Silk fabric is a luxurious and popular choice especially for bridal gowns, parachutes, bedding and upholstery as it exudes luxury. But how was silk made, and how did it become such a popular textile?
What is silk?
An amazing fact about silk is that it is the strongest natural textile in the world. More recently, this has been surpassed by fabrics designed for everyone in biolabs, but nothing beats natural strength. It is spun by silkworms into a natural secretion called fibroin, which they secrete when they make their cocoons. They're not the only insects that produce silky excrement, but Bombyx Mori larvae, found only on mulberry trees, are the only species used to make silk. The fibers are arranged in a triangular prism structure, which gives the silk a unique shimmer effect in certain lights.
History of Silk Production
The first use of silk was recorded when people obtained the raw material from larvae living in the wild. However, this is never enough to sustain demand. Cultivated by the Chinese as early as 3600 BC, the fabric is synonymous with the Chinese Empire and the ornate robes worn by emperors and other nobles. The birth of the Silk Road was the first established trade route from China to Western Europe. Initially, it was a trade arrangement with the Chinese, exchanging their silk for other in-demand goods that they could not produce themselves.
However, by the time we reach 1000 BC, the ability to produce silk has spread throughout Europe, with Italy becoming one of the largest producers. In the 17th century, production peaked, and when World War II broke out, the United States could no longer obtain raw materials, which led them to create their first synthetic substitute, nylon.
How is silk made?
The process of making silk requires seven different functions and starts with harvesting cocoons from silkworms. This has to be done at very high temperatures to ensure the worms don't break out of their cocoons. Next, the loose end of the cocoon must be identified so it can be unraveled. Some places use machines to thread it into the eye of the winder; others still use manual labor in the process. Each time a cocoon is unraveled, it is connected to the previous cocoon to form a continuous long thread.
In the fourth stage, the long strands are twisted together to form yarn. It will be quite uneven at this stage, so it has to be passed through a roller to get the same thickness. Raw yarn can now be dyed to produce richly colored silk. It can also be bleached to obtain white fabrics for wedding dresses. Once the silk is spun into freshly colored balls, it can be woven into sheets or fabric, or directly into clothing.
What is silk used for?
Silk is common in many industries, including clothing manufacturing, home decor, and parachute material. Silk is also heavily used by medical and surgical organizations as it is the perfect material for suturing and safely closing wounds and is naturally antibacterial.
For clothing, silk is often used for formal wear; in menswear, silk is chosen for suits, and for women dress ties and scarves. But it also makes a great shirt and is popular with lingerie manufacturers. In home décor, silk is preferred for luxurious looks such as drapes, soft drapes and upscale bedding. Finally, silk is also used inside the casing of bicycle tires.
Advantages and disadvantages of silk fabrics
The great thing about silk is its strength, and when combined with other materials like cotton fabrics, you get very strong fabrics. Silk has a natural elasticity, making it easier to shape and work with, and it's also highly absorbent, making it ideal for garments that might get wet. The disadvantage of silk is that it shrinks easily and is not suitable for throwing in the washing machine. It needs to be dry cleaned by a professional. In addition, silk sometimes suffers from static cling problems when handled.
sewn with silk
The processing of silk is a very rewarding process and it is the perfect fabric for creating exquisite garments for all occasions. Our selection of luxurious silk materials are perfect for all types of projects and come in a color for everyone.
