Silk in Suzhou

Suzhou is a famous silk town in China, with a long history of silk culture and exquisite skills, and is known as the "Silk Capital of the East". Suzhou silk, with its high quality and exquisite features, is known as one of the best silk in the world.

Historical origin

Suzhou's silk culture can be traced back to the Xia and Shang dynasties around 3000 BC. According to history books, the history of silk in Suzhou can be traced back to the Han Dynasty, when Suzhou was already the center of silk production. During the Tang Dynasty, Suzhou's silk craftsmanship reached its peak and it became one of the most important silk production bases in the country. During the Song Dynasty, Suzhou's silk craftsmanship even reached its peak, becoming the silk center of the country and the world.

Silk production process

Suzhou's silk production process is very complex, and requires a number of steps to complete. The following is the process of making silk in Suzhou:

1. Selection of materials: Suzhou's silk is made of high-quality mulberry silk, which is soft and glossy, and is very suitable for making high-grade silk products.

2. Reeling: The process of peeling back the cocoon of the mulberry silkworm, taking out the silk threads inside, and then twisting these threads into a large silk ball is called reeling.

3. Dyeing: The silk threads are put into a dyeing tank and dyed for subsequent weaving.

4. Weaving: The dyed silk threads are passed through a loom to be woven into fabric, a process that requires a very high level of skill and patience, as each thread needs to be woven with great care.

5. Printing: the woven fabric is printed, this process requires a very high level of skill and experience, because each pattern requires a very fine design and production.

6. Finishing: The printed fabric is finished to remove some impurities and unnecessary threads.

7. Sewing: The organized fabrics are cut and sewn to make different kinds of silk products.

Types of Silk

There are many types of silk in Suzhou, the most famous of which are:

1. Suzhou Embroidered Silk: This kind of silk is the traditional hand embroidery craft of Suzhou, which is famous for its exquisite skill and delicate handfeel.

2. Suzhou Duanfan Silk: This silk is used to make Suzhou Duanfan, and its soft texture and high luster make it perfect for making high-grade Duanfan.

3. Suzhou Satin Silk: This silk is one of the most traditional silk products in Suzhou, known for its high quality and exquisite craftsmanship.