After being flossed and sorted, the cocoons are ready for the reeling pot. By placing the cocoons in boiling water, the reeler is able to loosen the sericin in order to unwind the fragile silk strands from the cocoon. With deft fingers, up to 100 strands are caught up together and pulled through simple tools in order to form one silk thread. This labour intensive process contributes to the distinct linen-like texture that handmade Lao silk possesses.

 

In order for the new silk thread to reveal its gentle texture, it must be soaked, cleaned and softened. The silk is first soaked in rice water in order to condition the thread and make it ready to absorb the natural dyes. Once it has soaked overnight, it is rinsed and hung in the shade to dry. Next, it is placed in a pot with ash water and boiled for many hours. This cleans the sericin off the silk, which creates a soft texture. The silk is now ready for weaving or dyeing.

The strands of silk thread are now twisted in order to make it strong enough for weaving. Silk can be twisted into a single or double thread, depending on the desired thickness and weight of the final materiel. Hand-twisting silk is an art that requires both patience and dexterity. The thread must be repeatedly wound around a spinning spindle and then pulled off, one small section at a time.