[Materials of Korean Traditional Sewing] Mosi, Ramie fabric

Korean ancestors made Mosi (In Korea, Ramie fabric is called the Mosi.) Jeoksam ([jəg-sam] traditional Korean summer jacket) to say cool in summer.

It was the type of fabric that Korean ancestors loved to wear in summer.

Ramie fabric was first used for clothes in the Baekje Empire (BC.18 ~ 660), but gained recognition in the Joseon Dynasty (1392 ~ 1910) when it was served to the king.

There is a record that it was exported abroad during the reign of King Gyeongmun of Shilla (BC. 57 ~ 935) and became an important source of income for farm households, with its value equivalent to currency in the Goryeo Dynasty (918 ~ 1392).

Hansan Ramie fabric, which was produced in Seocheong-gun, Chungcueongnam-do in South Korea, is particularly considered the best Ramie fabric because it boasts of a delicate finish and elegant beauty.




Ramie fabric is rather hard to make in Korean traditional ways.

First, the outer peel of the ramie plant is peeled off to make Taemosh (thick raw ramie thread), which is used to break down the ramie fiber into thin strands.

After this process of splitting thick raw ramie threads, they are hung on a frame called Jjeonji and interconnected using the saliva.

Then the amount of thread needed to make a full piece of fabric is rolled and treated with starch to make it softer before it is loomed.

The looming process also requires the full strength of the body.
Because this particular fabric becomes brittle when it is cool and dry, the women had to make their hut hot and humid so that they would sweat while making the fabric.
Isn't this process as painful as childbrith?

> How to care for Ramie fabrics or the finished products with ramie fabrics