Many people tend to mistaken thread count as the most important factor when deciding whether silk sheets and beddings are really worth their prices or not. This is easy to understand because we tend to think that a higher thread count means better quality, so a set of 400 thread count silk sheets is approximately double the price of a cheap silk linen with 200 thread count. Simple and correct, no? How exactly does thread count relate to value, price, comfort and quality etc? Simply put, it is how many threads both length and width wise are weaven into each square inch of fabric. Common sense says that the more threads being used within the same space means either the threads are much finer and should feel smoother to the touch like fine silk and satin as well as a tighter fit in between the thread will produce a quality silk bedding that does not wear or tear easily. That is what most people would think and that is why silk sheets manufacturers and retailers tend to advertise high thread count silk bed linens at discounted prices to confuse you. Thinking that you got a good deal, you snap up the offered 600 thread count luxury silk bedding ensemble, pay with your cash and rush home to fit the new sheets and linens to change your mattress anew to transform your bedroom. Ta ta...how come 600 thread count silk fitted sheets feel so rough? The reason is because to keep factory costs low, inferior grade silk threads were used or outdated finishing process were involved which could not weave the threads neatly side by side to form the resulting sheets smoothly.
If you had taken a few minutes to slip your hand into those bed in a bag packaging at the malls and have a feel by gently brushing your hands against the silk bedding linens, you will have realized the trick. Hold it against a light source and see how fine the weaving are on a truly quality set of bed skirts. And if thats not all, some linen manufacturers may blatantly lie about the thread count. After all, which customer is able to tell the actual thread count on the spot from a square inch of fabric?
Quality threads can be very expensive and so is the dyeing process used to create the designer patterns on these bedding. High grade silk threads are spun using better input materials which results in a smoother refined finishing. Do you know that silk from different countries cost differently? Not only will the beddings made from such threads have a softer feel even with a lower thread count comparatively, they will also retain their smoothness longer giving you an enjoyable sleep for many nights.
If you remember the cases of chemical and poisonous compounds found in the cheap corner cutting paints and dyes used in children toys, think about the severity of health problems when you lie on the bedding every night breathing in all the toxic as well as the risk that come in contact with your exposed skin for a continuous period of 8 hours or more everyday. There is no way health complications are worth the savings obtained by scrimping on quality silk bedding ensembles when it comes to you and your family.
Do not worry too much about quality bedding ensembles with low silk thread count that is sold by a reputable brand. Look for safety labels that ensures proper testing has been conducted to show that no toxic substances are found in the materials contained within. For example, the Oeko-Tex Standard 100 international testing and certification system for confidence in textiles limits the use of certain chemicals and harmful substances that endangers human ecological safety. The textile tests will check for any presence of formaldehyde, pentachlorophenol, tetrachlorophenol, pesticides, heavy metals, chlorinated organic carriers, as well as MAC amines, allergy irritants etc. Even if you have to pay a little bit more for Oeko-Tex certified silk sheets, it is still better than to buy unnecessarily high thread count beddings.