Production Steps of Ancient Handmade Silk Quilts and the Advantages of Hand-Pulling

The preciousness of ancient handmade silk quilts stems from their rigorous and complex traditional production process, as well as the unique quality brought by the core step of hand-pulling. Below is a detailed introduction to the production steps and an explanation of the advantages of hand-pulling.

The production process of ancient handmade silk quilts is mainly divided into the following six steps.

The first step is cocoon ***ion. The quilt maker ***s high-quality spring double cocoons from a large number of cocoons. Double cocoons are formed by two silkworms spinning together, with silk fibres intertwined and crisscrossed, resulting in longer and fluffier fibres, making them the most ideal raw material for silk quilts. Typically, a two-kilogram silk quilt requires about 2,800 such double cocoons.

The second step is cocoon boiling. The ***ed double cocoons are placed in a large pot and boiled at high temperature in clean water. The purpose of boiling is to remove the sericin on the surface of the silk, making the silk soft and resistant to matting. Properly degummed silk can keep the quilt fluffy for a long time and does not require frequent re-fluffing even after years of use.

The third step is cocoon peeling. After boiling, the cocoons are removed, and artisans manually peel them open to remove the silkworm pupae inside. The cocoon shells are then individually stretched and placed over specially made bamboo tools, layer upon layer, to form a wet silk wadding pouch. This pouch is the original form of the silk quilt core.

The fourth step is drying the wadding. The wet silk wadding pouches are dehydrated and then hung on bamboo poles to be fully air-dried in natural sunlight. After drying, the pouches become white, fluffy, and elastic, ready for the subsequent pulling process.

The fifth step is pulling. This is the most critical and skill-demanding pure handcraft step in the entire process. After soaking the dried pouches in water to soften them, four experienced artisans each hold one corner of the pouch and, with uniform force and dexterous skill, gradually stretch the thick pouch into layers of silk floss as thin as a cicada's wing and as even as paper. Pulling one catty of quilt core requires about thirty-five silk wadding pouches.

The sixth step is quilting. The pulled thin layers of silk floss are stacked according to the required thickness and size to form the quilt core. Finally, it is wrapped in a high-density cotton or silk fabric cover and secured with hand-stitched quilting to ensure the silk inside does not shift or clump.

Hand-pulling is widely recognised as superior to machine processing, mainly in the following aspects:

First, hand-pulling achieves exceptional fluffiness and softness. Machine processing compresses the silk and damages its natural structure, while manual stretching allows each silk fibre to fully extend, forming a three-dimensional mesh structure rich in trapped air. This makes the quilt exceptionally fluffy and light, with no sense of pressure when covered.

Second, hand-pulling ensures even thickness and a body-hugging fit. Experienced artisans can adjust their pulling force at any time based on feel, ensuring each layer of silk floss is uniformly thick. The finished quilt naturally conforms to the body's curves, providing a snug fit, preventing drafts, and enhancing sleep comfort.

Third, hand-pulling preserves the integrity and breathability of the silk. Manual operation does not cut the silk fibres, maintaining their length, and the natural moisture absorption and release properties are fully retained. As a result, the quilt offers good breathability, keeping you cool in summer and warm in winter without excessive sweating.

Fourth, hand-pulled quilts are more durable. Because the silk fibres are continuous and interwoven, they are less likely to break, mat, or develop cavities even after prolonged use. A well-maintained ancient handmade silk quilt can last ten to twenty years, whereas ordinary machine-made silk quilts often show clumping after just three to five years.

In summary, the value of ancient handmade silk quilts lies not only in the preservation of traditional craftsmanship but also in the unparalleled fluffiness, fit, breathability, and durability achieved through the exquisite process of hand-pulling. Although the price is higher, for consumers seeking a high-quality sleep experience, it is a worthwhile investment.