Tussah Silk Yarn and Fibre

Tussah silk is excellent for spinning, weaving, felting, and dyeing. It has a slightly coarser texture than mulberry silk, which makes it easier to handle and ideal for adding body and sheen to yarn blends or woven textiles.

Yes, Tussah silk is often preferred by beginners because of its slightly “toothy” texture, it grips more than smoother silks, which helps prevent slipping during drafting. It's a forgiving fibre that still delivers a luxurious result.

Tussah silk is harvested from wild silkworms and has a slightly rougher feel and natural honey-gold tone. Mulberry silk is smoother, whiter, and more lustrous. Tussah’s unique texture adds interest and character to handmade projects.

Absolutely. Tussah silk lends itself well to acid dyes and natural dyeing methods. Its slightly matte finish offers a more subdued colour effect compared to shiny mulberry silk, which some makers find more visually appealing.

Tussah silk blends beautifully with wool, alpaca, and plant fibres like cotton or flax. Blending adds texture and strength to your yarns. Use hand carders or a drum carder to distribute it evenly into your mix.

On its own, silk does not felt easily, but when blended with wool, it can felt under agitation. If you’re aiming to avoid felting, wash gently in cool water and avoid excessive friction or temperature changes.

Tussah silk can be used for both, depending on the yarn’s twist and thickness. It’s strong enough for warp use when spun with adequate twist. In weft, it adds drape and a gentle lustre that enhances texture.

Tussah silk is typically gathered from wild or semi-domesticated silkworms after they’ve left the cocoon, which can be a more ethical option for some buyers. It’s less processed and retains more of its natural colour and texture.

Yes, Tussah silk is often used in surface embellishment or as a blend in felting. Its sheen and crimp add depth to the finished piece. It won’t felt on its own but bonds beautifully with wool during wet or needle felting.

Thread Collective offers a curated selection of Tussah silk yarn and fibre, ready for spinning, weaving, and felting. We ship across Australia and provide trusted brands like Ashford and Swiss Mountain Silk.