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Learn About
Silk: A Buyer's Guide to Silk Care, Sheets & Bedding
According to Wikipedia,
silk is a natural protein fiber that can be woven into textiles. The
silk fiber is obtained from the cocoon of silkworm larvae bred in
captivity also known as sericulture. The shimmering appearance that
silk is most well-known for comes from the fibers' triangular prism-like
structure, which allows silk cloth to refract incoming light at different
angles.
If you would like
to learn more about the history of silk, SuperComfort.com has provided
info about silk and silk care below. Read through our Frequently Asked
Questions, and if you need more info about silk care or related topics,
please feel free to contact
us, and speak with one of our expert customer service representatives.
- What is the history of silk?
- What are the benefits of silk?
- What is momme weight?
- What are the general care instructions for silk?
- Shop now our Silk Bed Sheets,
Silk Duvet Covers,
Silk Pillowcases &
Shams, Silk
DreamSacks Travel Sheets, Silk
Bed Pillows, Silk
Blankets, Silk
Filled Comforters, & more Silk
Bedding!
1) What is the history
of silk?
History identifies
the Chinese Empress His-ling-shi, bride of Emperor Huang Ti, with
the discovery of silk and its potential in 27th century BC. For thousands
of years the processing and weaving of silk was a closely held secret
known only to the Chinese. Although silk production is now widespread,
Chinese silk produced by the bombyx mori worm is smoother, finer and
rounder than other silks.
Silkworms feed
voraciously on mulberry leaves prior to entering to cocoon stage.
To create its protective cocoon the worms produce a protein based,
jelly-like substance from silk glands which hardens upon contact with
air. The silkworm requires approximately eight days to complete its
cocoon. A single silk filament can reach lenghts of up to 1,600 yards.
The silk filament
is obtained from the cocoons by a delicate process known as reeling
or filature. The cocoons are first heated in water to dissolve the
outside gummy substance. The end of the cocoon filament is joined
and twisted with filaments of four to eight other cocoons and then
combined with other similarly twisted filaments to make a thread that
is wound on a reel. The thread is continuous and, unlike other natural
fibers such as cotton or wool, is made up of extremely long fibers.
No longer exclusive
to royalty, and once sold for its weight in gold among Romans, silk
is still coveted for its elegance, versatility, and is significantly
more available and affordable. Traditionally highly valued for apparel,
silk is now the fabric of popular choice for home furnishings including
bed linens, drapes and carpets. Silk. Elegant, versatile, and the
only fabric with an impressive 3,000 year history.
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2)
What are the benefits of silk?
Too delicate,
difficult to care for, and does not "wear well" are often
misconceptions attributed to silk. On the contrary, silk is the strongest
of natural fibers, most often washable for easy care and resilient
for long wear. Silk is breathable, naturally hypoallergenic, absorbs
moisture, reduces humidity, and is surprisingly cool in the summer,
and remarkably warm in the winter. Silk retains its shape, drapes
and forms well, and has an unmistaken sheen and feel.
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3)
What is momme weight?
You may be familiar
with the term "thread count" when comparing cotton fabrics
as an indicator of quality. Silk is graded by different standards
referred to in the industry as the "momme weight" system.
The momme weight of silk is simply the weight, in pounds, of silk
fabric measuring a standard 100 yards by 45 inches. For example, a
standard measure of silk fabric weighing 2 ounces per linear yard
would be a 12.5 momme weight (2/16 x 100) silk fabric. Higher momme
weights indicate that more silk is used in the weaving process. Just
for reference, silk apparel may use 10-12 momme weight, while silk
sheets may use 16 or 19 momme weight silk fabric.
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4)
What are the general care instructions for silk?
Hand Wash: All
Empress Silk duvet covers, sheets, pillow cases and apparel are washable.
The preferred method is hand laundered in lukewarm water with mild
soap or detergent using a gentle hand movement. Do not soak too long.
Rinse in cool water and rool silk in a towel to remove excess water.
Never wring water from silk.
Machine Wash:
Larger items can be machine washed. Wash in cold water with mild detergent,
no bleach, on a gentle cycle. Wash silk separate from other items,
and do not overload washer to avoid any unnecessary wear to the fabric.
Silk dries quickly. Tumble dry on very low heat only if necessary.
Dry Clean: Comforters
are dry clean only.
Ironing: Silk
has a resistance to creasing or wrinkling, most will smooth out naturally.
If ironing should become necessary, press the damp silk on the reverse
side with an iron set on low. Silk charmuese (satin) requires a cool
iron to bring back sheen.
Note: These are
general care guidelines for silk. Please refer to specific care instructions
on each label. Look for the following universal symbols.
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5) Shop
now: Silk Bed Sheets,
Silk Duvet Covers,
Silk Pillowcases & Shams,
Silk DreamSacks
Travel Sheets, Silk
Bed Pillows, Silk
Blankets, Silk
Filled Comforters, and more Silk
Bedding! |
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