RAW MATERIALS
The raw materials traditionally used in the production of the Castelo Branco bedspreads are linen and natural silk, the linen being the backing fabric and the silk, in thread, being used for embroidery. Historically some pieces are found embroidered on silk, but this was not the rule, with linen being the support of choice.
Linen
The Castelo Branco embroidery is executed on linen and half-linen fabrics. In fact, the linen used traditionally was woven by hand, with a very fine texture, of such a quality that it could be confused with cotton, such is its softness and malleability. Currently this is not the case, and the linen produced manually by the weavers in the region has a texture that is too rigid and rough, which is inadvisable, so industrially produced linens and half-linen are used, whose textures are closer to those found in historical pieces. Therefore, and for certification purposes, linen and half-linen are admitted.
However, other supports can be considered, as we will see below when we refer to the conditions of innovation of the Bordado de Castelo Branco.
Silk
The specificity of Castelo Branco's embroidery lies absolutely in the use of natural silk threads in its execution. The silk yarn can be of domestic or foreign production and must be accompanied by elements that attest to the origin and quality of the silk . It should be noted that pieces embroidered with viscose or other synthetic fibers are not eligible for certification. However, other supports can be considered, as we will see below when we refer to the conditions of innovation of the Bordado de Castelo Branco.