Silk Fabric

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