How Did Ancient Chinese People Weave Silk Into Clothes?

The silk-weaving process used by the ancient Chinese was strict and precise.

Silk clothing was invented by the ancient Chinese. In fact, silk became so valued in China that people began paying their taxes with it. Women were generally the designated silk-makers, and they followed a strict production process in a controlled environment. The silkworms used were even kept away from loud noises.

History of Chinese Silk

Hsi-Ling-Shih, the wife of the Yellow Emperor from 3000 BC, invented the loom and silkworm cultivation, according to myth and legend. Archeological evidence of ribbons, threads, spinning tools and fabric fragments have been dated between 7000 and 2300 BC. At first, silk clothing was only available to the emperor and his family. During the Warring States Period (475 to 221 BC), however, silk products became available to the general populace. During the second century BC, the Chinese exported silk to other countries for the first time, and silk became an essential element of the Chinese economy.

How Silk is Made

Raw Chinese silk is made by the larvae of the blind, flightless Bombyx mori moth. It is a species cultivated from a wild moth unique to China. The moths lay 500 eggs in a week and then die. The eggs hatch 30,000 silkworms, which feed on copious amounts of mulberry leaves. The cocoons they create are what silk is made from.

Chinese Silk Weaving Process

The Chinese kept the silk-making process, or sericulture, a closely guarded secret for two thousand years. The silkworm cocoons are kept in a warm, dry place for eight or nine days. Baking or steaming kills the worms. The cocoons are dipped in warm water to loosen the filaments up, which are then wound onto a spool. From five to eight filaments are spun together into a thread. The final process is weaving the threads into garments.

References

• Silk Road: History of Silk
• Avantour: History of Sericulture in China
• China's Museum: China Silk Museum