Lotus Silk Fibre Extraction — From Lotus Stem to Silk Thread

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.