation and production. Let’s explore this natural fiber in more detail below.
What is silk?
Silk is a protein fiber naturally present in the silkworm cocoon. Composed of fibroin, it gives silk its strength and softness. It is also lighter and softer than other fibers.
How is silk made?
Silk is made from silkworm cocoons produced by silkworm larvae. The silk-making process begins when the female lays eggs. These eggs then develop into larvae (silkworms) that feed on leaves.
Most silkworms feed on mulberry leaves (Morus alba). Some eat castor oil plant (Ricinus communis), som (Persea bombycina), and litsaea polyantha (Litsaea polyantha Juss) leaves.
Within a few weeks, silkworms multiply at a rapid pace. At the same time, they consume large quantities of mulberry leaves to grow larger and stronger. The larvae reach full maturity in about 4 to 6 weeks.
Once silkworms have reached a sufficient size, they stop feeding and begin to make their cocoons. During this period, they secrete substances rich in proteins. Upon contact with air, these proteins harden, forming a long silk thread .
Silkworms spin a single strand of silk by shaking their bodies to form a cocoon. For the most part, once spun, the cocoons are boiled before the silkworm can pierce the cocoon to emerge. The silk filaments are then unwound and twisted into stronger fibers to create thread, and then fabric. All of this can take weeks and requires a lot of labor and expertise.
The History of Silk
Silk was discovered in China by Xiling Shi around 3000 BC. While she was out walking, the first silkworm cocoon fell from a mulberry tree into her tea. The strong, white thread unraveled. Curious about what she had discovered, she took the cocoon and went to her laboratory to further her research.
After experimenting, she discovered that the thread was produced by the silkworm and could be unwound to create a delicate and strong fiber. For a long time, China kept the secret of silk production to itself. Eventually, the secret was revealed to other countries, and sericulture spread throughout the world.
Some Popular Types of Silk
Many types of silk are produced by different species of silkworms. Some of them are described below.
Mulberry silk
Mulberry silk is the most common and finest type of silk. It is harvested from silkworms fed on mulberry leaves. You can buy silk of the highest quality here. Mulberry silk has many advantages: silky, very fine and soft, strong, and shiny.
To obtain the best quality silk, the cocoons are boiled before the silkworms hatch. This allows the silk threads to remain long and strong. If the silkworm is left to emerge on its own, the thread breaks and the silk is not as fine as expected. India is the second largest producer of mulberry silk after China.
Eri Silk / Wild Silk / Ahimsa Silk
Wild silk , extracted from silkworms living in the wild. Slightly rougher and less smooth than mulberry silk, it is nevertheless made without killing the silkworms. This is why it is called peace silk.
Silkworms complete their natural life cycle. The silk is reeled after emerging from the cocoon. This more environmentally friendly process is generally carried out using traditional hand-crafted weaving methods. Eri silk is primarily produced in the northeastern states of India.
Tussar silk
Tussah silk, also known as kosa silk, is a beautiful natural silk produced from the cocoons of silkworms (genus Antheraea), found primarily in Indian forests. Its rich texture and natural golden sheen make it an ideal fabric for traditional saris, scarves, and other hand-woven garments.
Tussah silk’s unique feature lies in its lightness and slightly rough texture, which gives it a raw, natural appeal. Breathable and comfortable, it is particularly pleasant to wear, especially in warm weather.
Muga Silk
Muga silk is also known as golden silk from Assam (India). It comes from the Antheraea assamensis silkworm. Naturally strong, it has a golden-yellow hue and a lustrous texture. It takes approximately 1,000 cocoons to produce 125 grams of silk. However, this silk is highly sought after due to its natural golden luster and delicate texture.
Specific silk fabrics available from Fibre Bio
Satin 60
Its surface is smooth and shiny thanks to its weaving technique. “60” corresponds to the density of the thread and indicates a moderate weave for a shiny finish. The weight of Satin 60 is 60 g/m².
Satin 80
Satin 80 is almost identical to Satin 60, but has a tighter weave. It adds shine to the fabric and weighs 80 g/m². Its higher thread count and brighter sheen give it a refined look.
Silk georgette
Silk georgette was originally made from pure silk. Slightly delicate, it can be worn in any season. It is particularly popular in summer thanks to its light, airy texture.
chiffon
This fabric is made from silk. Smooth silk chiffon is a natural fiber. However, crinkled silk chiffon is considered a light and airy material.
Silk velvet
Silk velvet is very soft and silky to the touch. Although it is heavier than many other fabrics, it is more expensive because it is made entirely of pure silk.
Recycled silk
Recycled silk is created by reusing and upcycling silk waste, such as old clothing, scraps, discarded silk cocoons, and more. It helps reduce the need for new silk production and uses 30 to 50% less energy than producing new silk.
Chinese crepe
This versatile fabric is suitable for both formal and casual wear. Lightweight and breathable, crepe de chine is ideal for summer or warmer climates.
Organza
Silk organza is a plain, very sheer fabric. It is a very fine and lightweight material.
7 properties and benefits of silk
- It regulates body temperature, keeping you warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather.
- Silk looks thin and delicate, but it is very strong and durable.
- As it is hypoallergenic, it is very suitable for sensitive skin.
- Breathable and comfortable on your skin.
- Very absorbent.
- It has a natural shine that looks beautiful.
- In addition to being biodegradable, silk is an ecological choice for your projects.
Conclusion
As you can see, silk is a very soft and breathable fabric. That’s why it’s the most expensive fabric. Choose soft and smooth silk fabrics for comfort and safety.
If you’re looking for natural and sustainable fabrics, at Fibre Bio we offer breathable and ready-to-dye fabrics and products. You’ll find cotton , linen , silk , wool , and many other organic fabrics and products at affordable prices.
Do you have any questions? You can contact us by email at contact@fibrebio.com.
