Silk By: Amy Curtis & Sarah Bennett

Production/Manufacturing/Processing Techniques Sericulture ▫Cultivation of cocoons for the filaments ▫Best raw silk obtained from Bombyx Mori (moth) ▫Silkworms hatched up to 3 times a year ▫350 to 400 eggs in lifetime ▫Subject to hereditary infection, eggs destroyed which results in fine silk production ▫Begin to shape into cocoons ▫Substance solidifies and filament formed Filature Operations ▫Raw silk unwound from cocoons and collected into skeins in Filature Factories ▫Cocoons sorted based on color, size, shape, and texture ▫Hot and cold water so filament can be unwound ▫“Reeling” is unwinding filament from the cocoon

Production/Manufacturing/Processing Techniques Manufacturing ▫Reeled silk formed into silk yarn. “Throwing” ▫Strands twisted and put through rollers ▫“Degumming”  Yarn washed with soap to bring out natural shine Finishing ▫Calendering and Cireing  Enhance luster ▫Singeing  Smooth ▫Steaming  Raising pile weaves ▫Pressing and Lustering  Removes wrinkles ▫Weighting  Weight lost during demugging  Dyeing process  Crispness

Characteristics It is versatile and very comfortable. It absorbs moisture. It is cool to wear in the summer yet warm to wear in winter. It can be easily dyed. It retains its shape and is relatively smooth. It has a poor resistance to sunlight exposure. It is the strongest natural fiber and is lustrous

Uses for the end fabrics blouses dresses scarves pants ties curtains draperies cushion covers sofa covers

Advantages Natural Protein Structure ▫Hypoallergenic fabric All-climate fabric ▫Warm and cozy in winter ▫Cool in hot weather ▫Natural temperature regulating properties ▫Outperforms other fabrics in summer and winter Not bulky Highly absorbent ▫Can absorb 30% its weight in moisture ▫Will let skin breathe Mixes well with animal and vegetable fibers Smooth surface resists soil and odors Wrinkle and tear resistant Dries quickly Strongest natural fiber Strong like steel yarn in strength Takes color well Washes easily Good for ▫Spinning ▫Weaving ▫Knitting ▫Sewing

Disadvantages Expensive Leaves water spots Yellows with age Needs special care Dry cleaning

Fiber Drape Abilities Good Drape Properties ▫Silk flexible enough ▫Drapes well ▫Tailors well ▫Thin

Fiber Care Dry Cleaned: make sure you tell them that it is made of silk Hand wash : 1) Make sure you wash in cool water. 2) Use a small amount of soap or mild detergent to wash the silk. 3) After washing it, rinse in cold water. 4) Hang it or lay it flat in a shaded area to dry. 5) If pressing is needed, use an all cotton iron board cover, a low or moderate steam setting, and press on the wrong side of the fabric while ironing.

Quiz Silk is good for all EXCEPT… ▫A. Spinning ▫B. Layering ▫C. Sewing ▫D. Weaving ___ and ____ use silk covers. Silk can’t be dyed easily. ▫True or False? Silk is versatile and absorbent. ▫True of False? What is Degumming? What are 3/5 steps for hand caring for silk?

References "sb117", Initials. (2010, July 11). Silk fiber | characteristics & uses of silk fibre & fabric in textile. Retrieved from uses-of-silk-fibre-fabric-in-textile/ Silk manufacturing process. (n.d.). Retrieved from Silk. (n.d.). Retrieved from Cherry, R. (2010). History of sericulture. Retrieved from