Spin
ning
Step 2
How to obtain yarn from a cocoon
The cocoon is turned into silk yarn through the process of spinning, which is divided into two stages: unwinding and spinning.
The first step consists in unwinding the filament: the cocoons are immersed in very hot water to soften the sericin, a kind of natural glue produced by the silkworm and which forms a film on the surface.
Once the end of the filament has been located, the cocoon is unwound to obtain raw silk yarn.
Then comes the second stage during which the filaments of several cocoons (4 to 14) are combined by giving them a slight twist that will define their appearance. The diversity of twists allows the production of a whole range of fabrics and is what gives the silk yarn its strength!
Credit(s): Intersoie – Moulinages de Riotord