Silk Noil has a nubby feel and a low sheen. Noil somewhat resembles cotton in surface texture, and sews easily. Noil is the term for the shorter fibers of silk left after the longer silk fibers have been combed out or reeled off the cocoon. These are 1" or shorter bits of fiber, and often include little tangled fibrous knots, as well as black flecks of the former chrysalis of the moth. There is little or no shine, and since the fibers are short, not nearly as much strength as in the thrown or longer spun silks.