In Search of the Silk Road

Beautiful Thai silk fabric comes from the cultivated silk worm. A single thread is produced by reeling multiple delicate filaments from the cocoon. The yellow threads of the Thai species are cleaned, bleached, and dyed before being woven into 1-ply, 2-ply, or 4-ply fabric. The silk can then be sewn into lightweight to suit-weight garments and home decor items.

Thai silk worm caterpillars munch on mulberry leaves.
The silk worm caterpillar secretes silky filaments to make its cocoon for the larval stage.
The reeling process

Recently I visited Thai Silk Village in Chiang Mai searching for silk fabric. Not only did I find bolts of solid-coloured and print textiles, but also available were clothing and accessories, including many, many scarves. I am left wondering about the possibility of creating a lighter silk head scarf or a heavier weight bucket hat.

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