Silk

Silk is a natural fiber made from caterpillars, worms, and even some crickets. Most of the silk we buy online and in stores comes from silk moth caterpillars. These caterpillars create delicate cocoons out of silk fiber, much like a spider spinning a web with her own “silk.” Commercial silk producers breed these caterpillars (also known as silkworms) to produce white silk thread. When the cocoons are collected, they unravel in one long thread, which ensures that nearly all of the thread can be utilized and woven into strong cloth.

Silk is a great choice for beautiful shawls but also provides, strength, shine, and a beautiful lustre when it’s blended with other fibers. It’s a good choice when it’s blended with wool for sweaters, cardigans, and accessories like hats and cowls. When blended with cotton or linen it’s perfect for summer tops and tanks.

Most commercially available silk yarns are mulberry silk. 

Projects made with silk yarn should be hand washed as silk is very fragile when it’s wet. Handle it carefully as you remove it from the water, squeezing out the excess water before rolling it in a towel to remove even more water. Then lay it flat to dry on a towel or mesh dryer. 

We suggest you follow the care instructions specific to the yarn you are using and when in doubt hand wash in tepid water using a mild soap. Do not agitate or twist. Lay garment flat on a towel and roll it up like a sleeping bag.  You can let that sit from 15 minutes to the following day to ensure the towel wicks out as much moisture as possible.  Then unroll, place on a clean, dry towel, shape and dry flat.