Silk and its varieties
date: 27/05/2021
SILK AND ITS VARIETIES
We continue the topic of silk. Here are some basic tips for knitting and storing silk products. We will also talk about artificial silk and its properties.
A FEW TIPS FOR KNITTING WITH SILK YARN
Silk is valued for its durability, strength, warmth and delicacy, as well as for its ability to absorb any color when dyed and thus obtain exquisite varieties. Knitting with silk yarn can be a challenge, but don't be afraid. With the right instructions and tips, you can start creating and maintaining beautiful silk knits.
To prevent the threads of silk yarn from getting caught in your fingers and hands, smear them with cream before you start knitting. Because silk is strong, but it can also be fragile.
To prevent your hands from stiffening while knitting, often stop and shake them to relieve tension. The reason for the accumulation of such is that the silk is very slippery and often a lot more effort is put into knitting than with other wool.
Knitted on a needle or otherwise, the processed silk yarn resembles cotton and can be natural, with a rough texture or tight and smooth. That is why it is very important to choose the right knitting needles. When using soft silk yarns, use a metal or aluminum needle for best results. Artificial silk yarns can be knitted with less slippery needles - such as plastic or wood.
Silk is a very strong natural fiber, but loses 20% of its strength when wet. Therefore, it is sometimes advisable to wash the silk yarn before you start knitting, which is usually written in the instructions on the yarn.
Silk knits should be washed very carefully to prolong their life. Place the knitting in a basin of lukewarm water to which a small amount of non-alkaline soap or detergent has been added. Stir the water gently, then rinse several times with clean water to completely remove the soap. In general, silk clothes are washed in cold water, by hand, without twisting and twisting, without the use of hot water or vinegar, ironed at medium to low temperature on the inside.
VISCOSE SILK
Area or artificial (wood) silk is an artificial material that is obtained from regenerated cellulose obtained from plant sources. Developed in the late 19th century, region or viscose was the first man-made man-made fiber. Viscose imitates not only silk, but also wool, cotton and linen. Viscose fibers that look like silk are often called artificial silk.
The region is obtained by dissolving cellulose and sequentially converting this solution back into insoluble fibrous cellulose. Different processes or methods are used for this regeneration.
The area is a flexible fiber with the same comfort properties as natural fibers. It can mimic the feel and texture of silk, wool, cotton and linen. The fibers are easily dyed in different colors. Viscose fabrics are soft, smooth, cool, comfortable and highly absorbent, but do not always insulate body heat, making them ideal for use in hot and humid climates. Viscose often remains a "misunderstood" fiber. It is not natural, but it is not synthetic. It has indispensable properties that provide exceptional comfort.
SILK
These silks are most used due to their low cost. They are also called synthetic. They are superior to natural ones in strength and elasticity. They do not rot, are resistant to abrasion and atmospheric conditions, do not change under the action of oxidants, engine oils and others.
But synthetic silks are not hygroscopic and are easily electrified by retaining static electricity. for this reason, the clothes made from them have to be treated with an antistatic and this is definitely a disadvantage. They are not biodegradable.
Synthetic silks do not change under the influence of alkaline bases, but can be attacked by acids. One of the most popular synthetic fibers is polyamide silk.
Polyester silks also fall into the group of synthetic ones. They have great strength in dry and wet condition, are elastic, resistant to acids, heat resistant, but can be attacked by alkalis. Special conditions are required to dye.
Natural, artificial or viscose, silk yarn is unique in its beauty and properties. Use them with a good knowledge of their characteristics and follow the rules for their storage. And create - silk yarns allow you to unleash your imagination and achieve extravaganzas of colors and shapes. Enjoy knitting!