How Chinese silk is made in Suzhou China

	Silk is made from the cocoon of the silkworm (Mulberry Silk Moth: Bombyx Mori) seen here feeding on Mulberry leaves. Its life is based around the life cycle of the Mulberry. The silkworm gorges on the leaves and forms a cocoon made from a secrection produced from the head of the moth. Its a strong filament wrapped around the silkworm.
This picture shows the cocoons being formed.
	The mature cocoon is ready for processing into silk thread.
The sorted cocoons are dipped into hot water to soften them and remove a sticky gum.
	The silk is prepared for reeling. Three or more filament are joined together to make the silk.
Reeling the silk. The raw silk is made into long lengths that are baled. The bales are shipped to the silk fabric weavers for processing.
	Power looms turn Chinese silk fiber into high quality silk fabric.
Silk is being printed in this picture. It is a very labor intensive process. Each station is a different pattern and color. The silk cloth is advanced one length at a time and printed with a single color. It takes a great deal of patience and accuracy.
	The finished product: high quality Chinese silk fabric.