13/06/2026
Do you know how to recognise silk?
I’m 99% sure this gorgeous fabric is 100% silk.
I’ve done all the tricks I can think of and it passes ALL of the tests!
I know this fabric is an authentic Indian jacquard produced by an artisanal weaving house in Banaras.
It is thick and has a beautiful soft feel, so I suspect it is a Tanchoi Silk Brocade weave.
I’d LOVE any of my Indian followers to please share what they think.
I’m using it to make a bag and would hate to advertise it as 100% silk and be incorrect. What do you think?
(I’ve included a photo of the reverse side.)
What I know about silk-
🪡 feels smooth and soft, but not slippery like polyester.
🪡 has a distinctive warmth. When you hold it, it quickly takes on your body temperature.
🪡 may have a slight “grip” rather than feeling slick.
🪡 has a natural lustre that changes colour and intensity as the fabric moves in the light. (Synthetic fabrics often have a more uniform, shiny appearance).
🪡 usually wrinkles quite easily and will retain some creases when scrunched in your hand.
🪡 when you rub two layers together near your ear you will hear a distinctive soft rustling sound (called “scroop.”)
🪡 fibres may show slight irregularities under good light or with a magnifying glass, because they are natural fibres.
🪡 a drop of water absorbs quickly and the spot darkens (polyester tends to repel water, a droplet may sit on the surface).
🪡 burns slowly and often self-extinguishes when removed from the flame.
🪡 smells like burning hair or feathers.
🪡 the ash is black and crumbly and can be crushed between your fingers (polyester melts, smells chemical or sweet, and forms a hard plastic bead).
