Silkworms are raised in climate controlled environments and fed mulberry leaves until they form cocoons. These cocoons are then boiled to soften them and the thread, which had taken the worm approximately two days to weave, is undone.

However, unlike other regions in eastern Asia, the silkworms in this part of China sometimes form cocoons in pairs. Two silkworms work together to create a larger cocoon. Unfortunately, the strands from the "twin" cocoons are not usable to be woven into fabrics. The cocoons are instead split and stretch into a type of "silk batting" which is extremely strong, soft, and hypoallergenic.