Eri Silk - Uses of Eri Silk Fabric

Uses of Eri Silk Fabric

Eri silk fabric is a boon for those who practice absolute non-violence and do not use any product obtained by killing any living creature. Eri silk is also said to be poor person’s silk as it is not so enormously priced as other silk types. It is widely used by everyone in the regions it is produced. Now it is getting popular the world over. Vegans and Budhist monks in India, Bhutan, Nepal, China, Japan prefer this silk due to non-violence.

In India, Eri was mostly used for the preparation of winter shawl for men and women. The thermal property of Eri silk makes it a suitable fabric for shawls, jackets, blankets, bed spreads, Dress materials and baby dresses are also made from Eri silk fabric because of its soft texture and moisture absorbent quality. Nowadays very fine (up to Nm 210) Eri spun yarns are available, which enables weavers to weave very fine clothing including traditional saree, dress materials.

Eri silk is durable and strong and has a typical texture; hence it is widely used in home furnishing like curtains, bed covers, cushion covers, wall hangings, quilt, etc. The wooly feel adds to the comfort.

Two Eri spun silk mills have been established Hindupur in Andhra Pradesh and Kokrajhar in Assam while another is at Chaygaon, near Guwahati, Assam, which is spinning the finest Eri spun silk yarn with various blends with Bamboo, Muga silk, Cotton etc.

The silk products are being promoted as eco-friendly and natural, and should also provide more jobs and money for the tribal peoples that primarily practice Eri culture.

Eri silk production in India during 2007/8 was 1,530 tones. This made up 73% of the total Vanya silk Wild silk production of 2,075 tones.