Silk - a natural fabric that has long become popular in many countries.
It consists of thin natural fibers that are extracted from silkworm cocoons. It is used to sew beautiful wardrobe items, interior decorations, bed linen, and make souvenirs.
The fabric is attractive with its shine and shimmer. Due to its remarkable properties, silk is in demand in clothing production.
There are several varieties. It depends on the way matter is created:
- crepe - chiffon, georgette;
- semi crepe types;
- dense, jacquard fabrics;
- smooth fabrics.
Properties and composition
Natural silk consists of the finest hairs. They contain fat, wax and proteins. The fiber is created from the protein fibroin and the sticky substance sericin. Dying and mineral elements are included in the composition of the fibers.
This fabric is expensive. Due to complex production. Not everyone can afford silk items, so manufacturers have learned to create artificial material.It differs slightly in its characteristics, but is more affordable. Artificial silk is made from cellulose with chemical impurities.
Physical properties
Strong as wire. And at the same time elastic material. This is achieved by different methods of twisting threads during the production of fabric.
In ancient times, warriors made silk armor for their bodies. This protection prevented arrows from penetrating deep into the body. Soldiers' wounds were sewn up with silk threads. Strength is present only in dry matter. When wet it decreases.
The density of the canvas is close to paper. Therefore, messages were written on its pieces.
Silk products are not deformed. After proper washing, the item will not shrink in size. The surface of the fabric will not be destroyed or abraded. Silk threads stretch well and return to their original state.
Chemical properties
High-quality silk is valued for its thermoregulation. Clothes can keep you warm in frosty weather, and cool the body in the sultry heat. Another valuable quality - hygroscopicity. It allows the fabric to quickly absorb moisture and also dry quickly.
Silk fabric is not exposed to acids, solvents and alkalis. Since artificial fabric contains impurities of chemicals. Natural contains only natural ingredients. Therefore, people who are allergic to fabrics can wear clothes made from natural materials without fear. Since silk does not cause allergies. Bed linen made from this material does not harbor mites and saprophytes.
It ignites slowly and goes out quickly - one of the important characteristics. Silk is non-flammable and therefore safe for humans.
Consumer properties of silk fabrics
The consumer value of products made from this fabric is determined by the ability to pass air and steam. Most clothes are designed for summer. People don't sweat in it.
Silk products have a beautiful appearance. Manufacturers have learned to paint it in modern colors. Decorate with patterns and designs. This gives the canvas a chic look. The bedding sets look great. Curtains and lambrequins create a rich and, at the same time, light image for the windows in the rooms.
The lightness of the material makes wardrobe items in demand for men and women. Silk clothes look beautiful and elegant. The elasticity does not allow clothes to wrinkle too much.
Many modern housewives use steamers to iron curtains. Silk curtains lend themselves easily to this, thanks to the easy passage of steam through the fibers.
Important: Please read the tag before purchasing. And have an idea about the type of fabric you are purchasing. Because silk is high maintenance. For example, you need to wash it carefully, at a low temperature. Using soft agents. Do not use bleach. If you do not have experience working with such materials, it is better to have your items professionally cleaned.
Useful properties of silk
Advantages
It has been proven that the chemical composition of high-quality fibers has a positive effect on the human body. Able to prevent joint diseases. Heart and skin ailments. Viral and colds.
Promotes cell renewal, therefore prolongs human life. The fabric can soothe irritated skin. Free it from dryness.
Silk lends itself well to draping. It makes beautiful curtains. The folds lie flat. Give lightness and airiness to products.
Another important characteristic is color fastness. Clothes will not fade or stain during washing. You can dry it in the sun and be sure that it will not fade. The color of the fabric remains like new for a long time.
Flaws
Despite all the positive aspects, artificial silk also has some disadvantages. One of them is the ability to store electricity. This causes inconvenience when wearing clothes. A dress or skirt may stick to your body at the wrong time. To avoid this, it is necessary to use special antistatic agents. Natural has no such disadvantage.
The material is not very easy to sew. Easily cut and ironed. But the edges of the products are crumbling. In this regard, novice seamstresses are afraid to work with such fabric. Increased slippage. Therefore, cutting out individual parts is inconvenient.
Due to its density, working with silk requires special, thin needles. If you choose the wrong needle, there will be holes cut in the seams.
Another disadvantage is the persistence of stains on clothes. A person who sweats will notice spots in the armpits. Which are difficult to wash. Even if drops of clean water get on the item, stains and stains will remain. When ironing, do not wet the fabric, as marks will remain. You'll have to wash your clothes.
Attention: Despite the fact that silk does not fade in the sun, it can be destroyed by high temperatures. It becomes brittle, brittle and wears out faster. In this regard, it is better not to expose the material to such effects for a long time.
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