Silk Moths for Spinners

a fuzzy silk moth perched on a human finger

Silk Moths for Spinners

It’s quite a project, but it is quite possible to raise your own silkworms. There is even a special term for it– “sericulture.” At one time the United States had quite an elaborate sericulture industry going. Keep in mind that, if you try raising them at home, you will need a source of mulberry leaves as well as moth eggs in order to raise pure white Bombyx silk.

Spinning silk is a delightful but difficult process, and best for intermediate handspinners. The fibers are quite slick, and require extra twist to hold them together in a 100% silk thread. Most commonly, a combed tops preparation is used, spun “inchworm” style into a smooth, worsted single.

Click here to see Paradise Fiber’s selection of mulberry silk tops, dyed in luscious colors. (This is an affiliate link.)

When blended with other fibers, silk adds softness and sheen that is like candy for the fingers to spin. Click here to see a gorgeous Yak/Mulberry silk blend, ready to spin. (This is an affiliate link.)

There is a fantastic website called Wormspit, which gives detailed instructions on raising the silkworms, feeding, them, and then how to use the fiber. They also give links for finding eggs and mulberry leaves for feeding. I have no affiliation with them. They’re just cool.

Mulberry.com is an excellent U.S. source for everything you need to raise your own silk at home. Check it out! They carry many types of insect and butterfly supplies. I have no affiliation with this company– the link is included because I like them and think you might, too!

Comments are always welcome here at SlowYarn! Tell us what you think, share your ideas, or comment on the content. Or you can contact me directly at Kelley@SlowYarn.com.

Thanks!

–Kelley

All text, photos, and graphics are the property of Kelley Adams unless credit is given to an alternative source.