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Lotus Silk Fibre Extraction — From Lotus Stem to Silk Thread
Guide to extracting silk-like fibres from lotus stems (Nelumbo nucifera) in Cambodia. Lotus silk is one of the rarest and most expensive textiles in the world, traditionally produced in Myanmar, Cambodia, and Vietnam. The delicate fibres must be extracted by hand from freshly cut stems and spun immediately before they dry.
Intermédiaire
Consignes
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Understanding the Lotus Plant
Understanding the Lotus Plant
The lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) is an aquatic plant that grows in ponds and still water basins. The lotus stem is long, rigid, and contains tiny fibers inside. These fibers are thinner than silk thread and are pale white in color. Approximately 40,000 stems are needed to weave a single scarf.
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Determining the Harvest Season
Determining the Harvest Season
The lotus harvest season runs from July to January. During this period, lotus stems have the best fibers. Harvest in the morning before 10 AM because the fibers are soft and easy to pull. The Tonle Sap lake area, particularly the Kampong Chhnang region, is the best source.
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Preparing the Necessary Tools
Preparing the Necessary Tools
Prepare all tools before going out to harvest. You will need a sharp knife, damp cloth, water bowl, and a small boat. Lotus fibers dry out very quickly, so they must be kept moist at all times.
Matériaux pour cette étape :
Damp Cotton Cloth2 pièces
Water Bowl1 pièce
Outils nécessaires :
Small Wooden Boat
Sharp Knife
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Selecting Suitable Lotus Stems
Selecting Suitable Lotus Stems
Select lotus stems with a diameter of 0.8 to 1.5 centimeters. Stems should be dark green, rigid, and undamaged. Stems with flowers currently in bloom yield the best soft fibers. Avoid stems that are too young or too old.
Matériaux pour cette étape :
Fresh Lotus Stems200 pièces
Outils nécessaires :
Sharp Knife
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Cutting Lotus Stems and Extracting Fibers
Cutting Lotus Stems and Extracting Fibers
Hold one lotus stem and use a knife to cut around the stem (not cutting all the way through) at a distance of 3 to 4 centimeters from the end. Slowly pull the lower part away from the upper part. Thin white fibers will emerge from the cut point. Pull slowly and evenly, because pulling too fast will break the fibers.
Outils nécessaires :
Sharp Knife
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Collecting Fibers from Multiple Lotus Stems
Collecting Fibers from Multiple Lotus Stems
Repeat the cutting and fiber-pulling process with each lotus stem one by one. Each lotus stem yields approximately 20 to 30 thin fiber strands. Place the extracted fibers immediately on a damp cloth. Fibers that dry out will become brittle and cannot be joined.
Matériaux pour cette étape :
Fresh Lotus Stems200 pièces
Outils nécessaires :
Damp Cloth Tray
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Rolling Fibers on the Thigh
Rolling Fibers on the Thigh
Take approximately 4 to 6 thin fiber strands and place them together. Place the fibers on the thigh and roll them forward using the palm of the hand. This is a traditional Khmer and Myanmar technique. The fibers will twist together into a small thread.
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Joining Fibers to Extend the Yarn
Joining Fibers to Extend the Yarn
When rolling fibers, join new fibers to old fibers by overlapping the ends by approximately 2 to 3 centimeters. Continue rolling on the thigh. The moist fibers will naturally adhere to each other. Skilled Khmer women can produce 25 to 30 meters of yarn per day.
Matériaux pour cette étape :
Water Spray Bottle1 pièce
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Winding Yarn onto a Spindle
Winding Yarn onto a Spindle
Take the rolled yarn and wind it onto a spindle. A spindle is a small long wooden stick. Wind the yarn evenly until it is well-tightened. Lotus silk yarn is thinner than regular silk yarn. Maintain moisture while winding by lightly spraying water when the thread starts to dry.
Outils nécessaires :
Hand Spindle
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Inspecting Yarn Quality
Inspecting Yarn Quality
Inspect the lotus silk yarn for evenness, thickness, and strength. Gently pull the yarn to test its tensile strength. Good yarn has a pale white color, is soft, and has a slight sheen. Sort yarn into grades: Grade 1 for weaving fabric, Grade 2 for other craft items.
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Drying the Lotus Silk Yarn
Drying the Lotus Silk Yarn
Hang the washed yarn on a bamboo drying rack in a shaded area with good air circulation. Do not dry in direct sunlight, as it will turn the fibers yellow and weaken them. Wait 24 to 48 hours for complete drying depending on humidity. Well-dried yarn has a natural pale white color.
Outils nécessaires :
Bamboo Drying Rack
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Storing the Finished Lotus Silk Yarn
Storing the Finished Lotus Silk Yarn
Wind the graded yarn into loose skeins for storage. Place yarn in cotton bags with silica gel packets to control moisture. Store in a cool, dark place away from sunlight. Lotus silk yarn absorbs moisture from the air, which can cause mold growth. Can be stored for up to 6 months. The yarn is now ready to be placed on a loom for weaving lotus silk fabric.
Matériaux pour cette étape :
Cotton Storage Bag2 pièces
Silica Gel Packet4 pièces
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