Answer: sleaving

AnswerCrossword Clue
SLEAVINGSeparating into filaments, as silk.
sleavinganything matted or raveled
sleavingsilk in the form of such filaments
sleavingSLEAVE, to separate into fine filaments
sleavingto divide or separate into filaments, as silk
sleavingfilament of silk obtained by separating a thicker thread