From traditional looms to new technologies, Nha Xa silk weaving is evolving while preserving the craft.

Nha Xa silk village (formerly Moc Nam commune, Duy Tien district, Ha Nam province), now Duy Tan commune, Ninh Binh province, is famous for its soft, durable silk fabrics that bear the distinctive mark of Vietnamese craftsmanship. Nha Xa silk's reputation is second only to Ha Dong silk (Hanoi).

Silk weavers at Nha Xa Nguyet Hung Silk production and business facility.

Therefore, many people still call Nha Xa the "runner-up" village in silk weaving. Having existed and developed for over 700 years, Nha Xa silk weaving has been closely intertwined with the lives of the local people, becoming an indispensable part of the local culture and economy .

Visiting Nha Xa silk village, we heard the sounds of weaving machines operating day and night. Ms. Nguyen Thi Nguyet, owner of Nguyet Hung Silk production and business in Nha Xa, said that Nha Xa silk is made from natural silkworm threads, giving a cool feeling to the touch. The silk fabric is thin and lightweight but still highly durable. In particular, silk has the ability to regulate temperature, keeping the wearer warm in winter and cool in summer. This is a prominent advantage that makes Nha Xa silk popular with many people.

Previously, the people of Nha Xa village cultivated mulberry trees and raised silkworms to produce cocoons. However, they now import silk threads from reputable suppliers to ensure quality and meet production needs. In addition, households in the village have invested in modern machinery to increase productivity and reduce labor costs.

"To increase labor productivity, we have upgraded our machinery, switching from old, outdated technology to modern technology. Compared to before, our productivity has doubled," Ms. Nguyet said.

Silk weavers at Nha Xa Nguyet Hung Silk production and business facility.

Mr. Pham Van Thuc, owner of Nha Xa Thuc Lien Silk production and business facility, said, "We have also implemented brand promotion and sales on social media to help improve product consumption and increase family income."

According to Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh, Chairman of the Nha Xa Silk Production and Business Association, currently more than 100 families in the village are involved in silk weaving, with approximately 500 weaving machines. Each month, they produce about 100,000-120,000 meters of silk. Nha Xa silk products are widely consumed in major cities such as Hanoi , Hue, Da Nang, and Ho Chi Minh City. In addition, Nha Xa silk is also exported to countries such as Laos and Thailand, meeting the diverse needs of domestic and international customers.

Mr. Nguyen Thanh Binh said that after the market developed, the artisans of Nha Xa silk weaving learned and created new patterns. The diversity in designs and patterns helps Nha Xa silk meet the diverse needs of customers. In addition to traditional plain silk, Nha Xa also produces many new items such as floral silk, raw silk, spun silk, linen, etc. Products made from Nha Xa silk are very diverse, including ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), scarves, ties, embroidered silk blankets and pillows, bags, wallets, backpacks made from silk, etc. This diversity meets the needs of many different customer groups. With their diligent nature, eagerness to learn, and quick responsiveness to the market, the people of Nha Xa have brought their village's silk products to all parts of the country.

However, Mr. Binh remains concerned that there are very few highly skilled artisans who are committed to the craft, and the younger generation is not enthusiastic about traditional silk weaving. Most production facilities operate on a small scale, lacking coordination among the families within the association. Furthermore, while 50% of Nha Xa silk products are exported, they are largely dependent on various intermediary businesses.

Silk weavers at Nha Xa Nguyet Hung Silk production and business facility.

With the desire to promote Nha Xa silk to a wider audience, the Nha Xa Silk Production and Business Association is proactively approaching the market, regularly promoting its products through participation in trade fairs and on social media to raise awareness of the Nha Xa silk brand. In addition, they are diversifying Nha Xa silk products to meet the needs of different customer segments, fostering linkages between production households, and acting as a liaison for businesses.

With continuous efforts in innovation and development, Nha Xa silk village is gradually asserting its position in domestic and international markets, contributing to the preservation and promotion of Vietnam's traditional cultural values.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/kinh-te/tu-khung-cui-truyen-thong-den-cong-nghe-moi-lua-nha-xa-doi-thay-giu-nghe-20251130091724881.htm