After the moths emerge, the cocoons are gathered. Degum them in soap: 20% by weight of Ivory flakes. Or, for 100 cocoons, about 1/2 cup of dishwashing liquid. Use plenty of water to cover, and simmer about 20 minutes. "Simmer" means almost boiling, but not roiling around, because that would mat the fiber too much. The cocoons will get soft and start to mat up. Drain and gently rinse. Small amounts can be easily rinsed in a colander. Dry.

Fluff when dry. Pull open into a soft mass and spin directly, or pull out into a long roving. No cutting or carding is needed. This is the easiest spinning because the long semi-continuous fibers can't slip away. The resulting yarn is soft, lofty, very light weight, and cloud-like. Thus, a small weight of silk goes a long way.

Approximately 250 cocoons produce 1 oz finished silk, or 1,000 cocoons for 4 oz.

(If you don't want to wait to raise your own silk cocoons, you can buy Peace Silk cocoons from us online at our shop.)

On to Raising silk FAQ