HINT: Browse our new arrivals
At a loss? Check out our blog
Product code 101-16-0003
Katiya is a distinctive wild silk with an unpolished look. Makes eye-catching jackets and blazers, trousers and skirts.
Read more| Shade: | natural |
| Material: | 100% silk |
| Width (cm): | 105 cm |
| Width (inches): | 41 ″ |
| Weight (mm): | 25 mm |
| Weight (gsm): | 107 gsm |
| Weight (oz): | 3.2 oz |
| Drape: | stiff |
| Care: | |
| Availability: | seasonal collection |
| Minimum order: | 0.2 m |
in stock 39.4 m
Katiya silk comes from the same raw material as tussah or muga silk, that is it comes from wild silk moth cocoons. Roughly sixty percent of the filament from these cocoons can be taken unbroken to make “infinite” filament silk. What remains is a tangle of short fibers that are then recuperated and spun into thread, much as cotton or wool is. The result is a fairly thick, irregular yarn of distinct character with all of the advantages of natural silk – katiya.
We import this wild silk from India, where it is made the traditional way on hand looms. It is a bit rough around the edges because it is woven of thick, irregular yarn.
This wild silk fabric has a homespun, rustic look – thicker weft threads give it added texture and make it stronger than an ordinary silk.
Katiya has other qualities typical for silk:
All that’s missing is the sheen usually associated with silk fabrics woven of filament silk. Wild silk like this one tends to have more matte finish, with a very subtle sheen.
Being slightly heavier than ordinary silk, katiya lends itself to projects such as
For items like blouses or shirts, a lighter weight wild silk would be preferable, like our wild eri or muga.
Because this fabric is hand woven and hand designed, there may be slight irregularities in the weave. These tiny imperfections are not considered defects, but rather a natural feature of hand crafting.
We recommend dry cleaning this fabric at a reliable dry cleaner. In our silk washing tests this fabric stood up to gentle hand washing. If you risk hand washing, use lukewarm water and a delicate detergent for woolens; do not wring or squeeze dry; block dry on a flat surface. Dry iron on the lowest setting.
Yes. Silk is our specialty. All fabrics marked as "silk" in our shop are always made of natural silk. You can rely on the fact that is always natural mulberry silk unless we say otherwise. If it is a different type of natural silk (e.g., wild silk), we will say so. We describe the many types of natural silk in full detail in our post on types of silk.
Washing is generally not recommended for silk – it belongs at the dry cleaners. However, as our big silk wash test has shown, some types of silk fabrics can stand up to a gentle wash program or hand washing without harm if you follow the procedure described. That said, wash silk at your own risk. We definitely recommend testing in advance on a small sample of the fabric – because silk is a natural material it's not 100% predictable. Never use an ordinary laundry detergent – use a special detergent for wool and silk or, if there's no other option, a gentle, silicone-free shampoo.
The fabrics in our core inventory, seasonal collections and limited editions are from repeated production cycles that we have quality-tested – given proper care their colors should not bleed. Fabrics that are on offer while supplies last are one-off products that have not been individually tested, so we recommend testing on a sample. Silk may lose some color when washed in water that's too hot or with unsuitable detergent. Always follow the recommended water temperature and use detergents designed for washing silk or wool. Washing silk, though it is often no problem, is always at your own risk. Read more in our post on How to wash silk.
If you are not going to dye the finished garment, we recommend a high-quality polyester thread for sewing silk. If you want to dye the finished garment, be sure to choose a silk thread (polyester does not take dye). The choice of sewing needle and thread depends on the type and weight of the fabric – for sewing particularly fine fabrics (chiffons, georgettees, light satins, light crepes) a thinner polyester or silk thread and a corresponding thin needle are suitable. Do not use cotton thread to sew silk.
Probably the best way to tell is the burn test. Silk burns reluctantly, leaving a black crumb that you can easily crush between your fingers and smells like burnt hair. Be sure to test threads pulled from both the weft and the warp. In addition to the burn test, there are a plenty of other tricks – check out our post on how to tell real silk.
Can you wash silk? And how? We decided to find out. See our great silk washing test.
Full article
Choose the right thread for sewing machines and hand sewing every time with our complete guide.
Full article
Look great in a wrap skirt you’ve made yourself! Detailed, step-by-step tutorial for an (almost) patternless sewing project.
Full article
Step into summer with a simple shift dress. This timeless classic is a perfect project for beginners and a great way to use silk.
Full article
Put your creativity on display! Make your own decorative pillows in the fabrics you love. It’s easy with our step-by-step guide.
Full article
Ever wondered about sewing machine needles? Don’t know what size to use on your project? Our sewing needle cheat sheet comes to the rescue!
Full article
There’s no better way to start sewing with silk than making a silk scarf. It’s easier than you think. Learn a new skill and gain an elegant new accessory. Our easy, illustrated tutorial takes you through the process step by step.
Full article
It’s no wonder silk has always been the choice of royalty. Sleeping on natural silk can smooth the complexion and put an end to bedhead. But there’s no reason to trot down to your local luxury boutique to pick up a fancy cosmetic pillow when it’s so easy to make your own using the gorgeous silk of your choice and at a fraction of the cost. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
Full article
As you browse our silk selection, you may be mystified by the abbreviation “mm” in our fabric weight column. Millimeters? No. The mm stands for momme (pronounced moe-mee), a traditional measure of silk weight that comes to us from Japan. What can it tell us? Read on for enlightenment.
Full article
Fabric weight is one of the key elements in any fabric description. It’s an indicator of what a cloth is actually made of and what it could be good for. In online fabric shops you’ll find it listed alongside textile content and width, in brick-and-mortar shops it’s on the sticker at the end of the bolt. So, what exactly does it tell you?
Full article
A good tailor is the cure for all that ails you. But how to pick the right one for you? Whether you want to save the planet, need something that flatters your figure, or just want to look great, a good tailor is the key. But how does it work? What should you expect? This article takes you through the process of identifying a good tailor and working with them to produce the results you want.
Full article
Silk pillowcases are having a moment, and it’s no wonder. Not only are they a dream to sleep on, they keep your skin hydrated and even prevent bedhead. We’ll look at what the fuss is all about and help you choose the right fabric to make your own. Find out what silk can do for your beauty sleep.
Full article
Did you know there’s more than one kind of natural silk? It’s true, and not only do different silk moths made different kinds of silk, there are also different types depending on the quality of the yarn itself and how it was made. Each kind of silk has its own characteristics that you should know if you plan to wear it. To make an educated choice it’s good to know the basics. So, here we go!
Full article
That silk dress was a real find, but – d’oh! – the tag says dry clean only. At a loss? Here are a few tips on finding a good cleaner. It’s easier than you may think and it’s certainly worth the effort. If you’ve been living in jeans and a t-shirt and this is your first foray into the world of professional cleaning, take a deep breath and read on. Levels of service and know-how can vary widely but a good dry cleaner can be worth their weight in gold. Choose wisely (we tell you how) and your clothes will thank you.
Full article
You don’t need an advanced degree in textiles or years of expertise working with fabrics in order to recognize whether what you’re buying is natural silk. All you need is a little knowledge and a dose of caution.
Full article
Silk bedding is a luxury you can treat yourself to every night. Make your own duvet cover and tuck yourself in without spending a king’s ransom. This guide will help you navigate our silk selection to choose just the right fabric for dreamy results.
Full article
The circle skirt is a classic that will make a great addition to any summer wardrobe, and with this “sartorial” (eh-hem, Sartor + tutorial ;-) absolutely anyone can make one. Our detailed, two-part tutorial takes you through it step by step. In part one we outlined how to make your pattern and calculate fabric use. Now we’ll get down to the nitty gritty of cutting and sewing the skirt. After all the theory in part one, the hands-on work in part two will be a cake walk. Let’s get sewing!
Full article
How well do you know your silk fabrics? Dupioni, serge, habotai… don’t be dismayed if it sounds like the roster of some pirate ship to you. We’ll help clear away some of the mystery and explain the types of silk fabric and what sets them apart. We’ll cover terminology, characteristics, tricks and tips for sewing, and which projects call for which fabrics. No two silks are the same.
Full article
Ever wonder what those funny symbols on care labels mean? The washtub, the triangle, that little box with a circle inside? Get your decoder rings ready! This overview gives you the key to decipher what the manufacturer is trying to say. Now you’ll always know just how to wash, dry, and press your clothes. Never be vexed by the hieroglyphs on a care tag again!
Full article
How to make a circle skirt pattern for full, three-quarter, and half circle skirts and tips for fabrics and effects.
Full article
It’s common knowledge that silk is made from the snow-white cocoon of the mulberry silk moth. But how do we go from that tightly spun wad to a perfect, endless thread? The secret of silk production was closely guarded by the Chinese court for millennia and those who would talk faced death. Yet it turns out that all you need if you’d like to see how it works, is a cup of warm water...
Full article
Choosing bridal gown fabrics and laces can be a challenge. If you’re about to take the plunge and feeling a little nervous, it’s no wonder. This is a situation where there’s no room for trial and error. As luck would have it though, many have gone there before you. Here are some practical tips from the front lines to help you on your way.
Full article
The hall explodes in frenzied activity as brokers rush to buy and sell. Deals are struck. Fortunes are made. But we’re not on Wall Street. And it’s not stocks and bonds trading hands… It’s silkworm cocoons. Welcome to the great cocoon market in Karnataka, where our Indian silks begin their journey to you.
Full articleCopyright © 2011 - 2024 Sartor Bohemia - All rights reserved
In business since wpj
How to put an item on hold for in-store pickup:
How to order sample swatches of fabric
or
