To Hanky or To Cap - Processing Degummed Silk Cocoons Part 2

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 2, I'm sharing how to make a CAP frame for transforming degummed silk cocoons into caps.

Cap Frame
Making the round Cap frame can be done with a trip to the hardware store or the workshop: a piece of pvc (at least 4'), 4 each 90-degree Elbows, 2 Tee Connectors, and a piece of PEX (about 4' long).

PVC Cut List:
2 pieces that ~15" long
4 pieces that are ~5" long

I had PVC and 4-Way PVC Furniture Fitting (Side Outlet Tees) from an old wool drying rack that I had retired because the mesh disintegrated in the sun.  
My frame will use the furniture fixtures instead of Tees and Elbows and the PEX I had on hand was 43.5" long.

My Supplies:


I discovered that PEX fits very loosely into 1/2" PVC connectors but does not fit inside the pipe.  Check out my Oddball build for details on how to build a stable cap frame from PVC & PEX.
My finished frame is 13" x 17" and 23" tall.

Here is the finished frame with the PEX stabilized.


More Options and Ideas:

A kit you can buy on Etsy available for $55 (January 2021).

Watch cocoons being stretched into Caps using a small and a large cap frame

Watcha video of stretching silk over a large cap frame

Watch another video about stretching caps

Check out Part 1 where I discuss/build a Hanky Frame

Oddball post where I share more details about building this frame