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Silk

Description

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Silk is a historically desired and treasured textile that facilitated trade all over the world. Now the fabric continues to be a prized product for many different reasons. First of all, silk is the strongest textile in the world that is naturally produced. It was just recently passed up as the strongest of any textile by an engineered biomaterial. The most recognizable characteristic of silk is its shiny iridescent appearance. The material is also very soft and smooth even coining the term “silky smooth” or “soft as silk” that are used to describe other things with similar properties. Silk is also highly breathable, high in moisture-wicking, and does not easily pill. To make silk, it all starts with fibroin which is found in insect larvae to make cocoons. Most of the world’s silk is produced, however, from Bombyx moir or silk moth larvae. Once the silkworm cocoons are harvested they are unraveled into the silk strands that are connected into one string. These long, thin strings are then twisted to make a thicker yarn. The yarn is then rolled to create a uniform batch where it is then dyed to a desired color. The last step is to weave the silk into the textile.

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Environmental Impact

Since silk is a naturally produced fiber, it is inherently sustainable. The silk worms that produce the silk can also be bred for production. However, the ethics of killing the worms for the production of the silk is another topic and has previously been protested. However, the silk production industry has historically been one of the cleanest textile producers for not introducing any chemicals or hazardous materials into the environment. The only thing that is damaging to the environment that stems from the silk is the transportation of the product after it has been produced. This consists of transit emissions and anything that comes after it leaves the production plant.

Interior Uses

  • Curtains or window treatments - This application of silk is very common especially back in old times. Silk was commonly used as highly decorated window treatments and still is for its reactions to light. 

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  • Throw pillows -  Silk throw pillows offer a nice contrast in texture to a space based on the type of silk used. The soft silk is also good for the comfort and use of the pillows. 

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  • Bedding - Bedding is also commonly used with silk for its soft properties. Silk bedding is also looked at to be very high end and expensive because of its glossy appearance.  

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  • Throw blankets -  Silk throw blankets are also used commonly for their softness. Highly decorated and intricate throws are also common when using silk. 

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  • Couch or upholstery  -  Silk upholstery was very common back in old times for its symbolism with wealth and prosperity. It is commonly found on highly decorative antique furniture. Overall, the idea of wealth still surrounds the fabric when used in this application.

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Eri Silk Throw

The most common type of silk is mulberry silk which requires the killing of silkworms in the production of the silk. With Eri silk, the production of the fabric does not require the killing of the worms. For this reason, this type of silk is also called “peace silk.” Although this silk is very heavy it is even more durable than mulberry silk. Since this type of silk is hardly made around the world it is harder to get and is more of a prized type of silk. This textile can be made into pretty much any type of material that mulberry or other types of silk can be made into, however, it is nice to know it is ethically made. In this example, it showcases a Eri silk throw blanket which adds a nice sense of texture to the space.


ASTM standards: ASTM D5034, D1577-07

University of Wisconsin - Madison

School of Human Ecology

Interior Architecture Phase 2 - Fall 2024

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