These slit tubes are the by-product of reeling silk from the cocoon.

Rods can be as long as 5 - 6" (13–15cm) when stretched out; there may be some short pieces and partially wound cocoons in the mix.  And sometimes the silk carrier rods maintain their 'tube' shape and sometimes they're flattened.

They are wonderfully textural for stitching, silk fusion and any application needing depth. They can be pressed flat or pulled apart to reveal the interesting criss-cross of the fibers.

It is also possible to spin the silk carrier rods. Some of the dyed ones are soft, which makes them especially good for spinning.