HOW SILK IS HARVESTED

The process of unravelling silkworm cocoons

1 SILKWORM

After only seven days, three-millimetrelong silkworm larvae hatch from eggs.

2 MULBERRY LEAVES

As larvae, silkworms spend their time feeding predominantly on mulberry leaves. They can only eat as larvae, losing their mouthparts as they become adults.

3 COCOON

After around 30 days of devouring mulberry leaves, silkworms spin their cocoons. After a few days the cocoons harden, and it’s time to harvest the silk.

4 BOILING

To break down the cocoon, silk farmers place them into hot water. This kills the pupae inside and separates the silk fibres from the sericin glue.

5 REELING

Between 6 and 12 cocoons are put together; their silk threads are reeled to form a denser thread.

6 COLLECTION

The raw silk threads are then twisted and doubled to the desired thickness and spun into fabrics.

Racks of silkworm cocoons ready to have their silk extracted

An adult silk moth, native to China