Silk
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Silk originates from the silkworm which is cultivated in warm sunny climates, which usually employ cheap labour. The chief source of production are Japan, India, Italy and France.
In addition to the cultivated silk, there are several wild varieties of which Tussar is well-known; this and other types come from the larvae of wild moths whose cocoons are larger than those of the silkworm, but the filaments are much less regular.
In the reeling process, four to eight cocoons are placed together in hot water to soften the gum with which the filaments are surrounded and the threads are then drawn through and wound into skeins on the reel. Two or three threads are combined and twisted together during the throwing process to give a strong and uniform yarn.
