Welcome To East & Silk
With nearly 20 years of experience, we are one of the UK’s leading silk fabrics suppliers. From London and Shanghal, we are proud to serve our globally expanding, loyal customer base that continuously return to purchase our products.
Our customers enjoy the highest quality silk products at desirable prices, where our committed team assures end-to-end customer satisfaction, including efficient order processing, quality control and shipment
History Of Silk
Silk’s story dates back over 4,000 years to ancient China, where legend credits Empress Leizu with its discovery. Prized for its luxurious feel and radiant sheen, silk quickly became a symbol of status and wealth. For centuries, the Chinese guarded silk production as a royal secret, fueling its mystique and driving demand. As trade routes expanded—especially along the famed Silk Road—this exquisite fabric traveled far beyond Asia, enchanting royals and commoners alike. Today, silk remains synonymous with elegance and craftsmanship, its timeless appeal unchanged through millennia.
How Silk is Produced:
Silk production begins with the silkworm, usually the Bombyx mori. These worms feed on mulberry leaves and spin cocoons made of continuous silk filaments. Once harvested, the cocoons are softened in hot water so artisans can carefully unwind the fine threads. These threads are then spun into yarn and woven into cloth. The process requires patience, precision, and skill, ensuring that every strand of silk meets high standards.
Though methods have modernised—some producers now use organic mulberry farming and “peace” or “ahimsa” silk approaches that let silkworms hatch naturally—the core craftsmanship remains unchanged, honoring a tradition that stretches back millennia.
Caring for Silk
Silk requires gentle handling at every step—whether you’re cutting fabric, sewing garments, or simply maintaining finished pieces. Before cutting, press on the reverse side with a warm, dry iron (use a cool iron for sheer fabrics like chiffon), and avoid spraying water to prevent watermarks. Use very fine pins and a fine needle (No. 11/continental 70), with silk thread for hand sewing or polyester thread for machine stitching. For lightweight silks such as chiffon, tack the fabric onto tissue paper before sewing to stabilise it, and consider fine linings like silk habotai.
Most silks should be dry-cleaned due to the potential for colour run. If you decide to test hand washing, first dampen a hidden area and press it onto a piece of white fabric to check for any colour transfer. If none appears, you may gently wash in cool water with a mild detergent. Always air-dry away from direct sunlight to avoid fading, and iron on the reverse side with a cool setting, avoiding steam. With these precautions, silk will maintain its luxurious look and feel for years to come.