SILK DEGUMMING

Degumming or boiling-off is the process utilized to remove the sericin, also known as the silk gum which envelops the fibrion, the two raw silk threads. During the spinning process of silk by silkworms the two filaments are made into one by means of the protein gummy substance called sericin. The gum content of silk varies according to quality and origin. Bombyx mori or Mulberry silks have about 20-30% gum and Tussah 5-15%. The amount of degumming will result in different varieties of silk. ‘Cuite silk’ has an 18-30% gum loss and can be classified as a completely degummed. This variety has a soft handle and high luster. (Textile Study Center.com)

Pricing varies according to the weight and desired process.