Soya Bean Fibre
The fibre has a delicate shine and a creamy yellow colour and is very similar to tussah silk. It is commonly referred to as “silk for vegans”.
Soya bean fibre is exceptionally soft and often compared to silk and cashmere. It has a natural lustre and produces yarns with a fluid drape for textile making. The fibre is made from a by-product of soy processing, making use of material that might otherwise be wasted. It is breathable and gentle on the skin, and when blended with other fibres such as wool and cotton, it can add strength and enhance lustre.
It is usual for plant fibres, which are cellulose, to be dyed using fibre reactive. However, as the soya bean fibre is protein, Acid Dyes or Natural Dyes are used to produce the best colours.
The photograph shows the fibre before and after it is spun. The hand spun yarn has a fluid drape, and the woven or knitted fabric is breathable and soft.
Soy Wax
Another product derived from soy bean is soy wax. This wax can be used to make candles and gives a cleaner, longer lasting burn than paraffin wax.
The wax is also used for the dye technique Batik and as the wax has a lower melting point than traditional waxes, produces no fumes and can be washed out with hot water and soap, it is a safer choice for teaching in classrooms and workshops.
If either of these products interest you, they can be bought online from this website: Soya Bean Fibre or Soy Wax
More about Soya Beans
If Jack had brought home Soya Beans, we’re sure his mother would never have thrown them out of the window.
This magical bean is a valued source of protein and a healthier alternative to meat. It can lower cholesterol and blood pressure and aid weight loss. Soya beans are classified as an oilseed rather than as a pulse. The bean can be used to produce oil, flour, and milk and is used extensively in the food industry.
Soya Beans are also know as Soybeans, and Soya Bean fibre is sometimes known as Soy Silk, Vegetable Cashmere and Soy Protein Fibre (SPF).