Thai Culture: A look into the traditions, both sacred and quirky, of the people of Thailand

Silk Production

Thai silk is unmistakably full of character. If you have ever come across it before then you will know all too well how unique it is. In Thailand, the tradition of silk production is marked by many years of hard-earned pride, skill and style. Hand woven silk products offer a quality that is much better and of a higher standard to items created through machines. Each piece of Thai silk is a unique piece of art that maintains a value so much greater than that which comes from a machine. A weaver’s character is embedded in any given piece of silk, and its beauty comes from its imperfections that make it one of a kind.

The Origins of Silk

Legend has it that the Empress Si Ling Chi of China was the first person to discover silk. It is said that while she sipped a cup of tea underneath a mulberry tree, a cocoon fell from above and into her teacup. As she tried to extract the cocoon from her cup, a very fine thread began to unravel from the pod. Soon, silk was regarded as a status symbol and kept a secret for many years. It also became a crime to even pass on silkworm eggs or cocoons for fear that their treasured thread would be revealed. Although evidence supports the theory of silk cloth production during the ancient times in Thailand, the details are a little vague.

Thai Silk

The most respected reputation in silk production has been earned by Thailand. Although other countries, such as Italy and China, also produce silk, Thai silk is rather distinct and highly impressive. Whilst it is soft, it remains slightly coarse in its feel, making it warm and vibrant to touch. It is full of life and ideal for weaving by hand. It is rich in texture and is renowned for being durable, giving it a satisfyingly earthy feel. Throughout the years, Thais have perfected a number of weaving techniques and processes which produce a variety of weights, patterns and designs.

Silk Production Process

The process of hand woven silk production is one that requires patience. A weaver usually has the capacity to create close to only four meters of material in one day of work. Silk comes initially from silkworms, and it is the natural filament that is made in their salivary glands. Silkworms spin their cocoons when changing from larva into pupa. Cocoons are taken and placed into boiling water so as to separate the silk thread from the silkworm. A single thread can be anything up to around a kilometer in length, and several threads are needed to make a suitable fiber for working with. The threads are dyed, washed, stretched and dried before they end up on spools for weaving.

The Many Uses of Thai Silk

Although silk is primarily associated with clothing, there are many different uses for it, some of which may surprise you. For starters, it is used in some of the clothing worn by astronauts. It is also used to produce carpets, sewing thread and typewriter ribbons. Let’s not forget all of the wonderful places you will encounter silk on the home front. Silk table sheets for the dining room add softness. Many bedrooms display a silk bed spread, blanket, sheets or matching pillows. Silk curtains and other home accessories can really add flair to any room in the home. Thai silk is about more than just clothes.

How to Care For Your Silk Products

When you want to ensure the life of your silk product, you should know how to properly take care of this delicate material. To clean your silk products, they should be hand washed. For a colorful cloth, it is suggested to soak it in salt water for the first cleaning. When ironing, the setting should be warm and no higher.

Thai silk is something that can be enjoyed by all and if taken care of it can last more than a hundred years.

Also at Siam

Long Live the King

King Bhumibol Adulyadej celebrated his 60th year as king of Thailand this year. Learn more about the man that has become one of the most respected kings in history and a Thai institution.