Red, striped weave Thai silk fabric enlarged 1,000% is background

Silk FAQ 5:

What is striped, ribbed
or twill Thai silk?

What is “striped” Thai silk?
When we talk about “striped” silk we do not mean “stripes” produced by color variations as in a normal material design (although this is also possible). This is a silk weaving technique in which a 1-ply thread is used for the warp and a “4-ply” thread is used for the weft, causing physical stripes or ribs in the fabric. Some persons call this twill.

Taken to the extreme it's called an “Ottoman” weave. Long ago, four threads (real 4-ply) were needed in the weft to create this type of cloth. Modern technological developments in the breeding of silkworms now enables us to create a single (1-ply) silk yarn equal in diameter to four or more normal silk threads of the past. For that reason, Thai weavers still refer to striped Thai silk as “4-ply” although strictly speaking it is very thick 1-ply.

We can also produce a physically striped texture silk by alternating between smooth silk thread for the warp and a rough silk thread for the weft. This technique can be used in conjunction with a color pattern as well.

An infinite variety of designs are possible and you can commission your own if you order at least 30-35 yards. We are flexible and can weave your own designs. It's very suitable for bedding, drapery fabric, upholstery, interior design, a wedding anniversary present, home decorating, sheets, dresses and other clothing! (Click here for example!)