Silk Fabric

Silk is one of the most popular fabrics that Whaleys sell and with over 90 different options available it isn’t hard to see why. From 100% silk to mixed silk blends and silk sateen we stock products of the highest quality to ensure your projects are given the best possible start. Silk sateen fabric is known for its even sheen 100% silk satin is a highly reflective fabric that achieves an almost liquid like lustre on any garment. With a fine woven finish that is cooling and incredibly light on the skin, silk satin was originally created in China during the middle ages, travelling the silk road to Europe where it was fashioned into fine garments, linen and soft furnishings. Our range of silks are available in several finishes from sand washed and coated to crepe backed and mixed lycra, organza or viscose satin fabrics. To feel the quality of our material we also provide a small fabric sample which you can request to fully appreciate the fabrics on offer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Silk Fabric

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions from our customers about Silk Fabric. If your question isn't covered here, please contact us.

  • Silk is produced by silkworms, which spin cocoons of a single continuous filament. The cocoons are unwound, often using heat to soften the natural gum that holds the filaments together. The filaments are then twisted into yarn and woven. A single cocoon can yield 600 to 900 metres.

  • The most common are mulberry silk (refined and uniform), tussah silk (from wild silkworms, coarser and golden-brown), eri silk (a non-violent silk where the moth leaves the cocoon naturally), and dupioni silk (slubbed texture from two silkworms spinning a cocoon together).

  • Silk is biodegradable and renewable, with relatively low water and energy use. Concerns include the killing of silkworms in conventional production and chemical use in some processing. Peace silk and eri silk allow the moth to emerge before the cocoon is processed.

  • Polyester satin and polyester chiffon mimic silk satin and silk chiffon at lower cost, with better wrinkle resistance and easier care. Viscose has a softer drape that approaches silk in handle. Lyocell (Tencel) is another silk-like alternative with a softer footprint.

    See our Silk fabric product range