Page 24 - HAND EMBROIDERY ARTISAN_TT

Handicrafts & Carpets Related Theory for Exercise 1.2.10
Hand Embroidery Artisan - Stitches and Threads

Pure silk and rolled silk

Objectives: At the end of this lesson you shall be able to
• state about silk
• describe silk is obtained
• state the types of silk.

Silk is a natural fiber that comes from the cocoons of • Weaving: The silk fiber is woven into fabric.
silkworms. The process of obtaining silk is as follows: Fig 3
• Rearing: Silkworms are fed mulberry leaves and
raised to produce silk. This process is known as
sericulture. (Fig 1)

Fig 1

The silk produced from commercial silkworm pupae is
white and has no mineral on its surface. Wild silks are
more difficult to dye than silk from commercial silkworms.

The process of obtaining silk is time-consuming and
intricate, which is why silk is used to make luxury clothing
and textiles. Silk is also used in medical supplies, bike
tires, and more.
Types of silk
• Pure silk

Pure silk is a smooth, lustrous fabric made from
silkworms, while rolled silk is a silk fabric with a hand-
rolled hem. Made from silkworms that secrete a protein-
like substance that solidifies into silk filaments
• A delicate fabric that can be used for carpets, curtains,
• Cocoon harvesting: The cocoons are collected and and upholstery
boiled in water to kill the silkworms. (Fig 2) • Can be difficult to work with because it’s slippery
Fig 2 Rolled silk

• A silk fabric with a hand-rolled hem that adds a
luxurious feel
• Can be used for sky jackets, comforters, and sleeping
bags
• Hand-rolled hems are a hallmark of high-end silk
brands

Other types of silk
Raw silk: Silk that comes from cocoons where silkworms
have been allowed to mature naturally. Raw silk has a
more textured look and is often used for bohemian and
• Unwinding: The cocoons are then unwound to get eclectic styles. Raw silk is silk that’s directly collected
the silk fiber. (Fig 3)
from the cocoon of a silkworm, while pure silk is silk
• Cocoon spinning: Silkworms spin a continuous that’s been processed to remove impurities. Both types
thread that can be up to 800 meters long to create a of silk are used to make textiles, but they have different
cocoon. textures, appearances, and uses.

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