History of Silk

Silk is one of the oldest known textile fibers and according to Chinese tradition, it was used as long ago as the 27th century BC. The discovery of silk fiber from the silkworm species Bombyx mori occurred around 2700 BC. The silkworm moth was originally a native of China. For about 30 centuries, the gathering and weaving of silk was a secret process, known only to the Chinese.

Silk Production
The cultivation of the silkworm is known as Sericulture. The technique initially spread through China making silk a highly valued fiber much sought after by other countries. In 139 BC, the world's longest trade route was opened extending from Eastern China to the Mediterranean Sea. The route was named the Silk Road. By around 300 AD the secret of silk production had reached India and Japan.
Silk manufacture eventually reached Europe. During the 18th and 19th centuries, there were several major advancements in silk production in Europe. By 18th century England played a leading role in silk manufacturing in Europe owing to English innovations in the textiles industry. These innovations included improved silk-weaving looms, power looms and roller printing.

A large industry eventually developed in southeastern Europe and gradually reached westward as a result of Muslim conquests. Production of silk started in Spain in the eighth century and was the major producer for five hundred years. In the sixteenth century, France became the competitor of Italy in the production of fine quality and smooth silk fabrics.

Several attempts were made to cultivate silk in the United States, but the higher labour and production costs led to the failure of commercial silk production.