Mulberry silk vs Tussah silk. Silk is a naturally produced silk fabric with different physical characteristics. They vary in texture, thickness, and strength. In the textile industry, both types have demand depending upon their intended uses.

Introduction to Silk Types

Naturally producing silks have been classified as Mulberry Silk, Eri Silk, Tussah Silk, and Muga Silk. Some other rare and exotic types are spider silk and sea silk. Each type of silk is broadly used in the textile industry for different uses.

Brief Overview of Silk Production

Silk is produced by cultivating silkworms, such as bombyx mori silkworm, and worms, which are processed and harvested into fine silk fibers. The quality of silk depends upon the feed of silkworms and their growth environment.

• The two main types of silk are mulberry silk and tussah silk, which have unique characteristics and applications.

Silk Production Process

Silkworms are grown at a particular temperature and environment for high-quality end products. They undergo different stages of metamorphosis; silk fibers are extracted from cocoons.

Mulberry Silk Harvesting

This silk is produced from the cocoons of silk worm called bombyx mori, fed a specific diet of mulberry leaves. After reaching larvae stage, These silkworms spin their cocoons in a figure-eight pattern. These cocoons ae tough and enriched with sericin protein.

This raw silk is famous for its natural sheen, softness, and breathability which makes it ideal for luxurious fabrics and textiles. Silk yarn is used to make fashion clothing and other accessories.

Tussah Silk Harvesting

Tussah silk, also termed wild silk, is produced from the cocoons of wild silkworms that feed on oak and juniper leaves. But Oak leaves are high in tannin than other leaves. These wild silkworms spin their cocoons in a non-uniform pattern, resulting in a cocoon with a thicker and less silky texture. Tussah silk is deep brown or honey colored. It is often bleached and whitened during manufacturing, whereas mulberry is pure white after extraction. Shantung is a fabric produced from T

Fiber Characteristics

Some distinguishable features of Tussah and Mulberry will help you to choose between them.

Comparing Mulberry and Tussah Silk Fibers

Both silk fibers are weaved into useful textile products. Some distinguishing features of their silk fibers are:

• Mulberry fibers are finer, softer, and more lustrous than tussah silk fibers.
• Tussah silk fibers are coarser, more matte, and have a honey-colored starting point.
• Silk Mulberry fibers are more durable and resistant to wrinkles than tussah silk fibers.

Fabric Properties

Mulberry and Tussah silk fabric varies in appearance, touch feel and texture.

Mulberry Silk Fabric

• Mulberry fabric is more smooth, glossy surface and soft textured.
• It is to make high-end clothing, westren wedding dresses, evening gowns and luxurious bedsheets.
• Mulberry silk fabric is highly breathable, hypoallergenic and gentle on the skin.

Tussah Silk Fabric

• Tussah silk fabric is more durable and wrinkle-resistant than mulberry silk fabric. It can tolerate the rougher handle.
• This type of silk is often used to make more affordable and practical products, such as upholstery and handicrafts.
• This fine quality fabric gives a matte finish and is often treated with chemicals to improve its texture.
• It includes the use of chemicals during duvet manufacturing than Mulberry silk.

Applications and Uses

The wide applications of tussah silk are:

• Handicrafts
• Stitched apparels
• Sleeping bags and comforters
• Elegant sarees
• Home decors
• Luxurious Pillowcase and bedding

Choosing the Right Silk for Your Needs

You have to consider your affordability and the intended use of the product to decide whether mulberry, raw silk, or tussah silk is the best option for you.

Mulberry silk is ideal for luxurious fabrics and textiles, while tussah silk wool suits more practical and affordable fashion products.

Conclusion

The quality of mulberry silk vs tussah silk speaks for itself. Both Mulberry and Tussah silk have their own importance concerning their uses, quality and appearance. Differences of their features help us to choose correct type depending upon our further uses.

Summary of Key Differences

• Mulberry silk is produced from bombyx mori silkworms and is known for its natural sheen, softness, and breathability.
• Tussah silk is produced from wild silkworms and is coarser, more matte, and more durable than mulberry silk.
• Understanding the key differences between mulberry and tussah silk can help you make informed decisions when choosing silk products.