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Silk:
Silk Buyer’s Guide:
The history of silk:
History credits the Chinese Empress His-ling-shi, bride of Emperor Huang Ti, with the discovery of silk and its potential in 27th century BC. For thousands of years the processing and weaving of silk was a closely held secret known only to the Chinese. Silk production is now widespread, however, Chinese silk produced by the bombyx mori worm is considered smoother, finer and rounder than other silks.
Silkworms feed rapaciously on mulberry leaves prior to entering to cocoon stage. To create its protective cocoon the worms produce a protein based, jelly-like substance from silk glands that harden upon contact with air. The silkworm requires approximately eight days for completing its cocoon. A single silk filament can reach up to 1,600 yards.
The silk filament is obtained from the cocoons by a delicate process known as reeling or filature. The cocoons are first heated in water to dissolve the outside gummy substance. The end of the cocoon filament is joined and twisted with filaments of four to eight other cocoons and then combined with other similarly twisted filaments to make a thread that is wound on a reel. The thread is continuous and, unlike other natural fibers such as cotton or wool, is made up of extremely long fibers.
No longer exclusive to royalty, and once sold for its weight in gold among Romans, silk is still coveted for its elegance, versatility, and is significantly more available and affordable. Traditionally highly valued for apparel, silk is now the fabric of popular choice for home furnishings including bed linens, drapes and carpets. Silk is elegant, versatile, and the only fabric with an impressive 3,000 year history.
The benefits of silk:
Silk is the strongest of natural fibers, most often washable for easy care and resilient for long wear. Silk is breathable, naturally hypoallergenic, absorbs moisture, reduces humidity, and is surprisingly cool in the summer, and remarkably warm in the winter. Silk retains its shape, drapes and forms well, and has an unmistaken sheen and feel.
Momme weight:
Silk is graded by standards referred to in the industry as the "momme weight" system. This is the silk version of the term “thread count” when comparing cotton fabric quality. The momme weight of silk is simply the weight, in pounds, of silk fabric measuring a standard 100 yards by 45 inches. For example, a standard measure of silk fabric weighing 2 ounces per linear yard would be a 12.5 momme weight (2/16 x 100) silk fabric. Higher momme weights indicate that more silk is used in the weaving process. Just for reference, silk apparel may use 10-12 momme weight, while silk sheets may use 16 or 19 momme weight silk fabric.
General care instructions for silk:
Hand Wash:
Most of our Silk duvet covers, sheets, pillow cases and apparel are washable. The preferred method is hand laundered in lukewarm water with mild soap or detergent using a gentle hand movement. Do not soak too long. Rinse in cool water and roll silk in a towel to remove excess water. Never wring water from silk.
Machine Wash:
Larger items can be machine washed. Wash in cold water with mild detergent, no bleach, on a gentle cycle. Wash silk separate from other items, and do not overload washer to avoid any unnecessary wear to the fabric. Silk dries quickly. Tumble dry on very low heat only if necessary.
Dry Clean:
Comforters are dry clean only.
Ironing:
Silk has a resistance to creasing or wrinkling, most will smooth out naturally. If ironing should become necessary, press the damp silk on the reverse side with an iron set on low. Silk charmuese (satin) requires a cool iron to bring back sheen.
Note: These are general care guidelines for silk. Please refer to specific care instructions on each label.
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