Silk thread is a natural fiber made up of proteins, produced by various worms by weaving cocoons within which their bodies undergo metamorphosis into moths. Although it is produced by several groups of arthropod animals, such as spiders and various types of insects, currently only the silk produced by the larvae of the Bombyx mori butterfly — the “silkworm” — is used in industrial textile manufacturing.
Silk fabrics were first made in ancient China; some indications suggest that they were manufactured around the year 3000 a. C. At first, silk was a fabric reserved exclusively for members of the Chinese imperial family, both for their own use and as gifts. But over time, given its increasing use through Chinese culture, its production ended up spreading, both geographically and socially, to other areas of Asia. Silk quickly became a luxury product highly appreciated by merchants, due to its texture and shine, as well as being a very accessible and comfortable product to transport. For this reason, this product came to have a strong demand, becoming a basic element of pre-industrial international trade.
The good absorption of this fabric makes it comfortable to wear clothes made with this fabric in hot climates and in situations of physical activity. Its low conductivity keeps warm air close to the skin during cold weather. Silk’s elegance, its soft luster and beautiful drape make it perfect for some upholstery applications.
A special manufacturing process manages to make it suitable as a non-absorbable surgical suture by the body. Chinese doctors have used it to make prosthetic arteries. Silk cloth can also be used as a writing material.
It allows the creation of natural fabrics of great resistance and, at the same time, of great delicacy, shine and softness. It has naturally insulating qualities, is hypoallergenic and odor repellent.
Did you know?
Silk was also used to make parachutes until the advent of nylon and ripstop, used for bicycle tires, to stuff quilts, and to make gunpowder bags for artillery. The first bulletproof vests (now Kevlar) were made from silk in the gunpowder era until around World War I.
