What is silk?
Silk is a type of protein fiber that is produced by certain insects during their transformation process. These fibers serve as a protective layer for the insect. Silkworms are the most common source of silk, but other types of insects, such as spiders and certain species of beetles, also produce it.
How was silk discovered?
The earliest proof of silk production can be traced to ancient China. According to Chinese legend, Empress Leizu, the Goddess of Silk, discovered silk. A cocoon fell into the Empress's hot tea while she sipped it in her garden. The cocoon cracked as she tried to remove it, showing a long, shiny thread. Impressed by its beauty and strength, the Empress cultivated silkworms and used their cocoons to make silk.
Silk production process
Silkworms are fed mulberry leaves and spin cocoons made of single silk thread. The cocoons are harvested, degummed, and reeled into thread, then woven into the Fabric using handloom or power loom technology.
Silk is not a single fabric; it comprises a wide range of types, each known for its qualities. This blog will explain the types of silk based on silkworms and fabrics.
Based on silkworms
Mulberry SilkMulberry silk is the highest quality silk. It is produced from cocoons spun into raw silk fibers after silkworms feed on mulberry leaves.
Mulberry silk fabric is among the most distinguished and widely favored silk variations. It originates from the silkworms of the Bombyx mori moth, which are fed explicitly on mulberry leaves. This unique diet contributes to the exceptional quality of the silk produced. Mulberry silk surpasses other silk varieties in refinement with its pure white shade and long individual fibers.
- Mulberry silk is produced in various Pakistan regions: Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
- One of the main production areas is the Punjab province, specifically in Faisalabad and Lahore.
- Pakistan's second-largest province, Sindh, is renowned for producing Mulberry Silk. Hyderabad is also famous for its traditional silk-weaving industry, which makes beautiful silk sarees and shawls. Thatta and Khairpur districts are also renowned for their silk production.
- The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, specifically in the Swabi district, is also a significant producer of mulberry silk in Pakistan.
- Mulberry silk is also produced in Balochistan, Azad Kashmir, and other regions in Pakistan.
Eri Silk
Eri silk is a type of silk found in the Indian subcontinent. It is produced by the caterpillar of the Eri moth. It is considered one of the most eco-friendly and sustainable types of silk available. Producing Eri silk is unique, as the cocoons are harvested after the moth has emerged from them. The yarn is hand-spun and woven into beautiful fabrics with a soft and warm texture. Eri silk is known for its thermal properties, making it an ideal fabric for the cold and wet climate of the region.
Eri Silk fabric can be used to create a variety of clothing, from dresses and sarees to simple tops and scarves.
Tussar Silk
Tussar silk is made from the cocoons of the wild silk moths native to India and South Asia. Silk fibers are extracted from boiled cocoons. Fabrics are made from fibers that are spun into yarn and then woven.
Tussar silk has a unique texture due to the tannin-rich leaves that silk moths feed on. It is known for its natural and organic look with a rough surface. Additionally, Tussar silk has a rich golden color ranging from pale gold to a deep, luxurious shade.
Tussar Silk dresses can be styled in many ways, from flowy maxi dresses to fitted midi dresses, making them a favorite among fashion designers and stylists.
Muga Silk
Muga silk from Assam is a rare and strong natural fiber produced only in Assam. Dating back to the 12th Century, it boasts a long history. It is made from the cocoon of the Antheraea assamensis moth. The unique environment of the Brahmaputra valley, where the moth feeds on the Som and Sualu trees, gives the silk its strength and durability. Muga silk is still a traditional and specialized craft transferred from generation to generation, and it is used to make garments like shalwar kameez, shawls, and scarves.
Based on Fabrics
Shamooz Silk
Shamooz Silk is a luxurious and versatile fabric made from the fibers of the silkworm. Its unique ability to drape and flow effortlessly makes it perfect for elegant garments and formal wear.
It's popular among fashion lovers and can take on dyes and prints. Shamooz Silk adds a touch of luxury to any outfit.
Tissue Silk
Tissue silk, also known as organza silk, is made from silk fibers woven together in a beautiful, open weave, giving it a transparent appearance. Tissue silk is often used for elegant and delicate garments such as wedding dresses, evening gowns, and formal wear.
On the other hand, Ordinary silk refers to silk fabric that is not as sheer or lightweight as tissue silk. It can come in various weights and textures, such as charmeuse, chiffon, or satin. Regular silk fabrics are often used for different clothing and home decor items.
Poly Satin Shamooz
The poly satin shampoo is a blend of polyester and satin, known for its soft and smooth texture, glow, and beautiful drape. It's perfect for creating elegant garments and home décor such as evening gowns, bridal wear, formal attire, bedspreads, and curtains.
The addition of satin gives it a more lavish feel and adds grace to any design. This Fabric is tough, won't wrinkle or shrink, and is easy to care for. Plus, it won't lose its color over time. Available in various colors and prints, it's a versatile choice for any project.
Tussar Tissue Silk
Tussar Tissue Silk, also known as Kosa Silk, is a lightweight and delicate silk fabric produced in India. Its natural gold sheen and rich texture make it durable, perfect for everyday wear, and famous for special occasions and weddings. The production process is labor-intensive and involves spinning and weaving. Tussar Tissue Silk is becoming popular due to its unique qualities, beauty, and strength while empowering rural communities, especially women, in spinning and weaving.
Tussar Silk
This silk is also known as 'peace silk' because it is produced without killing the silkworms. Extracting tussar silk involves allowing the silkworms to arise from their cocoons and then turning the empty cocoons into yarn.
Tussar silk is a natural golden-colored silk with shorter and rougher fibers than traditional silk. It's environmentally friendly and used in elegant fashion, such as sarees, scarves, and kurtas.
Poly Tabi
Poly Tabi Silk is a blend of polyester and silk fibers, famous for its softness, strength, and wrinkle-resistant properties. It is easy to care for and can be machine-washed and dried. Poly Tabi Silk adds a touch of luxury to clothing and home decor items such as curtains, pillow covers, and upholstery.
Korean Raw silk
Korean raw silk, also known as 'punching silk,' is a luxurious and highly sought-after fabric produced in Korea. It's made from the cocoons of the Bombyx Mori silkworm fed with a special diet of mulberry leaves, creating a delicate and robust fiber. Korean raw silk has a long and rich history in Korean culture, dating back to the Three Kingdoms period, and is famous worldwide today.
PK Raw Silk
It is made from the cocoons of silkworms raised in Pakistan's Punjab and Kashmir regions. The color of PK Raw Silk can range from off-white to creamy ivory, with the occasional presence of golden or silver threads. This adds to the uniqueness and beauty of the Fabric. It is an eco-friendly fabric, as the silkworms are raised and harvested without harmful chemicals. PK Raw Silk is not just a fabric but a symbol of Pakistan's rich cultural heritage and skilled craftsmanship.
Indian Raw Silk
India is also home to various silk-producing insects, such as the mulberry silkworm, crucial in producing raw silk.
The popularity of Indian raw silk has spread far and wide, with the Fabric being exported to countries worldwide. In recent years, Indian raw silk has also made its mark in high fashion, with renowned designers incorporating it into their collections.
Diamond Silk Fabric
It is a type of silk made by knitting together wonderful threads to create a unique diamond pattern.
This Fabric's shiny, soft, and smooth texture gives it a royal and elegant appearance. The name 'diamond silk' comes from the way the fabric glimmers and sparkles when it catches the light, reaching the brilliance of a diamond.
Slub Raw Silk
Silk Slub is a combination of silk slub and cotton. It is soft, breathable, and absorbent. The Fabric does not become itchy and stays excellent for a long time. It is ideal for slips and breezy shirts...
Slub raw silk is a versatile and dyeable fabric that adds depth and dimension to color. It is often combined with cotton or wool to create unique blends, making it a popular choice for designers and fashion lovers.
Shanghai Silk
Shanghai Silk is a luxurious fabric with smooth texture, vibrant colors, and intricate patterns. It features floral motifs inspired by nature and uses traditional embroidery, weaving, and hand-painting techniques. As a Chinese cultural symbol, it is highly favored by luxury brands and fashion designers. True Shanghai Silk is only produced in Shanghai using traditional methods passed down through generations.
Diana Silk
Diana Raw Silk is a 100% Berg-based fabric. It has a beautiful slub and shine, perfect for embroidery and embellishments. It is lightweight and has excellent color pickup.
Victoria silk
This type of silk is named after Queen Victoria, who was known for her love of beautiful fabrics and fashion. It is made from the cocoons of silkworms fed on oak leaves. The oak leaves give the silk a unique golden color, making it stand out from other types of silk.
Shop beautiful silk Fabrics for any occasion at Pandi.
Are you looking for beautiful silk fabrics that are perfect for any special occasion? Look no further than Pandi! Our collection features a range of beautiful silk fabrics ideal for creating elegant and stylish outfits. Whether you attend a formal event or a wedding, our silk fabrics will impress you. Explore our selection today and boost your style with the timeless beauty of silk.
