Linnen & Silk

Silk textiles often have one side that is shiny (satin) and the other side that is matte due to the weaving technique used, specifically the satin weave. Here's how it works:

Satin Weave
The satin weave creates a fabric with a smooth, lustrous surface on one side and a duller, matte surface on the other. This effect is achieved by floating the warp threads (the lengthwise threads) over several weft threads (the crosswise threads) before going under one weft thread. This technique minimizes the number of interlacings, allowing more of the warp threads to be exposed on the surface, which gives it a shiny appearance.

Fiber Content
The type of fiber used also affects the sheen. Silk fibers naturally have a high luster, which enhances the shiny effect on the satin side. In contrast, the back side, where the weft threads are more prominent, appears matte².

Practical Applications
This dual texture is often used in fashion and home textiles to create visually interesting and functional pieces. For example, the shiny side might be used for the exterior of a garment for a luxurious look, while the matte side can be used for the interior for comfort¹.

If you have any more questions about silk or other textiles, feel free to ask!

Knowing Fabric
https://knowingfabric.com/is-satin-always-shiny/

Why Is Silk Shiny On One Side?
https://blisstulle.com/why-is-silk-shiny-on-one-side/.

Maintaining silk products requires some special care to keep them looking their best. Here are some essential tips:

### Washing
- **Hand Wash**: It's best to hand wash silk in lukewarm water with a gentle, pH-neutral detergent. Avoid using bleach or harsh chemicals.
- **Machine Wash**: If you must use a washing machine, place the silk item in a mesh bag and use the delicate cycle with cold water.
- **Spot Cleaning**: For stains, gently dab with a mixture of water and mild detergent. Avoid rubbing, as this can damage the fibers.

### Drying
- **Air Dry**: Lay the silk item flat on a clean, dry towel and roll it up to remove excess water. Then, lay it flat to air dry away from direct sunlight.
- **Avoid Wringing**: Never wring out silk, as this can cause wrinkles and damage the fabric.

### Ironing
- **Low Heat**: If ironing is necessary, use the lowest heat setting and iron on the reverse side while the fabric is still slightly damp. Place a cloth between the iron and the silk to prevent direct contact.

### Storage
- **Cool, Dry Place**: Store silk in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Use padded hangers for garments to maintain their shape.
- **Avoid Mothballs**: Instead of mothballs, use cedar blocks or lavender sachets to keep pests away.

### General Tips
- **Avoid Perfume and Hairspray**: These can stain and damage silk. Apply them before dressing and let them dry completely.
- **Rotate Wear**: Give your silk garments a break between wears to allow the fibers to recover.

By following these tips, you can help ensure your silk items remain beautiful and luxurious for years to come. If you have any more questions or need further advice, feel free to ask!

Silk Care: The Ultimate Beginner's Guide to Silk Maintenance.
https://silkpedia.com/silk-care/.
How to Wash 100% Silk: Essential Tips for Care - SilkPedia.
https://silkpedia.com/wash-100-silk/.
Maintenance of Silk Fabric - Hangzhou Xinhe Textiles Co., Ltd. https://www.hzsilkfabric.com/info/maintenance-of-silk-fabric-44107512.html.
How to Take Care of Silk: Essential Tips for Maintaining the Beauty
https://tru.earth/blogs/tru-living/how-to-take-care-of-silk.
How Often Should You Wash Silk? Essential Care Guide.
https://silkpedia.com/how-often-wash-silk/.
How to Wash Silk Products - Martha Stewart. https://www.marthastewart.com/1517433/how-wash-and-care-silk.

**Momme** (pronounced "mom-ee") is a unit of weight measurement used specifically for silk fabric. It indicates the fabric's thickness, quality, and density. The term originates from Japan and is often abbreviated as "mm".

### How Momme is Measured
Momme measures the weight of a piece of silk fabric that is 45 inches wide and 100 yards long. For example, if a piece of silk fabric weighs 22 pounds, it is said to be 22 momme. To put it in simpler terms, 1 momme is approximately equal to 4.340 grams per square meter.

### Importance of Momme
- **Quality and Durability**: Higher momme silk is generally thicker, denser, and more durable. It also tends to be more expensive.
- **Feel and Drape**: The momme weight affects the feel and drape of the fabric. Higher momme silk feels more luxurious and has a better drape.
- **Suitability**: Different momme weights are suitable for different uses. For example, 19-22 momme is common for silk bedding, while higher momme weights like 25-30 are used for more durable items.

Understanding momme can help you make more informed decisions when purchasing silk products. If you have any more questions about silk or other textiles, feel free to ask!

What is Momme Silk - The Best Guide to Silk Terminology. https://sino-silk.com/what-is-momme-silk-and-what-does-22-momme-mean-a-complete-guide/.
What is Momme in Silk Fabric | What Does Momme Silk mean in Fabric .... https://mulberryparksilks.com/blogs/mulberry/what-is-momme-in-silk-fabric.
What Is Momme in Silk Fabric. https://knowingfabric.com/what-is-momme-in-silk-fabric/.