How our silk scarves are made: designed in Zurich, printed in Mitlödi, hemmed in Appenzell
Every beyondSilk scarf has three stops in Switzerland: the design in Zurich, the print in Mitlödi in the canton of Glarus and the hem in Appenzell. Here is how a scarf is made, and why there will be no reprint.
The design: Karin Birkenmeier, Zurich
Zurich artist Karin Birkenmeier designed the prints. Each scarf shows the typical motifs of one place: mountains, flowers and animals, buildings, important landmarks and many small details. The longer you look, the more you discover. There are eight designs: Zurich, Geneva, Lucerne, Interlaken, Davos, St. Moritz, Zermatt and Switzerland. The Zermatt scarf is sold out.
The print: the Mitlödi silk printing mill
Silk had been printed in Mitlödi, canton of Glarus, since 1937. This is where the beyondSilk scarves were printed, on crêpe de Chine, 100 % silk, 100 × 100 cm.
At the end of 2023, Mitlödi, the last silk printing mill in Switzerland, closed. This marked the end of a long tradition in the canton of Glarus.
The hem: hand-rolled in Appenzell
Seamstresses in the canton of Appenzell roll the hem of every scarf by hand. A hand-rolled hem is soft and round and gives the scarf its drape.
Behind beyondSilk
beyondSilk is a Swiss family business from Herrliberg. Women from the canton of Grison founded it and run it. From 2017 the scarves were sold in the SWISS Shop of Swiss International Air Lines, and beyondSilk is a partner of St. Moritz Tourism.
The final edition
Because the Mitlödi printing mill has closed, the scarves cannot be reprinted. We remain true to our promise of “100% handmade in Switzerland” and will not have our scarves reproduced abroad. Every piece comes from the final edition. Seven designs are still available, from CHF 120, with free delivery in Switzerland.
To keep your scarf beautiful, see how to wash a silk scarf.
Frequently asked questions
Where were beyondSilk scarves printed?
At the Mitlödi silk printing mill in the canton of Glarus, before the mill closed at the end of 2023.
Who designed the prints?
Acclaimed Zurich artist Karin Birkenmeier.
What is crêpe de Chine?
A fine silk fabric with a slightly grainy texture and a soft, matt sheen. beyondSilk scarves are made from the finest crêpe de Chine, crafted from 100% pure silk.
What is a hand-rolled hem?
The edge is rolled and stitched by hand. For beyondSilk, seamstresses in the canton of Appenzell do this work.
Will the scarves be reprinted?
No. The Mitlödi printing works closed at the end of 2023. Today's scarves are the final edition.
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