Pat Silk of Assam

Pat silk, also known as Mulberry silk, is a fine silk fabric that is produced in the northeastern state of Assam, India. It is made from the silk fibers of the Bombyx mori silkworm, which feeds on the leaves of the mulberry tree.

The process of making Pat silk begins with the cultivation of the mulberry tree. Farmers in Assam plant mulberry trees in large numbers and then rear silkworms on them. The silkworms are fed on the leaves of the mulberry tree until they spin cocoons. The cocoons are then collected and boiled in water to kill the silkworms and loosen the silk fibers.

After boiling, the silk fibers are carefully unraveled from the cocoons by hand. The fibers are then spun into threads using a traditional handloom. The threads are woven into fabric using a variety of weaving techniques, including plain weave, twill weave, and satin weave. The resulting fabric is soft, lustrous, and lightweight, with a distinctive texture and drape.

Pat silk is often dyed in a range of vibrant colors using natural dyes made from plants, flowers, and fruits. The resulting fabrics are used to make a variety of garments, including saris and scarves, as well as home furnishings such as curtains and bedspreads.