spun silk yarn

Spun silk is a yarn or fabric created from short silk fibers that cannot be reeled. These fibers are degummed before being twisted together to form yarn. This process differs from reeled silk, which is made from continuous filaments unwound from cocoons.12

The production of silk, known as sericulture, involves raising silkworms that spin cocoons from a protein fiber called fibroin, cemented by a gummy substance called sericin. After the silkworms are killed, the filaments are softened and unwound. Multiple filaments are then twisted together to create stronger yarn through a process called throwing.32

Silk yarn is known for its great elasticity and strength, making it suitable for sewing threads, especially for silk and wool fabrics. It is also used in handwork like embroidery.45