faq

How silk and other weavable materials are separated

The weavable materials are separated into natural and synthetic ones. Out of these, we
extract fine fibers, suitable for the production of fabric and threads. Mainly the
following:
For natural weavable materials:
●Gramineous (cotton, linen, cannabis, rummy, etc.)
●Animal (silk, wool, cashmere, camel-hair, mohair, etc.)
●Inorganic (amianthus)
For synthetic weavable materials:
●Natural multilaterals (rayon, rubber, merinova, etc.)
●Synthetic multilaterals (nylon, perlon, lycra, acrilan, vinion, trevira, polethylene)
From all the above fibers, silk is considered to be the most precious one globally.

What is the history of silk?

The history of silk goes back centuries ago and is interwoven with Chinese stories and
myths. According to legend, the art of silkworm breeding was coincidentally
discovered by empress Si-Ling-Chi, in 2690 B.C. Since then, the development of silk
industry in China began. An art which remained secret for approximately 20
centuries. The export of silkworm eggs was strictly forbidden. Anyone disclosing the
secrets of sericulture, faced a death sentence. Only the export of processed threads
and fabric was allowed. Japan, India and Persia were commercial centers for exported
silk.
With the expeditions of Alexander the Great (4th century B.C.), silken fabric became
known to the ancient Greeks. In fact, Alexander the Great himself sent bubbles to his
teacher Aristotle in order to find out the secrets of silk, yet in vain. Since 100 B.C.,
Chinese merchants started exporting silk towards the Middle East and Europe.
Traveling in caravans with camels and mules, they followed a network of paths,
connected to oases. They stopped to rest at Caravan Saray on the way. On return to
China, they carried luxury products, such as glass, precious stones as well as news
from around the world. The Chinese merchants set off from the Chinese capital and
ended up in Antioch, Middle East, having crossed the deserts and steppes of Central
Asia. In Roman times, the imports of processed and unprocessed sinitic thread and readymade
fabrics were continued. Sources testify to the fact that during this period silk
was of great value, equal to that of precious stones and gold. The emperor used to
wear an exclusively silk purple gown, while the state officers and some affluent
civilians used to wear silken garments.
In Europe, it was first imported in Byzantium, during the kingship of Iustinianus,
where two monks, returning from a missionary travel to China in 554 A.C., carried
silk cocoons hidden in their canes, as their export was forbidden.

What is silk?

Silk is the mixture of two proteins. One of them is called fibroin, constituting 75% of
the fiber in its center, whereas the other one is called sericin or silk glue, comprising
25% and surrounding fibroin.

Which are the properties of silk?

i)Natural product
Silk is a completely natural product, produced by an animal organism, with the
absence of any chemicals.
ii)Silkiness
The parallel layers of protein on the silk’s fiber render it very soft, so that it does not
irritate the skin and is very pleasant to touch.
iii)Absorbency
Silk remains dry even if it has absorbed 30% of its weight in water, one of the reasons
why it demonstrates high resistance to human perspiration.
iv)It is anti-allergic
Doctors recommend silken garments, sheets, etc. to those suffering from
dermatological problems and allergies.
v)It is insulating
Silk demonstrates a good resistance to heat, being an excellent insulating material,
therefore, silk garments are warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
vi)Reflection
The triangular structure of the silk’s fiber makes it work as a prism and reflect a very
bright and “clean” colour.

How do we distinguish silk?

Two easy ways to distinguish silk are:
i)We burn a small piece of silken fabric so that it emits an unpleasant odour, like that
of a burning hair, and a round ball of ash is formed that can break into dust.
ii)A piece of silk is placed into a hot dilution of sodium hydroxide or potash, where it
is dissolved.

How do we wash silken products?

Always consult the label of the garment before washing a silken product. Those with
the instruction “Only dry clean” should not be washed. Furthermore, when washing
brightly coloured silken wear, there might be a chance that they crock. Therefore, you
can wash those washable products in tepid water and by hand, with a detergent
suitable for sensitive or woolen clothes.
You iron with a hot iron, while the fabric is still slightly and uniformly wet.

How do we store silken products?

Silk is a natural product, produced by an animal organism. Thus, it must be free to
breathe during its storage. Avoid storing it with its package.

Do our products have authentication of Greek origin?

Tsiakiris silk industry offers certified goods from “ΕΟΜΜΕΧ”. ΕΟΜΜΕΧ (Greek
Association of Small- Middle Industries and Handicraft) was a Greek state
association, whose goal was to promote and support the national small industry and
handicraft.

Production of special order

Do you have a design and want to make it into a kerchief or a scarf? Do you wish to
print your logo on a tie or a scarf? The use of digital printing renders the creation of a
special order for any pattern feasible. The only prerequisites are: the fabric on which
the printing will take place has to be 100% silken and the resolution of the file for
printing should be at least 300dpi. Should you be interested, send an e-mail and the
manager of public relations and communications of Tsiakiris Silk Industry will
contact you for further information.

Ways to bind your silken products

The following video by Tsiakiris Silk Industry and “Silk” shops demonstrates
beautiful ways for you to bind your favourite silken accessories.