22 Momme Mulberry Silk - The Luxurious Fabric Explained
What is Grade 6A, 22 Momme Mulberry Silk?
There is no doubt, 100% 22 momme mulberry silk is one of the most luxurious fabrics around but what exactly is it and why is it so coveted? Let's dive in and learn about this fabulous fabric!
This History: Legend has it that the discovery of silk threads in China centuries ago was quite accidental when a silk cocoon fell into a cup of tea and unraveled, revealing the fine threads. The threads were woven by hand into a textile so fine, it soon became favoured by royalty and 22 momme mulberry silk was born. This led to the development of the coveted secrets of the silk industry including the domestication of the silkworm, Bombyx mori, the establishment of the Silk Road trade route from China to the Mediterranean and eventually, the expansion of silk production outside of China to India, Persia, Europe and beyond. Modern production of mulberry silk still relies on the silkworm munching on mulberry leaves however, the process for unraveling and reeling the silk from the cocoons as well as the weaving of threads and often, the printing of designs on the fabric, is mechanical.
The Mulberry in Mulberry Silk: 22 momme mulberry silk is made from the cocoons of the Bombyx mori silkworm, which feeds exclusively on mulberry leaves producing threads that are unrivaled for their softness, sheen and strength.
The Momme: Momme, abbreviated as mm and pronounced MOM-ee, is simply a unit of measurement that denotes the weight and quality of silk fabric. The higher the number, the denser, heavier and more durable the silk fabric. To determine the momme, a piece of fabric measuring 45 inches x 100 yards is weighed and its weight in pounds, becomes its momme rating. In the case of 22 momme silk, the 45" x 100 yard piece weighs 22 pounds. This is considered to be a very high quality silk that strikes a perfect balance between elegance and durability.
Grade 6A: Raw silk is typically graded between F and 6A. To reach a classification of 6A, the gold standard, the silk fibers must pass rigorous testing. To reach grade 6A, the fibers must be long - of almost uniform thickness along the length with only the subtlest of changes, strong - scoring high on tensile strength, clean and visually appealing. Silk with this grade is the smoothest, most durable and luxurious.
As you can see, 22 Momme Mulberry Silk certainly lives up to the hype and it is understandable why it is considered the gold standard for textile luxury and elegance.
The Benefits of 22 Momme Mulberry Silk
- Unrivalled Softness: The fine silk fibers glide smoothly against the skin making it an ideal fabric for sleepwear and bedding. Silk's smooth surface reduces friction and helps prevent hair breakage and can reduce facial sleep creases in mature skin.
- Durability: Despite its softness, 22 momme mulberry silk is remarkably durable and can stand up to machine washing on the delicate cycle.
- Temperature Regulation: Silk is naturally breathable and temperature regulating; it works to keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. For this reason, it is a great choice for bedding for those whose temperature fluctuates throughout the night.
- Hypoallergenic: 22 momme mulberry silk is naturally hypoallergenic and suitable for those with sensitive skin. Its smooth nature minimizes friction reducing skin irritation and hair tangling, making it a great fabric choice for pillowcases. It is resistant to dust mites, mold and mildew and a good choice for allergy sufferers.
- Beautiful Sheen: Combined with its softness, the natural sheen of 22 momme mulberry silk captures the light beautifully adding depth and movement to clothing and bedding. When viewed under a microscope, the long smooth silk fibers reveal a prism-like structure that allows light to reflect off the surface of the fabric, creating the natural sheen.
What to Make with Mulberry Silk
Bedding:
- Grade 6A, 100% 22 momme mulberry silk pillowcases are popular due to their hypoallergenic nature. Additionally, silk pillowcases don't absorb skin and hair care products like cotton pillow cases do, leaving your skin and hair hydrated and smooth. Discovery Fabrics offers a free pillow case sewing tutorial so you may make your own!
Sleepwear:
- Pajamas, night gowns, lingerie and robes made with 100% 22 momme mulberry silk are the epitome of luxury! Soft against the skin and temperature regulating make a winning combo. Of course, other garments such as tops, blouses, skirts or formalwear are also possibilities!
Accessories:
- Don't let any scraps go to waste! Hair scrunchies, sleep eye masks, hair wraps, sleep bonnets or pocket squares are great projects for leftover pieces. Scroll down for our video on making a hair scrunchie from leftover 100% 22 momme mulberry silk!
Make a 22 Momme Mulberry Silk Scrunchie
In the following video, Laura, from Discovery Fabrics, leads us through a tutorial on sewing a hair scrunchie using the burrito method. This is a great project for using your leftover silk. Unlike regular hair elastics, 100% 22 momme mulberry silk scrunchies won't damage hair making them a beautiful hair accessory to keep or gift!
Wrap Up
From the discovery in China centuries ago to the modern silk industry, grade 6A 22 Momme Mulberry Silk has been the undisputed leader in luxury fabric, for many a good reason! Now that you know about silk's history and grading system, you can make more informed choices when shopping for silk fabric by the yard or ready-made silk products.
100% 22 Momme Mulberry Silk Products