Know Your Fabrics
Post by: jo jo
Posted: February 01, 2023

All About Silk Fabric

All About Silk Fabric

What is Silk Fabric?

Silk is a natural protein fiber, produced by silkworms to build their cocoons. The fiber is obtained from the cocoons and is spun into a luxurious, soft, and shiny fabric that is widely used for clothing, bedding, and decor items. Silk is known for its drapability, luster, and strength, as well as its ability to regulate body temperature, making it a popular choice for high-end fashion and home textiles.

The History of Silk Fabric

Silk fabric has a long and rich history, dating back to ancient China over 5000 years ago. It is believed to have been discovered by the wife of the Yellow Emperor, Leizu, who discovered the secret of sericulture (silk production) and introduced it to the Chinese imperial court. Silk quickly became a luxury item, valued for its softness, shine, and beauty, and was used for clothing, bedding, and other textiles.

Silk was a closely guarded secret in China for many centuries, and the Chinese monopoly on silk production allowed them to control its trade and build wealth. The secret of silk production eventually spread to other countries, particularly the Middle East, where the Silk Road was established, connecting China to the West and allowing for the trade of silk and other goods.

Today, silk is widely produced and used globally, with China remaining a major producer, along with other countries like India, Thailand, and Vietnam. Despite advances in synthetic fibers, silk continues to be prized for its natural beauty and luxurious feel.

Is silk a sustainable fabric?

Silk can be considered a sustainable fabric to some extent, as it is a natural product derived from the cocoons of silkworms, which are a renewable resource. Additionally, the process of silk production has been refined over thousands of years, and traditional methods are often carried out by hand and in small scale, reducing the environmental impact of the production process.

Where to buy silk fabrics?

The Remnant Warehouse stocks silk fabrics both in store and online. You can visit our shop in Sydney at 494 Botany Road, Alexandria. We are half way between Sydney CBD and Sydney airport, easily accessible by bus or a 1km walk from Green Square station. We have street parking available (check signs for clearway times) also. When ordering online, we ship our silk fabrics all over the world. You can also order samples of our silk fabrics to feel the fabric first before committing to larger cuts.

Where do our silk fabrics come from?

All of our silk fabrics at The Remnant Warehouse have been sourced as designer remnants from Australian designer labels and manufacturers. This reduces waste and promotes using fabrics that are already out there in the world. We do not import any silk fabrics or order them from a supplier, as this would increase production. All of our silk fabrics have been obtained within driving distance from ateliers, cutters and brands who had excess fabric at the end of their production runs.

How much do silk fabrics cost?

As our silk fabrics have been sourced as designer remnants, they are incredibly well priced - much more affordable than our competitors! Our silk fabrics range from $14.95 AUD per metre with our most expensive at $39.95 AUD per metre. We have the best priced high quality silks from designers around!

Is Satin the same as Silk?

Satin is a type of weave, and silk is a type of fibre. Simply put: silk is the content, satin is the way it is constructed. You can have silk satins, but you can also have polyester, viscose, acetate or nylon satin fabrics. We have seen other websites name their polyester satins 'silky satin' - we personally avoid using the word 'silk' anywhere in the name of a product unless it has silk in the content, as it can be misleading. Satin fabrics that have been made out of synthetic fibres have the benefit of being easier to care for, more durable, they may crease less and still have the luxurious look sheen to them. They're also more affordable than silk fabrics.

How to care for silk fabrics

Here are some tips for caring for silk fabrics:

  1. Wash gently: Silk is a delicate fabric and should be washed gently, using cool or warm water and a gentle, silk-specific detergent or gentle wool wash. Avoid using hot water, as this can cause silk to shrink or lose its shape.

  2. Hand wash or use a gentle cycle: If you are washing silk in a machine, use a gentle cycle and a laundry bag to protect the fabric from damage. Hand washing is a gentler alternative and is recommended for delicate silks.

  3. Avoid harsh chemicals: Do not use bleach or harsh chemicals on silk, as they can damage the fabric and cause discoloration.

  4. Hang or lay flat to dry: Do not wring or twist silk, as this can cause it to stretch or lose its shape. Instead, hang or lay the fabric flat to air dry, away from direct sunlight and heat.

  5. Iron on a low heat: If you need to iron silk, use a low heat setting on the reverse side and place a thin cloth between the iron and the fabric to protect it from damage. You can also gently steam your silk garments with a garment steamer.

  6. Store properly: Store silk in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and sources of moisture. Avoid storing silk in plastic, as this can trap moisture and cause mildew.

Please note that these laundry tips for silk fabrics are general in nature and may not be suitable for your particular silk fabric. Some silks aren't suitable for any laundering. As all of our silk fabrics come in as remnants from fashion designers they don't normally include their original manufacturer tags, so we cannot guarantee any care or laundry instructions for our fabrics.