1. Softening the sericin: After the cocoons have been sorted, they are put through a series of hot and cold immersions, as the sericin must be softened to permit the unwinding of the filament as one continuous thread. Raw silk consists of about 80% fibroin and 20% sericin. At this time, only about 1% of the sericin is removed, because this silk gum is a needed protection during the further handling of delicate filament.

3. By manipulating the basic pattern pieces it is possible to produce patterns for complicated and original designs. (For example, the basic sleeve can be adapted for a full sleeve or bell sleeve) 4. A paper pattern of a particular size can be used to make new patterns of proportionately larger or smaller sizes by following a systematic procedure called grading.