Facts on Silk Fabric

History

• Chinese legend says that silk was discovered when a woman dropped a silkworm cocoon into hot tea, causing it to unravel, according to Denver Fabrics. Silk is one of the oldest known fabrics, estimated to have been first woven into cloth around 2600 B.C. Evidence of this includes silk unearthed in the ruins of the Qianshanyang village of Huzhou.
  
  

Early Silk Trade

• Silk was referenced by the philosopher Aristotle and was traded in Greece and Rome. During the Roman Empire, silk was sold for its weight in gold, according to the Fabrics website. The Chinese kept the secret of how to make silk for thousands of years before any other countries learned how it was produced, according to the Worsley School website.
  
  

Modern Silk

• Most of the silk fabric produced today comes from cultivated silkworms, which are bred for the purpose of producing silk. There are several varieties of silkworm, which produce different qualities of silk. Silkworms, however, are not actually worms. They are caterpillars that turn into moths, according to the Silk Sheets Guide. The highest quality silk is produced by the Bombyx mori moth. The Bombyx mori moth is sometimes called the mulberry silk moth, since its diet consists solely of chopped mulberry leaves.
  
  

Fabric Varieties

• Silk fabric comes in many styles and weaves, according to the Fabrics website. Plain woven silk is referred to as "China silk" in the fabric industry. Other fabrics commonly made of silk include the soft, transparent, lightweight fabric chiffon and heavier, crisper silk broadcloth. Many people think of charmeuse when they think of traditional silk fabric, according to the Pajama Shoppe. Charmeuse is a shimmery satin weave that drapes easily.
  
  

Properties

• Silk is a natural protein fiber. It is porous, so it is easily dyed and should be hand-washed in most cases, according to the Fabrics website. Silk may yellow or fade when ironed on high heat and it weakens when exposed to sunlight and perspiration. Silk fabric is also hypoallergenic, according to the Silk Sheets Guide. Its hypoallergenic qualities make it a good bedding choice for those who suffer from dust mite allergies.