Animal fibre produced by the silk worm. The new-born worm only eats
mulberry tree leaves. In 3 / 4weeks it is fully grown and searches for a
place where it can make its cocoon. From an opening under the mouth the silk
worm produces an ultra fine filament which, upon contact with the air,
solidifies and with eight-like head movements is wound into layers to form
the cocoon. It takes the silk worm 3 / 4 days to produce the cocoon,
composed of 20 / 30 concentric layers composed of a single thread. Inside
the cocoon the worm transforms into a chrysalis and then into a butterfly.
In nature the butterfly leaves the cocoon, lives long enough to fecundate
and lays the eggs and then dies. In the cultivation of silk worms, so as not
to ruin the continuos filament, the cocoons are placed in boiling water to
kill the chrysalis. A brush is used to remove the outer layers of the
cocoon, then once the two ends of the cocoon have been found the silk
filaments are wound onto reels. There are three different types of silk
thread: cultivated silk, which is the most uniform and widely-used; tussah
silk obtained from natural silk worm cocoons, with large, irregular thread;
double silk (shantung) obtained from two worms which naturally produce the
same cocoon together, the thread of which has a characteristic "flame-like"
appearance.
Silk Traits
Silk reflects light with
a unique brightness and easily absorbs tones with a great range of subtle
shades. The elasticity of the silk filament renders this fabric
particulary durable and simple contact with air allows it to maintain its
freshness also without ironing. Its softness allows for perfect hanging of
hems and easy drapery.Ought not to be exposed to direct sunlight and
stains with sweat. Non-allergic and retains body heat. Real silk can be
recognised by its feel and weight, but if it is uncertain it is sufficent
to burn a single thread. If it is silk it will burn slowly with a smell of
como characteristic of animal fibres.
How to treat silk garments
It is better to dry clean
silk garments. If washed in water, it is better before full soaking to
check the stability of the colours by wetting an edge. Wash silk garments
in luke-warm water using neutral soap; do not rub or wringe. Rinse in luke
warm water and hang up to dry in a well-aired area far from heat sources.
Finally, iron with a low heat. Crepe-de Chine is a silk fabric which
shrinks once washed, but returns to its original shape once ironed.
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Textile
fibres
Internat.
fibres
