Do you prefer to knit or spin from the cocoon, a hanky, or a cap? A silkworm makes the cocoons. A silk hanky is made by spreading cocoons over a square frame. A cap is made by opening the cocoon and spreading it over a round or arched frame.
Here in Part 1, I'm sharing how to make a HANKY frame for transforming degummed silk cocoons into hankies.
Hanky Frame
I made a square hanky frame from a piece of 1/2" x 1/2" x 36" square dowel and a few finishing nails.
I picked a dowel up at the hardware store for under $3.
I decided to cut my dowel into four pieces and nail it together. This gave me a frame that is approximately 9.5" square. I definitely spent more time researching hanky frames and (not finding) their dimensions than I did making my own frame.
Here is a 3-minute video of me making and using the frame where I describe building it and stretching 2 cocoons over the frame.
More Options and Ideas:
Another style of hanky frame using corner braces and finishing nailsA kit you can buy on Etsy available for $55 (January 2021).Check out Part 2 where I discuss/build a Cap FrameCheck out my Oddball post for more details on the build
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