Silk, one of nature’s most precious fibers, has been a symbol of elegance and luxury for centuries. The traditional process of producing silk yarn and fabric is a meticulous journey that combines both artistry and science, beginning with the miraculous life cycle of the silkworm.
Silkworm Cultivation
Silk production starts with carefully kept eggs of the silkworm species known as “Bombyx mori.” Tiny larvae hatch from these eggs and are fed exclusively with mulberry leaves. Over four to six weeks, the worms grow and eventually begin to spin cocoons. Each silkworm constructs an oval-shaped cocoon using a fine, long filament secreted from its mouth. The silk thread from a single cocoon can reach up to 1–2 kilometers in length.
Harvesting Cocoons and Spinning Yarn
Once the silkworms have fully entered their cocoons, the cocoons are collected after several days. In traditional methods, cocoons are immersed in hot water to end the life cycle of the insect and to start unraveling the silk thread. Soaking in water loosens the thread, allowing it to be unwound in one continuous strand. During this process, the delicate filaments are skillfully gathered and spun into yarn.
Weaving Fabric from Silk Yarn
The silk yarn is twisted and combined to become ready for weaving. On traditional looms, these threads are woven into fabric, either with patterns or in plain forms. The most outstanding features of silk fabric are its brilliance, durability, and lightness. Throughout history, silk textiles have been used in settings ranging from royal courts to everyday life.