The finest silk fibers, and most of what we use today, are produced by "cultivated" silkworms grown in a controlled environment. The worms are fed a diet of mulberry leaves and increase their body size 10,000 times in their short life span. Once the cocoonis spun and before the worm hatches through the silk into a moth, the cocoon is soaked in hot water then unraveled, producing filaments that can be up to a mile long in size. The raw silk is then processed to remove the sericin - the natural "gum" that protects the fibers and causes them to stick to each other as the cocoon was spun. Silk is a protein fiber, similar to wool or to human hair. It is only natural for silks to have some irregularities –sometimes called "slubs". This is the nature of the 100% silk fabric. Silk that has been processed can be woven or knit into a variety of fabrics. Silk will shrink, so if you are using it to construct clothing, be sure to preshrink it. Silk often has a wonderful feel, (referred to as a "hand"), and an almost iridescent sheen that makes us think of luxury. The weight of silk is shown as "mm" – pronounced "mommy" – and varies within the different types of silk. Some favorite high quality silk fabric include silk satin, silk charmeuse, silk chiffon, silk crepe, silk organza, silk dupion, silk duchess satin, silk georgette, silk habotai, silk tulle, silk taffeta, silk twill and sandwashed silk fabric.

Often the lightest weight and most diaphanous of the silk fabrics, silk chiffon is also the most see-through. It creates the "billows" of fabric that add dimension to garments, but generally requires some kind of lining or backing unless it's used for scarves. Silk chiffon fabric can be dyed to almost any shade. Under a magnifying glass it resembles a fine net or mesh which gives chiffon some see through properties.

Silk chiffon, named from the French word for cloth, is an elegant, sheer fabric with a soft, beautiful drape, slight stretch, and crepe-like texture. Cutting silk chiffon has been proven to be difficult. We recommend laying out silk chiffon on tissue paper and then pinning it to the paper. All layers are then cut as one. Silk chiffon wears well and is surprising durable despite its light weight.

Silk chiffon can often be found in elegant evening dresses and formal wear, often as an overlay, and also works well in scarves, blouses and accessories. The fabric is susceptible to fraying as well, and should be hand washed or dry-cleaned.

Usual Usage:

Silk chiffon is always used in elegant evening dresses and formal wear, often as an overlay, and also works well in scarves, blouses and accessories.

------Predatex Silk Co.,Ltd., a China based company who is exporting only 100% mulberry silk fabric!