The silk handloom industry in India uses a large portion of the silk produced in the country. Researchers wanted to create a special type of silk saree using a different kind of silk called spun silk, and study its characteristics using a method called Kawabata analysis. They compared this new spun silk saree with a traditional silk saree made from regular silk.
They used a specific type of spun silk called Nm 210/2 as the material for the saree. They made three different types of spun silk sarees and compared them to the regular silk saree made from reeled silk. When they tested the fabric, they found that the spun silk sarees were less stiff and had better drape-ability compared to the regular silk saree. This means that the fabric of the spun silk sarees was more flexible and flowed better when worn.
They also found that the spun silk sarees were easier to handle during the stitching process. They had lower shear rigidity, which means that the fabric could be easily manipulated during tasks like folding and inserting sleeves. This is good news for the people who make the sarees, as it makes their work easier.
Despite being less stiff, the spun silk sarees still had good tensile strength, surface quality, and compression properties, which means that they were strong and durable. These are important qualities for any fabric, including sarees.
The researchers also analyzed the "hand values" of the fabric, which refer to how the fabric feels when touched and worn. They found that the spun silk sarees had better values for characteristics like smoothness, softness, and overall feel compared to the regular silk saree. This means that the spun silk sarees were more comfortable and pleasant to wear.
In terms of thermal properties, the spun silk sarees performed better than the regular silk saree. They had higher values for properties like heat resistance, insulation, and thermal comfort. This means that the spun silk sarees provided better protection against heat and were more comfortable to wear in different weather conditions.
In summary, the researchers found that the spun silk sarees made from Nm 210/2 silk had several advantages over the regular silk saree. They were less stiff, had better drape-ability, and were easier to work with during stitching. They also had good tensile strength, surface quality, and compression properties. Additionally, the spun silk sarees felt smoother, softer, and more comfortable to wear. They also provided better thermal properties, such as heat resistance and insulation.
Overall, these findings suggest that the use of spun silk in handloom sarees could offer benefits for both the people who make the sarees and the people who wear them. The silk handloom industry in India could consider incorporating spun silk into their products to create sarees that are not only beautiful but also more comfortable and easier to work with.
