How to make Spider Silk Thread

Step 8 Others who have used spider silk, and some of the research done on it

This is an exhibit on a piece of textile made entirely out of spider silk:

http://www.amnh.org/exhibitions/spidersilk/

These are all scientific articles on spider silk:

http://www.sciencentral.com/articles/view.php3?article_id=218392167&language=english

http://www.accessexcellence.org/WN/SU/spider.php

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/05/100514151853.htm

This is also a scientific article on spider silk, but its about how scientist have combined metallic thread with spider silk. This could make the perfect conductive thread:

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE53M5OG20090423

Comments

[XaviaPhoenix]

I bet that if you were to weave a friendship bracelet out of spider's silk, it would last for YEEEEEEARS. Some of the strongest stuff is said to be 10 times the strength of Kevlar. That's awesome.

[alegriagarden]

Thats a great instructable. May I ask how much thread you have collected so far ? I am a huge fan of spiders i think they are incredible creatures and often had them as pets. Thanks again for the tutorial.

[Persona]

I have about two feet of it.

[eye.gee]

It's seems like collecting the silk is as more an act of appreciation to the spiders than it is about making thread. I have to say, insects are the only liviing things that creep me out, but I do have a great appreciation for their webs, and I love the idea of what you're doing.

[Slayman]

I'd like to point out spiders are in fact not insects they are arachnids and have 8 legs, while insects have 6 legs. So you do not need to be grossed out anymore now that you know!

[eye.gee]

That is a technicality that does nothing to lessen the creepiness factor. With the possible exception of possums, I'me fine with anything that has 4 legs or less. Do Snakes, rodents, toads - all okay in my book. That's not to say I don't appreciate spiders. Their webs are miracles of nature, and as you point out they eat other bugs. Plus, I read Charlott's Web.

[jaketheman987]

Haha, "Plus, I read Charlott's Webb" Hahaha I found that really funny :)

[The Real Dave]

By weight, spider silk is 88 times stronger than steel wire. So yes, your seams will be much stronger than the fabric >.<

[Enricommuter]

I really like the idea of using spider silk. Thanks for the instructable. The links you put in above lead to some fascinating stuff. Have you used the silk you collected?

[Persona]

I have not used it yet, but I will post what I do use it for, when I do.