Even in ancient times, fabric was highly valued, for the manufacture of which natural silk threads were used. Such a luxury could be afforded only by very wealthy representatives of the nobility, because at a cost, this product was on a par with precious metals. Today, interest in natural silk fabrics is only growing.
Story
There are many legends about the appearance of the first silk threads. The facts confirm that their manufacture began in antiquity about 5 thousand years ago. During archaeological excavations conducted in China, silkworm cocoons were found, as well as inscriptions made on tortoiseshell shells and animal bones: “silk fabric”, “mulberry tree”, “silk”. Fragments of the tissue itself were also found in the tombs.
It is believed that China is the birthplace of natural silk. Local residents kept the technology of its manufacture a secret for many years. And only with the development of foreign trade did it take hold in Korea, India, Japan and other countries. The secrets of manufacturing reached Europe only in the year 550. Despite the fact that today silk threads are produced in many countries (in India, Korea, Japan, Brazil, Uzbekistan, etc.), China remains the largest supplier.
Production
In the process of manufacturing silk threads, which consists of several stages, a silkworm is used . Breeding it is a very painstaking matter. The female silkworm lays up to 500 eggs. They are collected, sorted and placed in special incubators with a certain temperature and humidity. After about a week, dark brown larvae up to 3 mm in size are born. These small caterpillars are transferred to the stern shelf, consisting of several shelves, where they are fed with mulberry leaves. In a month, when the size of the larva reaches 7–8 mm, its development is completed. Caterpillars are placed in boxes where they begin to create around them a dense network of thin silk thread - a cocoon. This process lasts about four days.
Then the finished cocoons are collected and, having lowered into boiling water, the fiber is carefully unwound. To get long silk threads for further fabric production, this fiber is twisted, and then wound into coils. This is the so-called raw silk. It has a dull yellowish color. After processing with special glue, the thread gains shine. The resulting yarn is sent to the weaving shops, where it is dyed and, using various weaves, fabric is produced.
Properties of silk thread
The silk thread produced today is of high quality and enjoys great success due to its special characteristics.
It is easy to stain, absorbing all the saturation and brightness of the paint. The resulting color tends to shimmer, changing shades in different lighting conditions. This is one of the very durable materials, which is not inferior in strength to a steel wire with the same diameter.
Natural silk thread has a chemical composition similar to hair or wool. She tends to have a positive effect on human health. A fabric made from silk threads is able to adapt to the temperature of the human body, complementing it with the missing heat. Clothing made from it relaxes and soothes; people suffering from any allergic reactions feel quite comfortable in it.
Silk red thread as a talisman
This amulet that protects from the evil eye and all kinds of troubles, people use since ancient times. When silk, equated in price to gold, was accessible only to wealthy nobles, ordinary people could afford only a small thin thread. She was considered a very powerful amulet. However, the magical abilities of such a thread have not ceased to believe today.
In order for it to begin to fulfill its protective function, some rules must be observed. A red thread is tied to 7 knots and always on the left wrist, because it is from this side that negative energy penetrates. Doing this procedure should only be a person who is trusted. At the same time, a special prayer is read. Such threads are now offered in many specialized stores at prices ranging from 150 to 200 rubles apiece.
How to distinguish natural silk thread
Today, in the age of technology, a lot of artificial materials are created, which are quite difficult to distinguish from natural ones. Yarn production is no exception. Nevertheless, there are many ways, using which you can easily recognize natural silk threads.
This is primarily determined by combustion. Artificial silk begins to melt from the fire and at the same time emits a smell of burnt paper. When burning natural threads do not smell very nice and, when burned, they form a lump that easily crumbles when compressed with fingers. The difference also lies in the fact that in the light of artificial fabric just shines, natural is beautifully shimmers. It also heats up faster and retains heat longer. Do not forget about the special strength that a natural silk thread has.
The price today is no longer a guideline for determining naturalness, since many types of silk are quite affordable. 100 meters of thread can be purchased for 50 rubles.