Silk fabric is the strongest natural cloth in the world. This cloth was just lately surpassed in strength by a lab-finagled biomaterial, but it remains the strongest fabric made through natural processes. Despite its immense tensile strength, silk is generally prized for other reasons.
Silk is the epitome of luxury due to its high cost to produce, soft sense, and elegant appearance, and it’s, therefore, a popular cloth in high-end and couture fashion design. Silk is a natural fiber known for its luster, shine, strength, and continuity, and it has a long trading history across the world.
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How is silk made?
Silk’s wimpiness has made it a hotly asked commodity throughout history, and this simple fiber has erected fabulous trade routes and converted societies throughout the Old World. Also Read: The complete guide to knitted wear fabric
Comprised of natural protein fiber, silk substantially consists of fibroin, which is a protein that certain types of nonentity naiads cache to make cocoons. Sericulture. This is the term used to describe the process of gathering the silkworms and harvesting the cocoon to collect the accouterments. Thread birth.
Once the silkworms have spun their cocoon, they will ultimately enclose themselves inside it and also it’s time to prize the silk vestments. Mulberry silk is the most common type, which directors decide from Bombyx Mori, a worm that lives on a mulberry tree. This is the silkworm that the assiduity primarily uses in the marketable product of silks. Mulberry contributes around 90 of the total global raw silk product.
What’s silk fabric history?
The history of silk began in the 27th century BC in China where it remained in sole use until the marketable ways appeared from China to the Mediterranean Sea. There’s also substantiation of silk courting between 4000 and 3000 BCE. Silk’s history dates back thousands of times.
China is home to the Mulberry silkworm, and it’s ancient China where the trades of silk husbandry and silk weaving were first discovered. The humble silk fabric would go on to impact the history of not just China, but also numerous other corridors of the world. Also Read: Some of the best Tie and Dye Techniques in India 2022
Silk products began to thrive in Europe around the 11th century, especially in Italy and also in France, and Spain. Britain took up the product of silk around the 17th century followed by the United States of America which remained a rising mecca for silk products until the alternate worldwar.
At present further than 60 countries around the world produce silk, but the bulk of the product is concentrated in only a sprinkle of places – China, India, Uzbekistan, Brazil, Japan, Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.
Uses of Silk in Fashion?
Colorful ethnical garments use silk as the principal fabric. Silk nightdresses are largely popular and silk sarees no way go out of style. Silk is also a common choice for party and evening wear and tear. The fabric is also generally used in blouses, suits, sports fleeces, curtains, pillow ruffles, parachutes, bike tires, and medical dressings.
Types of Silk?
Muga Silk
An exclusive specialty of Assam, the Muga silk is one of the rarest silks produced in the world. It’s known for its shimmering lustrous texture and extreme continuity. This silk is produced by the naiad of a silkworm named Assam silkmoth( Antheraea assamensis).
Muga silk is considered to be among the strongest natural fibers and has a distinct natural yellowish-golden shade. One of the most precious kinds of silk produced in the world, Muga silk is used to make mekhela chador( traditional Assamese wear and tear), sarees, kurtas, palatines, etc. Also Read: What is Ikat? Know Everything about Ikat in 2022
The traditional motifs and intricate patterns weaved on the silk fabric add to its beauty and demand. The oneness of the fabric lies in the fact that it increases its luster with age and after every marshland. Muga silk is also known for its life. It’s frequently remarked that a Muga silk fabric lives longer than its wear and tear.
Eri Silk
Eri silk, also known as Endi or Errandi silk is one similar variety of silk. It’s reused from the open- concluded cocoons of the tamed silkworms known as Samia ricini and Philosamia ricini, which are native to Assam.
Since silk is attained without killing the silkworm, it’s also appertained to as Ahimsa silk or peace silk. This is one of the reasons that the Buddhist monks of India, China, Nepal, and Japan prefer this silk of non-violent origin. Eri silk is distinguished by its typical thick and coarse texture, matt appearance, and dull golden unheroic luster.
Eri isn’t as precious as the other orders of silks produced. So, it’s also known as the poor person’s silk. Valued for its strength and thermal separating parcels, this silk is substantially used to make roquelaures, bedspreads, wraps, spreads, etc. currently indeed sarees are being produced out.
Tasar Silk
Tasar silk, alternatively spelt as Tassar, Tussar, Tussah, Tussur, Tusser, or Tussore silk, is also known as Kosa silk in Sanskrit. It’s primarily produced in the countries of West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The Oak Tusar silk is a finer variety of Tasar silk that is also produced in India.
Tasar silk is generated from the naiads of the silkworm Antheraea mylitta that live in wild timbers. This has earned the silk the name of the ‘ wild silk ’. India occupies the alternate position as a patron of Tasar silk and is the exclusive patron of Indian Tussar.
Tasar silk stands out with its rich texture and deep gold luster. Sarees made from this silk are its most notorious yield, though it’s also used to induce fabrics for furnishing, dupattas, and dresses.
Bhagalpuri Silk
Bhagalpur, a small megacity in Bihar, goes by the moniker of the ‘ Silk City ’ and is notorious for its Bhagalpuri silk sarees. The natural artwork reflected in these sarees is stunning, to say the least. piecemeal from the striking motifs and designs, the multi-colored silk vestments used to weave these sarees also advance them a vibrant look and feel.
Kosa Silk
Kosa silk, a variety of Tasar silk, is produced in Chhattisgarh. Sarees made from Kosa silk are admired for their unique patterns and artistic designs inspired by racial stories and nature. The classic Kosa silk sarees are characterized by their dull golden tinctures. Natural colorings are used to add color to the Kosa silk yarns to produce colorful sarees. piecemeal from sarees, Kosa silk is used to make lehenga, dhoti, kurta, etc.
Mulberry Silk
The most popular and celebrated variety of silk produced in India is the mulberry silk. The countries of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, West Bengal, and Jammu and Kashmir are recognized as the main directors of this silk. This silk is produced by the regulated silkworm called Bombyxmori. Mulberry silk is known for its exquisite quality.
It’s one of the strongest natural fibers in the world. That is why fabrics produced from pure Mulberry silk are largely durable. The silk attracts attention due to its fine texture and lustrous luster that can enhance the beauty of any attire designed from it. Due to the drollness of the material, sarees weaved from Mulberry silk are in high demand.
This silk is also used to produce evening gowns, dress paraphernalia, fabric for furnishing, dhotis, and kurtas.
Banarasi Silk
Banarasi silk or Benarasi silk is one of the finest variants of silk produced in India. Primarily weaved in the holy municipality of Varanasi or Banaras in Uttar Pradesh, this silk attracts attention due to the zari and brocade work in gold and tableware thread on the fine fabric.
Benarasi silk sarees are known each over the world for their splendor and fineness. With their vibrant colors, intricate designs, and immaculate embroidery in gold and tableware vestments, a Benarasi saree constantly finds a place of pride in the trousseau of an Indian bride.
Kanjeevaram Silk
Kanjeevaram silk traces its origin to the Kancheepuram megacity in Tamil Nadu. Made from pure mulberry silk vestments, this silk is celebrated for its strength, lustrous shine, and majesty.
Kanjeevaram silk sarees are among the most popular silk sarees in the world. With their rich tinctures, witching broad borders, and mesmerizing designs, this silk has been enhancing the beauty of Indian women for agone long. The specialty of this saree is that the border and the body are woven singly and joined subsequently.
Baluchari Silk
A trademark of West Bengal, the Baluchari silk derives its name from the Baluchar village where this rich weaving tradition began further than 200 times agone. The unique point of a Baluchari silk saree is the elaborate representation of fabulous scenes on its pallu and borders with silk vestments.
Chanderi Silk
This silk comes from Chanderi, a small megacity in Madhya Pradesh. The traditional Chanderi silk sarees appeal to wear and tear and gash with their amazing texture, luxurious sense, lightweight, and soft light tinctures.
Strands of mulberry silk weaved with golden vestments and ornamented with unique motifs or buttis are what make these sarees analogous to prized goods. Chanderi silk is also used for producing attractive dress materials.
Mysore Silk
Mysore silk from Karnataka is known for its radiance, durability, and non- crush quality. The most distinctive point of Mysore silk sarees is the pure gold zari work done on the single-toned sarees with golden borders. Mysore silk is used to produce lovely silk burnooses, burnooses, Kurtis, dhotis, scarfs, and pajama kurtas.
Pochampalli Silk
The Bhoodan Pochampally megacity in Telangana produces the fantastic Pochampalli silk sarees. These sarees are famed for the intricate motifs and amazing designs reflected on the fine Pochampalli fabric through the ikat style of dyeing. It’s the exceptional blend of silk and cotton along with the bright colors that make these sarees truly unique.
Konrad Silk
Generally designed in checks or stripe patterns, the Konrad silks of Tamil Nadu are lightweight sarees. The design- stretched borders and nature-inspired motifs illuminate the beauty of these silk sarees.
Chettinad Silk
The southern megacity of Chettinad in Tamil Nadu is recognized as the patron of the Chettinad silk. Chettinad sarees are defined by the extensive use of colors and patterns. Bold stripes and checks are the most common design patterns set up in the Chettinad silk sarees.
Patola Silk
Patola silk is a gift to the world from Patan in Gujarat. The double ikat woven Patola silk saree is a tie and bepaint beauty. Renowned for their style and colorful designs, the Patola silk sarees can take up to one time to be created.
Ikat Silk
From the coastal land of Odisha or Orissa comes the lovely Ikat silk sarees. This weave is created using a tie and color system which lends the saree its unique look and feel. Typical design motifs on Ikat silk include brutes, raspberries, fish, droplets of rudraksha, temple tops, and geometric patterns.
A remarkable feature of this saree is that it reflects the same colorful motifs and patterns on both sides.
Superb idea regarding sarees
Very good knowledgeable regarding our traditional sarees
Silk, silk, silk -the most strongest of all natural fiber known for its luster, strength, elegance, richness and its never ending demand across the world has made it stand unique among all fibres. The blog gave an incredible insight on silk and its history since 11 th century and its high demand not only in India but also in European countries. The piece of writing on manufacturing process of silk was also depicting complete clarity on procedures involved. The types of silk were so knowledgeable. It shows almost every state has fashioned it in their unique way.No matter South or North, East or West whole of India has Silk here and there in pinches. The silk stands out almost every time for its beauty and royalty.The luxury is seen in its shine and makes the woman fashion so complete when elegancely draped in Saree.. Thank you Myra for writing up on this extra special natural fibre.
Very informative
Good information about silk first time i saw this type article thank you prakash ji for sharing this article also thank you your daughter in law Harsha ji pirgal
WOW Impressive , good amount of knowledge..
Informative and very well covered on all aspects regarding silk fabrics
Good thing written.i appreciate.
Very useful detail information
Very informative and well researched.
Best koowledge of silk sarees.
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बहुत ही शानदार लेख हैं।
Every thing about Silk so well defined,very informative,well done,keep it up.
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👍👍👏👏👏 I have been using various Silk fabrics for exports since many years…but did not have so much detailed knowledge till I read this article…
Will def forward to my team and contacts !!
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Definitely one of the most elegant fabrics worn for festivals and wedding or any occasion…truly a well researched topic….love the team work