MATKA PEACE SILK
Matka Peace Silk Fabric Is A Rough Handloom Indian Silk Fabric Made From The Waste Mulberry Silk (Bombyx Mori) Without Removing Its Gum (Sericin) Part. It Is Largely Obtained From The States Of Karnataka And Kashmir But Its Spinning Is Done In The Malda And Murshidabad Districts In West Bengal. It Comes From Thick Yarn Spun From The Silkworm Bombyx Mori Which Results In Some Irregularities In The Texture Of The Fabric. Matka Silk Resembles The Tweed Fabric In Texture.
MATKA SILK WEAVING PROCESS
Where It Is Found
Cocoons required to produce Matka silk are mainly obtained from Karnataka and Kashmir but spinning is mostly done in the villages of Burdwan & Murshidabad districts of West Bengal . Anuprerna is currently working with about 10 different Matka Silk artisans weaving clusters spread across Bengal.
Being made from several broken short yarns, Matka fabric has uneven texture and irregularities due to slub; also less of a shine than conventional silk. Its texture resembles a tweed cloth, though the fabric of Matka is thick, it is very light and airy. They are very easy to work with.
ORIGIN OF MATKA SILK
Matka silk is basically rough handloom silk fabric. It is made from very thick yarns spun out of broken waste or leftover fibres from a hatched cocoon. Mainly spun by hand, the filaments of the cocoons of this silk from Bihar were originally unwound and plied together on a mud pot, called Matka in the local language and that’s how it got its name.
MATKA SILK MAKING PROCESS
STEP 1: METAMORPHOSIS
The silkworm cocoons are cultivated by farmers who wait for the metamorphosis to occur. Once fully developed, the mature moth hatches out of the cocoon leaving behind the broken silk fibers.
STEP 2: PREPARING THE FIBERS
The process involves gathering and unraveling the thick strands, which are then twisted together on a clay matka pot. The fibers, which still retain their natural gum or sericin, are then sent for spinning.
STEP 3: SPINNING
A number of these thick and short fibers, containing the sericin protein, are combined through manual spinning to create yarns that have slightly irregular textures.
STEP 4: WEAVING
The uneven silk yarn is arranged in both the warp and weft of the handloom to create the matka silk fabric. Our skilled artisans expertly weave this fabric on the loom.
CHARACTERISTICS OF MATKA SILK FABRIC
Explore More on Matka Silk
Matka silk characterized by its uneven texture is also made by hand-spinning fibers extracted from broken cocoons.
The silk fiber process of the cocoon to silk fabric is cruelty-free as the silk moths are allowed to hatch. Being made from several broken short yarns, Matka fabric has uneven texture and irregularities due to slub, and also has less of a shine than conventional silk but still possesses a very subtle luster. Though the fabric of Matka is thick, it is very light and airy.
The slub silk, when dyed, is just as stunning as the natural undyed version. With a rich texture and natural sheen of its own, the dyed Matka's luster and glaze keep getting better with each wash.
MATKA SILK FABRIC IN PRESENT DAY
Matka Silk cloth produce richer vibrant hues when dyed. Because Matka silk is easy to work with, a wide variety of embroidery and printing can be done on this fabric and is the perfect raw material to make jackets/coats /furnishings/sarees. It is preferred by many due to its economical price and fabric strength when compared with other popular silk.
HOW DOES MATKA SILK DIFFER FROM CONVENTIONAL SILK?
- Derived from broken cocoons containing short silk fibers, they are not appropriate for traditional silk manufacturing methods.
- As a result of the broken silk fibers, they are spun rather than reeled.
- They possess a slightly less shiny appearance but exude a subtle shimmer when exposed to sunlight.
- Although slightly thicker than regular silk, they retain their softness.
- Their heaviness makes them ideal for creating jackets, blazers, tunics, trousers, and even curtains.
frequently asked questions
What sets Matka Peace Silk apart from other types of silk?
Matka Peace Silk distinguishes itself through its ethical production, distinct texture, sustainability, comfort, versatility, cultural significance, and the support it provides to local artisans. These qualities make it a compelling choice for those who prioritize ethical and eco-conscious fashion.
Can Matka Peace Silk be worn in different seasons, or is it best suited for specific weather conditions?
Matka Peace Silk is versatile and can be worn in various seasons. Its breathable nature makes it comfortable in warm weather, while its texture provides warmth in cooler seasons. It's suitable for both summer and winter clothing, making it a year-round option.
Can Matka Peace Silk be used for formal attire, such as suits or blazers, or is it primarily for casual wear?
Matka Peace Silk can be used for both formal and casual attire, depending on the specific weave, finish, and design of the fabric. It's suitable for making suits, blazers, and other formal clothing items when tailored appropriately. Its natural texture can add a unique touch to formal wear, making it distinctive and elegant.
How to Care for Matka Peace Silk Clothing?
Matka Peace Silk garments should be treated with care to maintain their quality: Hand wash or use the delicate cycle on your washing machine. Use a mild detergent and cold water. Avoid wringing or twisting the fabric. Dry the fabric flat and away from direct sunlight. Iron on a low setting or use a cloth between the iron and the fabric to prevent damage.
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