Tussah silk (wild, also known as boiled silk) what is it: features, pros and cons

Tussah silk, sometimes referred to as wild or boiled silk, is distinguished from other varieties of silk by its distinct texture and place of origin. Tussah silk, in contrast to the more widely used mulberry silk, is made by silkworms that consume leaves from untamed trees. Because of this, the silk has a unique, somewhat rougher texture and a naturally earthy color that makes it stand out.

Tussah silk is prized by many for its strength and luxurious texture. It’s a well-liked option for people seeking something different from the glossy, silky textures usually associated with luxury. But, Tussah silk has advantages and disadvantages of its own, just like any fabric, so it’s vital to weigh them before utilizing it for apparel or interior design.

You can choose if Tussah silk is the right fabric for your next project by being aware of its qualities. Let’s examine the unique qualities of this silk as well as any possible disadvantages.

Description and composition

A wild subspecies of silk known as tussar, or tussah, is made from the threads of a silkworm that is left to live in its natural habitat. Such yarn gives fabrics a milky or amber color. During the production process, they undergo bleaching, dying, or printing. additionally making natural-colored t-t fabric.

The larvae of the night peacock eye, known as silkworms, are found in China, Korea, and India. There was no success in taming this species. It should be mentioned that the caterpillars do not perish during the manual raw material collection process. Thus, the term "wild silk" refers to the group of materials that are compassionate.

Tussah silk is a thick, strong fabric with a distinctive hue that is fairly heavy. looks similar to plush suede. differs from other varieties in that it lacks a noticeable glossy sheen. textured, well-organized surface. Sharp horizontal lines can be seen on the front side; these lines occasionally form tiny knots. The length of the fibers used is the cause of this.

Because the leaves of the mulberry tree contain a significant amount of tinin, raw materials from the cocoons of the silkworm species Antheraea mylitta and Anthera caproylei species have a brown tint. In order to balance the color, these textiles are bleached.

One characteristic of wild silkworm cocoons is their size, which enables the production of double threads up to 1400 meters in length. Something sticky is impregnated into the fibers. Boiling water is poured over the threads to eliminate the sticky effect. Thus, "boiled silk" is the second name for textiles.

  • Tussar fibers are coarser and thicker than ordinary silk;
  • threads are flattened in cross-section (in Mulberry – round);
  • stronger;
  • respond well to dyeing;
  • threads of wild silkworm are combed, and not untwisted, as in the manufacture of ordinary silk;
  • fibers of oak silkworm are somewhat thinner than tussar.

The fabric made from wild silkworm cocoons is unpredictable. The material is marked by a drop of water. Textiles are challenging to work with. If the edge is not cut correctly, it crumbles easily. Processing via overlock does not remedy the problem. The edge is stabilized with PVA glue.

Products from Tussa essentially never wrinkle and seem well-groomed. Silk exhibits durability and shape stability. Natural raw material fillers have a shelf life of over five years. Tussar facilitates airflow, enabling skin respiration. Boiling silk clothing provides a cool, fresh look in hot weather.

Manufacturing process

Natural silk comes in a variety of pricey forms. The labor-intensive nature of the manufacturing process is the cause of this feature. Tussar is made in multiple steps:

  1. Hand collection of cocoon.
  2. Combing of fibers .
  3. Processing with hot steam or boiling water, as a result of which the threads are twisted .
  4. Boiling of the resulting yarn .
  5. Bleaching or dyeing .

Table with characteristics

You can familiarize yourself with textile properties by looking at the table:

Characteristics Indicators
Type of raw material Natural animal origin
Types of fibers Tussar silk
Tactile properties Dense, durable, heavy fabric, pleasant to the touch
Method of weaving Simple smooth and satin
Purpose of fabric Blouse, dress, interior, underwear
Purpose of fibers As a filler for pillows and blankets, yarn for knitting on spokes
Strength High
Dust capacity Average
Fraying along the edge cut High
Average density, g./m2 60 – 87
Standard width of fabrics, cm. 137, 140
Water resistance Low
Hygroscopicity, % 13 – 18
Moisture absorption rate High
Air permeability High
Vapor permeability Optimal
Ability to accumulate static electricity Moderate
Elasticity Average
Drapability Good
Wrinkling Virtually absent
Dyeing methods Bleached, plain-dyed, printed fabrics
Types Single- and double-faced fabrics
Manufacturer India, China, Korea, Germany, Italy
Standardization GOST 28253 – 89
Price From 1390 ₽/ meter and above

Pros and cons

Natural materials are superior to synthetic and mixed materials in fabrics. These textiles come in a variety of eco-friendly forms.

Boiled silk is valued for its properties:

It is also necessary to note the disadvantages:

Tussah silk is a naturally occurring fiber derived from the cocoons of wild silkworms, sometimes referred to as wild or boiled silk. It is renowned for its distinct texture, organic golden color, and environmentally friendly manufacturing method. Tussah silk is stronger and feels more raw and earthy than traditional silk. It’s not as smooth and shiny as regular silk, but its durability, breathability, and rustic charm make it a popular option for sustainable and casual fashion.

Types of manufactured materials

They make felting and knitting yarn, fillers, and textiles from raw materials derived from the cocoons of wild silkworms.

Fabric

The threads of oak silkworms are used to make somewhat thin textiles. Other kinds are used as the starting point for denser and coarser materials. Tussar silk is utilized in the manufacture of furniture, curtains, upholstery, summer clothing, and bed linens.

Filler

Made from wild silk fibers, eco-friendly filler is in demand. Pillows and blankets are made with it. They are produced at densities of 170, 300, and 340 g/m2, depending on the season. A summer blanket in standard size weighs approximately 1 kg, while a warm blanket weighs 3–4 kg.

The filler is elastic, smooth, and pleasant to the touch. Capable of establishing an ideal microclimate and preserving thermoregulation. Natural fabrics are used to sew the covers for these products. An average service life is five to six years.

Yarn

Tussah fibers for decorating and yarn for knitting are familiar to needlewomen. There are mixed versions of threads produced as well. Products made of knitting are strong, pleasant to the touch, and have a subtle, noble sheen.

Wet felting is a technique used to decorate fibers. Surface breakdown creates a stunning, shimmering wave. Adaptable to dying; do not deteriorate.

Application

Boiled silk is employed in the sewing of numerous items:

  • dress, sundresses;
  • shirts, blouses, tops;
  • suits, cardigans;
  • skirts, trousers;
  • bedding sets;
  • curtains, drapes, drapes;
  • decorative pillows .

Fabrics that are resistant to wear are utilized in furniture manufacturing and reupholstery. Yarn made from Tussar silk is used to knit and dye felted goods.

Care

Items made of boiled silk need to be handled carefully. The factory label contains recommendations and information. Certain product types must only be dry cleaned. You cannot wash them.

Hand washing with gentle special products at a water temperature of no more than 40 degrees is advised if dry cleaning is unable to remove all of the dirt.

Crucial! Certain textile kinds are prone to fading. Check the color fastness before washing.

Wash the objects with cold water. Add vinegar if the fabric starts to fade. Waxing silk objects is strictly prohibited! After washing, it is advised to dry the items in a straightened position on a grid.

If required, iron on the iron’s soleplate at low temperatures, working your way from the inside out.

Features Details
Origin Tussah silk is made from the cocoons of wild silkworms, which gives it a unique texture.
Texture It"s rougher and less shiny than traditional silk, with a more natural, earthy feel.
Color Usually found in natural tones like beige, brown, and gold, without chemical bleaching.
Durability Tussah silk is strong and resistant to wear, making it suitable for various uses.
Pros Eco-friendly, strong, and has a natural, rustic charm.
Cons Less smooth than regular silk and may have slight imperfections due to its natural origin.

Tussah silk is a distinctive fabric that has a rustic, natural charm. For those who prefer something other than the refined appearance of standard silk, its textured appearance and earthy tones make it a favorite.

Even though Tussah silk may not be as soft and shiny as cultivated silk, it still has its own appeal, particularly to consumers who are concerned about the environment. Because of its natural resistance to wrinkles, breathability, and durability, it’s a practical option for a variety of clothing items.

It’s crucial to take into account its drawbacks, though, like the requirement for delicate maintenance and the sporadic coarser feel. But Tussah silk is a fabric worth looking into if you value sustainability and a unique style.

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Dmitry Kornev

Interior designer and passionate fan of textiles. For me, fabric is not just a material, but a tool with which you can create coziness and style in any room. On this site I share my ideas and tips on how to use textiles in interior design to emphasize your individuality.

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Tkani-Furnitura.com
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