Silkworms are the heart of one of the most fascinating natural processes in textile production. As they spin their silk threads, a delicate journey unfolds from cocoon to luxurious fabric.

Phan Thi Thuan's family have been making silk for generations, growing and harvesting the threads from silkworms themselves to create luxury garments. But making lotus silk is different.

At the end of each spinneret is a collection of spigots, nozzle-like structures. A single silk thread comes out of each. Jan explains, 'Although it looks a bit like an icing nozzle, the silk is pulled ...