Silk

By: Amy Curtis & Sarah Bennett

 Production/Manufacturing/Processing
Techniques
Sericulture
Filature Operations
Cultivation of cocoons for the
filaments Raw silk unwound from
cocoons and collected into
Best raw silk obtained from
skeins in Filature Factories
Bombyx Mori (moth)
Cocoons sorted based on
Silkworms hatched up to 3
color, size, shape, and texture
times a year
Hot and cold water so
350 to 400 eggs in lifetime
filament can be unwound
Subject to hereditary
Reeling is unwinding
infection, eggs destroyed
filament from the cocoon
which results in fine silk
production
Begin to shape into cocoons
Substance solidifies and
filament formed
Production/Manufacturing/Processing
Techniques
Manufacturing Finishing
Reeled silk formed into silk Calendering and Cireing
yarn. Throwing Enhance luster
Strands twisted and put Singeing
through rollers Smooth
Degumming Steaming
Yarn washed with soap to Raising pile weaves
bring out natural shine 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 Smooth surface resists soil and
odors
Natural Protein Structure Wrinkle and tear resistant
Hypoallergenic fabric Dries quickly
All-climate fabric Strongest natural fiber
Warm and cozy in winter Strong like steel yarn in
Cool in hot weather strength
Natural temperature Takes color well
regulating properties Washes easily
Outperforms other fabrics in Good for
summer and winter Spinning
Not bulky Weaving
Highly absorbent Knitting
Can absorb 30% its weight in Sewing
moisture
Will let skin breathe
Mixes well with animal and
vegetable fibers
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 Silk is versatile and
EXCEPT absorbent.
A. Spinning True of False?
B. Layering What is Degumming?
C. Sewing What are 3/5 steps for
D. Weaving hand caring for silk?
___ and ____ use silk
covers.
Silk cant be dyed easily.
True or False?
References
"sb117", Initials. (2010, July 11). Silk fiber | characteristics & uses of silk fibre & fabric
in textile. Retrieved from http://articles.textileclass.com/silk-fiber-characteristics-
uses-of-silk-fibre-fabric-in-textile/

Silk manufacturing process. (n.d.). Retrieved from

http://www.teonline.com/knowledge-centre/silk-manufacturin-process.html

Silk. (n.d.). Retrieved from http://www.fabrics.net/silk.asp

Cherry, R. (2010). History of sericulture. Retrieved from

http://www.insects.org/ced1/history-of-sericulture.html