Silkworms have a short life of about a month and a half, transforming from embryo to larva, pupa, and finally imago (adult). They hatch in spring, when mulberry plants have about 4 or 5 leaves, and are approximately 3 mm long.
After its fourth instar (molting period), a silkworm is about 10,000 times larger than it was 23-25 days before. It then begins to produce silk to construct a cocoon, which is used for protection when it becomes a pupa, and takes about 2-3 days to make. The silkworm becomes a pupa inside the cocoon, before finally emerging as an adult insect.
From cocoon to silk
Silk, a type of fiber
There are two types of fibers: natural fibers from plants and animals (linen, cotton, silk, etc.), and synthetic fibers such as nylon and polyester that are made from petroleum. Natural fibers include plant fibers such as linen, which is a popular choice for summer clothing, and cotton, which is often used for clothing that is worn next to the skin. Fibers from animal sources include silk, known for its beautiful luster and pleasing texture, and fibers like wool and cashmere that are made from the hair of sheep and other animals.
Silk is produced from the cocoon of the silkworm. One cocoon can make approximately 1,300 meters of thread, which means it is the longest natural fiber.
Silk is produced from the cocoon of the silkworm. One cocoon can make approximately 1,300 meters of thread, which means it is the longest natural fiber.
Until the silkworm makes its cocoon
What makes silk special
Beautiful luster
- Silk's sparkling luster is often compared to diamonds or pearls.
Attractive colors/handles dye well
- There are minute spaces between each silk fiber, where dye can penetrate easily.
Soft and pleasant on the skin
- Silk is the thinnest and longest among all the natural fibers, resulting in soft fabrics. The silkworm spins its silk in an S-shaped pattern to create a mass of fine fibers.
Comfortable to wear
- Silk is 1.5 times more absorbent than cotton and is also effective at whisking away moisture.
Blocks UV rays
- Silk blocks approximately 90% of ultraviolet rays.
Flame resistant
- Of all the fibers used in clothing, silk is the most flame resistant, and doesn't burn below temperatures of 300°C- 400°C. It also produces no toxic fumes.
- Silk's sparkling luster is often compared to diamonds or pearls.
Attractive colors/handles dye well
- There are minute spaces between each silk fiber, where dye can penetrate easily.
Soft and pleasant on the skin
- Silk is the thinnest and longest among all the natural fibers, resulting in soft fabrics. The silkworm spins its silk in an S-shaped pattern to create a mass of fine fibers.
Comfortable to wear
- Silk is 1.5 times more absorbent than cotton and is also effective at whisking away moisture.
Blocks UV rays
- Silk blocks approximately 90% of ultraviolet rays.
Flame resistant
- Of all the fibers used in clothing, silk is the most flame resistant, and doesn't burn below temperatures of 300°C- 400°C. It also produces no toxic fumes.
Kanagawa Silk Fair
Dates :
November 1 (Saturday) to November 9 (Sunday), 2008 (9 days)
Location :
Silk Center International Trade and Sightseeing Building B1F Event Space
1-banchi, Yamashita-cho, Naka-ku, Yokohama-shi
