Red Eri Silk Cocoons

These Red Eri Silk Cocoons are collected in the wild.

The moth has been allowed to leave the cocoon.

The colors of the cocoons range from light gold to deep rusty red.

There are approximately 60 cocoons per ounce.

Not suitable for reeling.

To spin the cocoon into yarn you must first degum the cocoons.

Fill a pot with enough water to cover the cocoons and bring to a boil.
Add ½ cup of soda ash for 100 cocoons (adjust for the number of cocoons you are degumming). Do not use detergent!
Simmer for an hour or so. Important - DO NOT allow the water to boil as the cocoons may become tangled. Also, add more water as needed.
Next, gently rinse the cocoons until the water runs clear. Stretch the cocoons out and allow them to dry. Once the cocoons are dry you should be able to pull the strands apart and fluff them. If this is not happening, then repeat the degumming process.

Once fluffed you can spin the fluff into yarn.