Silk is called by many as the ‘Queen of fabric, has been considered for centuries as a luxury item, whose acquisition

It was exclusive to few. Its production dates back to 5000 years ago, in China. At that time, Empress Si Ling Chi, became interested in silkworms, and

Thus, he learned to wind his cocoons by turning them into yarns, which would later become sophisticated fabrics. Hermetically sealed techniques saved for a long time.

The famous silk road allowed the expansion of this product in the current territories of Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa.

Find top quality wool and more for your creations here at Yarns on Collie. If you need more information to get started in the world of knitting you can contact us and we’ll be ready to help you.

Classification of fibres

Silk is classified within the group of natural animal fibres, and therefore is of protein origin.

Sericulture, is the name given to cultivated silk. This process begins with the butterfly that deposits its eggs especially prepared when the worms are born, they feed on the blackberry leaves and after 35 days the worms will have a weight 10 times greater than they were born and filled with liquid silk.

Near them are placed some branches or straws where they begin to spin their buds, which will be used to spin the silk. The production of wild silk is not controlled, simply the cocoons of the butterflies are collected and used for the elaboration of the yarn. The worms feed on oak leaves and their buds go in a range of colours from raw to various yellow tones to green.

Properties

• First of all, it has a characteristic natural lustre, which results in that characteristic shine of silk.
• Then it should be noted its dry touch but at the same time it is very soft.
• It also has a good moisture absorption.
• It has good qualities in the fall of its tissues.
• It has a high resistance to breakage.
• It has a high comfort index, which makes this fabric very suitable for dressing directly on the skin, due to its softness and lightness.

Types of silk fabrics

The nobility of this fibre results in a large amount of variety of types:

• Chiffon
• Crepe
• Crepe georgette
• Satin Crepe
• Twill
• Organza
• Damascus
• Satin
• Taffeta
• Serge

Care

We recommend the following care of this delicate fiber:

• First it is recommended to wash by hand, with cold water and neutral soap.
• In addition, it is not good to use chlorine bleach.
• It is suggested to use medium plate 120 C to 150 C dry, since steam can leave stains.
• It is a delicate fiber so do not spin.
• It is especially advised to dry in the shade
• It is preferably recommended to dry clean

Important

Finally, it is very important to pay attention not to confuse the real silk yarn, a process described above, which arises as a result of extensive work and requires intense care in its productive cycle, of those yarns that are only assigned a fantasy name, such as “silked” yarns, which are simply mixtures of fibres such as viscose or polyester, that arise from a chemical polymer or of artificial origin, or that on the contrary are given some type of surface termination in production to Improve your touch and shine.

How to remove stains on silk?

Do you have a stain on your elegant tie or silk shirt? That delicate tissue requires special care, but you can eliminate most of them by following these steps.

Silk is an elegant and delicate fabric, so it should not be washed frequently and not sent to the dry cleaners. If you have to limit a wad of a tie, robe or silk shirt, hand washing can be more effective. Don’t forget to always check the instructions on the label.

Types of silk stains

Like any other fabric, silk can be stained with food, water, wine, grease and oil, blood, ink and pen. Stains under the armpits and sweat, deodorant stains, like makeup stains are common in silk shirts. Immediately treating certain stains, such as wine or grease and oil, is important to avoid damaging the silk garment.

Removing silk stains: step by step

• Check the label if the silk can be washed by hand or can only be dry cleaned
• Use Liquid Persil
• Treat the stain before washing
• Hand wash
• Check if the stain has disappeared.
• Choosing a detergent and a stain remover

For a delicate fabric such as silk, Liquid Persil is the best option for pre-treatment and hand washing of clothes.

Treat the stain before washing

For most stains, use a clean white cloth to remove as much solids or liquids as possible by tapping. Put the garment inside out and rinse with cold water.

For certain types of spots such as: makeup, deodorant, sweat stains and under the armpits, apply a small amount of liquid Persil directly on the stain and let it act for a few minutes, but without letting it dry. Wash and rinse.

Check if the stain has disappeared

Check that the stain has disappeared, if not, repeat the aforementioned steps and put the garment soaking in water for half an hour using Liquid Persil; After, wash as usual. If after several washes the stain does not disappear, take the garment to a dry cleaner.

Stains on clothes and silk

The mentioned steps work to remove most stains on ties, shirts, blouses, dresses and even silk utensils (such as sheets and tablecloths). Although you are tempted to use natural and homemade stain removers to remove stains on silk, it is better not to do so. Silk is a delicate fabric and can be permanently damaged easily, precisely by the use of natural ingredients. Instead, use a liquid detergent suitable for delicate fabrics.

Find top quality wool and more for your creations here at Yarns on Collie. If you need more information to get started in the world of knitting you can contact us and we’ll be happy to help you.