Silk is the new fabric for quilts for most modern quilting now. Keepsakes has silk quilt kits and Dupioni silk is used for applique. It will depend on the quality of the silk, if very inexpensive it won't last the first wash. But even the best silk will fray horribly when cut. It is suggested to wash it before using. There are lots of blogs about how to use silk in quilting and a few youtube videos about working with silk. Most all say featherweight interfacing is needed.