Silk FAQ
Answers to some of the frequently asked questions about silk.
- What Is Silk?
Natural silk is a protein fibre that's usually made from the cocoons of the silkworm. There are several domesticated species of silkworm, the most well known being the mulberry silkworm. - What's So Good About Silk?
As well as looking and feeling great, silk has excellent temperature control properties and stays comfortable in both hot and cold weather. - When Was Silk Invented?
We don't know exactly when silk was invented but we do know it was a long time ago. It was almost certainly invented in China, probably around five or six thousand years ago. - How Do You Clean Silk?
In a word: carefully! Silk should usually be hand washed at low temperatures - check the manufacturer's instructions. You can also buy special silk detergent designed to be gentle on the fabric. - What Is Satin?
The definition of satin has changed over the years. The word once referred to a specific form of silk. Today the word satin is also used to refer to artificial fibres such as rayon which have been woven to look like silk. Check before you buy. - What Is Spider Silk?
Spider silk is, as the name suggests, spun by spiders and is the material they use to make their webs. It's both lightweight, flexible and strong with a tensile strength greater than that of steel. - Can I Buy Spider Silk Bedding?No. Not unless you're very, very rich. Extracting enough spider silk to make cloth is impractical and there's no commercial production.