Silk is a protein fibre produced by silkworms. As a silkworm develops into an adult it feeds on leaves and then spins a cocoon from one continuous silk strand or filament, approximately 914 meters yards long. Inside the cocoon the worm changes into a chrysalis, then into a moth, which then seeks to leave the chrysalis.[1 ] The moth achieves an escape path by secreting a liquid, which dissolves a hole in the cocoon through which the moth can then escape.[2]
Heat is used to soften the hardened filaments so they can be unwound. Single filaments are then combined with a slight twist into one strand, a process known as filature or "silk reeling."