Dyed Tussah Silk Top - Cyclamen

Dyed Tussah Silk Top in Cyclamen is 100% tussah silk, combed into a ready-to-spin top and dyed a bright, clear cyclamen pink. Tussah is a "wild" silk: it comes from silkworms that feed on oak and other wild leaves rather than cultivated mulberry, which gives it a warm, honeyed undertone, a slightly textured hand and a softer, more natural luster than mulberry silk.

With a long staple of 4 to 6 inches, tussah is one of the easiest silks to spin, and it is just as good for blending, carding and felting. It is dyed with commercial acid dyes that conform to the OEKO-TEX Standard 100 quality system.

Fiber details

• Fiber content: 100% tussah silk
• Color: Bright, clear cyclamen pink
• Staple length: 4 to 6 inches
• Preparation: Combed top
• Dyes: Commercial acid dyes, OEKO-TEX Standard 100 compliant
• Sold by: The ounce

How to use it

Spin it on its own from the fold or with a short forward draw for a strong, lustrous lace or fingering yarn. Card small amounts into wool on a drum carder or blending board to add color flecks and shine. Lay wisps on the surface of wet or nuno felting for a silky finish.

For a different shade, see Caipirinha (lime green) or the full range of solid colored silk. Browse all silk and silk blends and blending fibers.

Questions about Tussah Silk Top

What is the difference between tussah and mulberry silk?

Mulberry silk comes from cultivated silkworms fed only mulberry leaves; it is bright white and very lustrous. Tussah comes from wild silkworms that eat oak and other leaves, so it is naturally honey colored, a little more textured and has a softer glow. Tussah is usually easier for new silk spinners.

Is tussah silk hard to spin?

Not with a little practice. Its long staple means you can spin it very fine with little twist. Keep your hands farther apart than you would for wool and let the long fibers slide.

Can I use it for felting?

Yes. Silk will not felt on its own, but it bonds to wool during wet felting and nuno felting and adds a lovely sheen to the surface.

How much do I need?

As an accent or blending fiber, 1 to 2 oz goes a long way. To spin it on its own, plan on about 4 oz for a hat or shawlette and 8 oz for a larger shawl.

How is it priced?

Sold by the ounce. Quantity pricing applies automatically at 4 oz, 8 oz, 1 lb, 2 lb and 5 lb, so buying for a sweater costs far less per ounce than buying a single sample.