Eri silk is known to be one of the four prominent silk available. It is also known as “Peace Silk,” or “Ahimsa silk” among the locals. for when the fabric is rolled and made, the process does not kill the silkworm, restoring its life, hence the name.
Eri silk is also known as all-weather silk, which means that it has properties that make it comfortable to be worn all year long. It is known to be cool in the summers and provides warmth in the winter.
Eri silk has the lowest carbon emission in the textile industry. If you wish to read more about the sustainable impacts of silk, you can learn them here.
The Properties of Eri Silk
Eri silk has a different texture compared to other silks. It has a similar texture and look to cotton than silk. Due to this, it differs in terms of washing, drying, and storing from the other silks available in the market.
Eri silk is a highly versatile fabric used in knitting, embroidery of different shades, and crochet. The material feels light on the body as it is similar to cotton and does not itch the skin, which makes it an ideal option for anyone who isn’t used to wearing silk on a daily basis.
Additionally, it has excellent absorption properties, making it the most absorbent silk, which works best in dyeing.
The Cycle of Eri Silk
The cycle lasts around 50 days, From egg to cocoon.
The silkworms feed on castor leaves, and they also release bodily wastes at the same time. Their colour changes from yellow to greenish yellow when they’re ready to spin their cocoons.
After around 20 days, the process of spinning cocoons begins. The cocoons are formed from one side, making the moth come out easily. The moth comes out after around 3 weeks after the cocoon formation. After the cocoons are empty, the harvested silk is obtained.
After harvestation, the cocoons are degummed. Degumming is the process of cleaning the cocoons from any sticky bodily substance that the moths leave.
Degumming can be done manually or with the use of machines. The cocoons are then dried and hand-spun by traditional ladies of the region.
The final silk yarn is dyed according to the needs and the requirement for the final product.
The Societal Norms for Eri Silk
Eri silk is locally known ‘poor man’s silk’ as it is does not possess the luxury qualities of other types of silk. It is worn predominantly by the locals. This silk is not as expensive as other silks, but it combines the properties of cotton and wool together in the optimum seasons, due to which makes an ideal silk for locals.
Despite this norm, Eri silk is an excellent option for making various articles, from fabrics to pillowcases, tote bags, embroidery, garments, and even napkins.
Conclusion
Eri silk does not have the look of traditional silk, but there’s no doubt about the quality and versatility of this silk. It’s production is entirely naturally from cocoon to yarn.
With its environmentally friendly practices and thermal properties, it has made its name to be an excellent investment in your wardrobe. You can enquire us for the availability of eri silk or other pure silk fabrics.
Note:- RaaHaa Fabrics takes no credit for the pictures/photographs in this post.