The Complete Guide to Mulberry Silk

The Complete Guide to Mulberry Silk 

Hello there! It's Joan from taihusnow silk , and I'm excited to connect with you. With over 20 years of experience in breeding silkworms and crafting silk products, we've got a lot to share. Our journey takes us through our very own mulberry garden and factory, where the magic happens.

Today, I'll explain the process of making mulberry silk and provide tips for caring for your silk items. Get ready to dive into the world of silk-tastic knowledge!

               Table of Contents

What is Mulberry Silk?

"Sericulture" is an ancient Chinese practice that transforms silk into beautiful fabrics. Many still cherish this practice, which has existed for 5000 years.

But what is mulberry silk made of?

Mulberry silk is a luxurious type of silk made from cocoons of silkworms produced by silkworm moths.

Because silkworm moths feed exclusively on mulberry leaves, the silk produced exhibits a light, smooth, off-white color. This type of silk, mulberry silk, is renowned for its high quality, soft texture, and exceptional luster.

A single strand of mulberry silk can reach a length of nearly one mile. These strong fibers, when woven, make smoother and more supple materials, perfect for making high-quality bedding or clothing.

Mulberry silk is soft and has hypoallergenic and antibacterial qualities because of the sericin protein in the fibers. Sericin fights fungus and mites, and is famous for its anti-aging effects in skincare. properties that combat fungus and mites, and it's famous for its anti-aging benefits in skincare products.

 

Mulberry Silk vs. Regular Silk

Mulberry silk is superior to regular wild silk due to various factors, making it one of the best silks available. People know the "King of Silk" for its differences from regular silk in several important ways.

 

• Uniformity: Silkworm moths that exclusively feed on specific mulberry leaves produce mulberry silk. Domesticated silkworms produce superior silk compared to wild silkworms. This is because the silk from domesticated silkworms has longer and smoother fibers, which prevents any irregularities in the fabric.

 

• Color: Mulberry silk is naturally pure white in color. This helps with dyeing. Wild silkworms with different diets can make brown colors darker.

 

• Texture: Other types of silk often have a rougher touch, while mulberry silk is exceptionally soft and smooth. The finer and smoother individual fibers and their longer length contribute to mulberry silk's overall uniformity and appearance.

• Price: Due to the meticulous cultivation and processing of mulberry silk, it tends to be more expensive than regular silk. The superior quality and luxurious characteristics of mulberry silk contribute to its higher price point.

• Scent: One notable feature that distinguishes mulberry silk is its lack of odor. Unlike regular silk, mulberry silk does not possess any distinct scent.

• Hypoallergenic and antibacterial properties: Mulberry silk is an excellent choice for individuals with allergies or sensitive skin. It is naturally hypoallergenic and contains sericin, a natural protein that reduces the risk of allergic reactions. The antibacterial properties of mulberry silk further enhance its appeal.

 

In summary, mulberry silk surpasses regular silk in uniformity, color, texture, price, scent, and beneficial properties. Its luxurious qualities and meticulous production make it a top choice for those seeking the highest quality silk products.

 

The Benefits of Mulberry Silk

People highly regard mulberry silk as one of the highest-quality silks available. Silk worms derive it from exclusively feeding on mulberry leaves, which are rich in nutrients and protein.

This unique feeding method produces a continuous thread with 18 amino acids and proteins. These substances are beneficial for nourishing our hair and skin. The benefits of mulberry silk include:

• Nourishing for your skin: Mulberry silk is famous for its softness and reputation for reducing breakouts and smoothing wrinkles. It is gentle on sensitive skin and helps retain moisture.

• Silky hair: Silk pillowcases made from mulberry silk are good for all hair types. They keep the outer layer of hair intact, making it shinier and less likely to break.

• Environmentally friendly: People consider silk made from silk worms a sustainable fabric because silk worms are a renewable and biodegradable resource. The manufacturing process also utilizes less water compared to synthetic fabrics.

• Hypoallergenic and antibacterial: Mulberry silk is hypoallergenic and has antibacterial properties. It is suitable for individuals with allergies and can potentially help with skin conditions like eczema.

• Luxurious feel: People know Mulberry silk for its airy lightness, lustrous appearance, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties. It provides a comfortable and luxurious experience.

 

Overall, mulberry silk offers numerous benefits for the skin, hair, and the environment. Its unique qualities make it a popular choice for various products such as pillowcases, bedding, and clothing items.

How to Tell If Silk Is Real Or Fake?

To distinguish between genuine and fake mulberry silk, you can follow these guidelines:

Touch Test: Rub the silk fabric between your hands. When rubbed, genuine silk will generate warmth, while artificial or synthetic silk won't.

• Wedding Ring Test: If the silk is lower ply, thread it through a wedding ring. Real silk is flexible and smooth. It is easy to pass through. On the other hand, fake silk will scrunch up. It will be hard to pull through.

• Price: Genuine silk is generally more expensive than synthetic silk. Suspiciously low prices can indicate fake silk.

• Lustre: The angle of light changes the natural lustre of silk. Artificial silk tends to have a white sheen regardless of the light angle.

• Weave: Hand-woven silk exhibits minor variations in texture, while machine-woven silk appears more perfect.

• Burn Test: Take a few threads from the fabric and burn them. Genuine silk will smell like burnt hair, the flame will be invisible, and the ash will be black, crispy, and brittle. Fake silk will flame and smell like plastic, with no ash produced. Exercise caution with this test.

• Chemical Test: Real silk dissolves in bleach, while fake silk does not.

Considering these factors, you can identify genuine mulberry silk and avoid purchasing fake or low-quality silk products.

 

How to Care For Silk

 

To care for silk, follow these guidelines:

 

• Read the product description: When purchasing silk products, read the product description carefully to understand the specific care instructions provided by the manufacturer.

• Handwashing: Silk is best cared for by handwashing. Fill a basin with lukewarm water and add a gentle silk detergent. Gently agitate the fabric in the water for a few minutes, then rinse with clean water.

• Avoid harsh chemicals: Avoid using bleach or harsh detergents, as they can damage the silk fibers.

• Drying: Gently squeeze out excess water from the silk fabric after washing. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric. Lay the silk flat on a clean towel and roll it up to remove additional moisture. Then, lay the silk flat to air dry in a shaded area away from direct sunlight.

• Ironing: If necessary, iron silk while it is still slightly damp. Set the iron to a low temperature or use the silk setting. Iron the fabric with a cloth in between to protect the silk from direct contact with the iron.

• Storage: Store silk items in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. Avoid hanging silk garments, as they may stretch over time. Instead, fold them carefully and store them in a breathable fabric bag or box.

 

By following these care instructions, you can help maintain the quality and longevity of your silk products.