What is Silk? Everything You Must Know About Silk Fabrics

Silk is also known as the epitome of luxury that trades worldwide. You might wonder how the silk fabric is smooth and shiny? 

We know that people love the luxurious feel of soft material. But are you aware of its procedure, benefits, types, and more? In this content piece, we will share the best insights about the silk fabrics to help you choose the quality one per your needs.

What is silk fabric?

It is a natural animal protein formed by a type of worms. The buyers keep these worms captive, and the cocoon they spin are made of silk threads. These threads are woven into lustrous silk cloth. The material is also the toughest natural fibre and of great quality, making it a breathable fabric.   

The yarns produced for silk fabrics are produced through the process of sericulture used to weave a variety of textiles. The material has a shimmering appearance due to its natural fibre. The method of making the silk fabric:

• Larvae are given mulberry leaves to eat
• After they have moulted enough time, they will spin a cocoon. The silk fabrics will solidify when it comes in contact with air. This might take about two to three days
• Once the cocoon is built, it is dropped into the pot of boiling water 
• The silk material is extracted by brushing on the cocoon 
• The raw silk is knit or woven into the fabric or spun in a yarn 

Silk might seem thin, but it is highly strong to make it highly durable. If you do not maintain proper care, exposing to too much sunlight or keeping it wet may damage its properties. Being a natural fabric, it is compostable. The clothes are made from a blend of fabrics. It is a perfect biodegradable material. 

What are the types of silk fabrics available in the market?

• Mulberry:  This is an affordable and easiest type of silk fabric to make. It is famous for its durability, strength, and softness. 
• Tasar: It is the most common type of silk fabric produced. This is a variety of silk that is made native to India. 
• Muga: This is made from muga silkworms which are semi-domesticated. Generations have made it of Assam residents. 
• Coan: This is mainly used to increase the strength of other types of silk fibres. These silkworms feed on pine, oak, and juniper trees. 
• Sea: Certain types of mussel native produces small quantities of silk-like fibres
• Spider: It is an expensive product not used in textile production. Producers use spider silk to build bulletproof vests, telescopes, microscopes, and more niche products. 
• Eri: This type of silk fabric is heavy and durable. The Eri silkworms on castor trees that is why it is also known as castor silk. 

What are the benefits of using silk fabrics?

• Texture: The material is incredibly soft, providing a luxurious and high-end appeal. 
• Elasticity: Silk is highly flexible, making it ideal for clothing and upholstery. 
• Shrinkage: The fabric must be dry-cleaned, or it must be washed before sewing it
• Strength: It is one of the toughest natural fibres, but some might diminish when it’s wet. Silk is blended with other fibres for better sturdiness.  
• Absorbent: Silk is an absorbent fabric that handles moisture well. This also makes sure that it absorbs dyes better. 
• Breathable: The structure of the strands makes the material breathable to provide you with a cooler and comfortable sleep. 
• Biodegradable: The raw and untreated silk is completely biodegradable, making it a great choice to be an eco-friendly choice. 

What is the common usage of silk fabrics?

Silk is primarily used in household and garment items, but in some cases, they are an option used in medicine and tires. The material is great for summer clothing as it is highly absorbent. Some examples to use the material:

1. Formal Wear

Silk is used to design beautiful gowns and dresses that can be draped around your body. The silk textiles provide a wide range of patterns, colours, and designs. 

2. Bedding 

The silk sheets are known to represent the height of luxurious life. The material is soft, and its absorbent nature adds a true shine to your bedroom. 

3. Upholstery 

The chiffon fabrics, a type of silk, might be used to cover furniture and pillows due to their durability and strength, providing longer life. 

4. Bicycle Tyres

The silk fabric is used in tire casings due to its durability, flexibility, and lightness. This can be expensive as some casings are made from cotton and nylon. 

5. Wall Hangings 

The silk fabrics can be a moulded into the decorative wall hangings that are woven beautifully. As it reacts perfectly into great dyes and colours. 

6. Parachutes 

The silk was originally used to make parachutes due to its durability, elasticity, and strength. 

7. Surgical Sutures

Since it is made from natural material, there are some amazing uses of silk in medicine. The material has been used in many places in the medical side.

8. Ties and Scarf

The blend of colour and patterns makes it ideal for accessorizing. There are some high-end ties and scarves with rich colours, durable, and tightly woven patterns. 

How to decorate with silk fabric?

• You might use them as sheets and pillowcases. This is not unusual as you might find the finest patterns made from these fibres. It might deem delicate and light feel, but it is strong, stands strong to wear and tear, and holds the dye well. 
• If you still find it costly, then you can for a blend of silk with other fabrics. The right one will provide a great texture and feel without burning a hole in your pocket. 
• Cotton, nylon, and polyester are commonly mixed with silk to make it more effective. They are woven together to create a beautiful fabric with some great properties to each other. 

The Final Note: What is silk?

You will find the purest silk fabric adds quality to your living standards. With the online stores, you learn more about the material and get access to a huge variety of silk materials, designs, and patterns. 

So, before making a purchase understand your requirements and then make an informed decision.