Silk Hankies and Mawata for Spinning into Yarn
Silk hankies (also called mawata) are flat squares of silk produced by stretching a silk cocoon over a frame. They can be drafted into a singles yarn directly by hand, producing a unique slubby, lustrous yarn.
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What they are
A silk hankie is the cocoon of a silkworm, opened and stretched over a square frame. The result is a thin, flat sheet of silk fibres, with each cocoon producing one layer.
Drafting into yarn
Pull a single layer off the stack. Punch a hole in the centre with a finger. Stretch the layer outward until it is the desired thickness, then twist as you knit. The result is a singles yarn with no spinning equipment required.
In partnership Tools and supplies that make this technique easier.
Knitting characteristics
The drafted yarn is slubby (varies in thickness), lustrous, and very strong. Slipperiness can make it tricky to knit; a wool yarn held alongside helps with grip.
Best uses
Small luxury projects: fingerless mitts, neck warmers, beaded bracelets. The unique texture and lustre make even a small piece visually striking.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| MC | main colour |
Tips
- Hold a wool yarn alongside the silk for easier knitting.
- Stretch the hankie progressively thinner for a finer yarn.
- Plan small projects — drafting silk hankies is slow.
In depth
Silk hankies are one of the most distinctive fibre preparations in hand-knitting. The combination of hand-drafting and direct knitting produces a yarn unlike any commercially-spun silk — slubby, lustrous, and unique to each project.