Natural silk is one of the most luxurious materials that has unique properties, an interesting history and various weaves. An indication of how exclusive this fiber is can be seen in the scale: only 0.2 percent. of all materials produced in the world are silks.

The history of silk dates back nearly 6,000 years. Chinese legend has it that the discovery of the properties of silk occurred in 2640 BC in the garden of Emperor Husung Ti. Legend has it that the emperor asked his wife Xi Lingshi to check what the mulberry tree eats. The empress discovered that larvae that wrap themselves in cocoons do this, and accidentally dropped one of them into the boiling water. It turned out to be possible to pull out a fine but very durable thread.

Today, yarn from other insects, including spiders, is also used to make silk. A few years ago, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, which collects works of artistic craftsmanship, displayed a cape that is made of spider silk. But only silkworms produce a thread that is delicate and strong at the same time.

Silk fabric does not always have to be smooth, soft and slippery. It all depends on the production method and the weave. Among silks, for example, we have:

Crepe – a rough and springy fabric with an interesting texture; usually matte; I use this weave most often in my projects;

Chiffon – thin, transparent, breathes well thanks to its loose weave;

Satin – glossy with a satin weave, smooth and flowing;

Jacquard – a fabric with an interesting weave, often woven in multi-dimensional patterns;

Twill – a visibly ribbed fabric structure;

Shandong – a material that is stiff, rough and has a visible texture;

Velvet – hairy on top, smooth underneath;

Taffeta – extremely dense, stiff, rustling, often composed of 2 colors.

Of course, these are not all types of silk, there are many more. They look different, but they have a lot in common – they are durable and all are sourced naturally. This process is an example of the wise use of nature’s gifts. Mulberry cultivation does not require pesticides or fertilizers. It has relatively low susceptibility to diseases and pests. Leaves are harvested only at the beginning of the vegetation, later the trees can be a habitat for birds.

Another plus of silk is that it is user-friendly. It is non-allergenic (indifferent to the immune system), does not attract or accumulate pollutants (dust, pollen, dander), is not liked by insects (including mites), has a beneficial effect on the skin, its touch tones the nervous system. Silk fabrics do not stretch or lose their shape. Real silk does not crease at all. It cools in the summer and warms pleasantly in the winter. And an interesting note at the end – silk is very durable, which is why it was once used in the manufacture of parachutes.