Silk is a natural protein fiber spun by silkworms. It is lustrous, surprisingly strong, and luxurious, but demands careful handling.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fiber | Natural protein (silkworm) |
| Feel | Smooth, lustrous, fluid |
| Absorbency | Good |
| Durability | Strong but delicate surface |
| Shrinkage | Can water-spot and shrink |
| Care | Hand wash or dry clean |
| Common uses | Eveningwear, scarves, linings |
Working with silk
Silk is slippery and shows needle marks, so use fine pins and a sharp, fine needle. Press on low heat and test for water spotting first.
Fine needle, low heat. Use a fresh microtex or silk needle and a low iron. Pin within the seam allowance, since holes in silk do not close up.
See the Wool Fabric Properties and the Fabric Types Explained.