Throwsters' waste is produced during the throwing and doubling processes. After silk has been reeled as a continuous thread from the cocoons - several ends reeled together, with no twist and adhering because gum is present - it needs to be processed further before it is suitable for use. 'Throwing' is twisting - several ends are twisted together. These ends can then be 'doubled' or plied back together to form a finished yarn. This yarn is then skeined and degummed.

The waste is from all stages of the processing. Some is from the early stages and contains no twist, some from later stages and may contain twist in one or two directions. The length of the fibre varies considerably and for spinning and using in felt or 'paper' is usually cut to the required length.

Raw silk throwsters' waste is in the gum. About 25% of the weight is the gum or sericin and for most purposes must be removed. This degumming can be done simply at home by simmering in a soap and washing soda solution. A degumming recipe is supplied with the fibre.

gummy and wiry
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