RAW SILK (REELED SILK)
If the cocoons are not used for reproductive purposes, but instead for the production of raw silk, the moth must be prevented from emerging out of the cocoon because broken cocoons cannot be reeled off (unwound) any longer. Before the reeling off can begin, the cocoons must first be softened in hot water. Brushes are used to remove the outermost end of the thread. About one-third of the 3000-m-long thread can be used for raw silk production. In order to obtain 1 kg of raw silk, during the reeling off process seven to eight cocoon threads are united to raw silk yarn. To obtain 1 kg of raw silk, 5 to 10 kg of cocoons are needed.