| While most textiles are made from plant fibers, silk is a natural protein fiber produced by silkworms, in the weaving of cocoons. There are two types of silkworm: wild and cultivated. Fibers of the wild silkworm are brown, and have a coarse, hard texture. Wild silkworms feed on scrub oak in India, China and Japan. |
Natural silks are superior in strength to any plant or animal fiber. In spite of its delicate appearance, natural silks are strong, yet lightweight and supple; and are known to be cool in summer, yet surprisingly comfortable in winter. Silks made from silk fibre demand special care. Customer's should understand silk's characteristics and use and care recommendations to maintain and extend the life of the silk. Silk should not be stored in a
plastic bag or expossed to strong sunlight. Silk is a strong fibre but can be weakened by perspiration, deoderants and sunlight. Silk is absorbant so it dyes easily, -some dye colours tend to bleed and fade more readily. Sunlight will fade silk items and turn white silk garments yellow. |
| What parts of the world are known for their silk? |
| While silk comes from Asia, primarily China and Japan, France became famous for its production of finished silk fabrics, which explains French names such as dupioni and peau de soie for silk weaves. |
| Types of Natural Silk Weaves: |
Charmeuse silk, known as the silk of the emperors, is shiny and very smooth, with an elegant luster and beautiful drape. Not to be confused with polyester satin.
Dupioni silk is a textured silk weave similar to shantung, recognized by irregular-sized, thick fibers woven into the base fabric. Fibers that create the texture, are thicker and heavier than those used in shantung. Dupioni silks do have a tendency to wrinkle.
Habotai silk is lightweight, lustrous, and very soft. The Japanese word "habotai" means "soft as down." |
