Story of Silk

Silk yarn is mainly of 4 different kinds depending on the cocoon created by 4 different types of silk worms.

These are Mulberry, Tussar, Eri and Mooga

MULBERRY SILK

Mulberry silk fabric is known as the ‘pure silk’. The undyed mulberry is very white. The fabric is the finest silk in the world. It is very smooth, strong and soft in the texture with pearlescent shimmering luster. Benarasi sarees, zari decorative sarees, chiffon and chinnon scarves/stools and organza embroidered garments are few well known varieties of mulberry silk fabric.

Mulberry silk is reared throughout Asia. Among these, China mulberry is smooth and satiny where as Indian mulberry is softer and richer in colors with more crinkly look. Italian silk is refined with elegant look and Thai silk carries natural blended textures and patterns.

Varieties and Uses of Mulberry Silk Fabric

Plain Silk Fabric – A deluxe quality thin silk fabric which ranges from 20 gm to 70 gm. Plain silk is widely used for making blouses, fashion garments, scarves, etc.

Dupioni Silk Fabric – Dupion silk is obtained from two silkworms spinning a single cocoon. It is mostly used for dress material, cushion covers and home furnishing.

Charka Silk Fabric – Charka is a thicker fabric made on hand looms. It is mainly used for the zari decorative sarees.

Chiffon Silk Fabric – A highly twisted yarn is used to produce a thin but strong fabric on power looms. After the processing and finishing, it becomes soft with smooth texture. Chiffons are used for various ladies garments and scarves/ stoles.

Chinnon Silk Fabric – Like Chiffon, Chinnon is also produced from highly twisted yarn, but it attains a soft and crimp effect after processing and finishing. Chinnon silk fabric is also ideal for ladies garments and scarves/stoles.

Crepe Silk Fabric– Crepe silk is made from 2-ply twisted yarn which are woven on power loom. Mysore crepe sarees are very popular.

Organza Silk Fabric – Organza silk is a thin fabric with rough texture produced from highly twisted yarn. It is mostly used as saree material and for embroidered garments.

Satin Silk Fabric – Satin silk fabric is widely used for various end uses which gives an elegant look. Banarasi satin sari is very popular in India as well as in international market.

Tabby Silk Fabric – Tabby silk fabric is a very light weight fabric ideal for printing. This type of silk fabric is produced in Kashmir (India) and is widely used as printed saris, scarves, pareos, bandanas, etc.

Matka Silk Fabric – Matka silk fabric is a heavy weight silk made from very thick yarns. This fabric is good for making suits and jackets. It sews easily.

MUGA SILK

Muga Silk is the world’s second most expensive fabric, after Pashmina. It is known for its natural shimmering golden color, which improves with every wash.  This stain free, home washable, moisture absorbent fabric is highly popular for making saris, jackets and home furnishings.  Produced largely in Northeastern states of India, this silk is highly durable and has the highest tensile strength amongst all other natural fabrics.

ERI SILK

Eri silk is also called the Ahimsa silk as it is spun only after the moth has left its cocoon. This creamy white silk is the most eco friendly and has soft, dull and wool like finish. Its has a strong wrinkle less body and blends well with cotton, wool, jute and other types of silk.  This silk is mainly used for home furnishing like curtains, bed covers, blankets, cushion covers, shawls, quilt, etc.

TUSSAR SILK

Tussar Silk comes in natural Shades of Gold, dark, tan, bage etc It is light-weighted and airy with a stiff and delicate feel. Tussar silk is largely used for making sarees, dresses, stoles, scarves, and jackets. It is blended with wool or cotton to make mufflers and shawls.