Cashmere is an extremely delicate and pricey variety of wool that has its origins in Himalayas, Kashmir and the Gobi Desert. There is a certain breed of goat that produces this particular sort of wool fibre and those goats are only found in these areas. Today, cashmere is a popular type of wool with many applications. This product is quite well-liked due to its softness and the fact that it may be worn directly without causing skin irritation like other wool does. Along with other items like scarves or cardigans that resemble cashmere, demand for the best cashmere blanket is also growing. The demand for Himalayan Cashmere throw blanket is extremely high and unfortunately the number available is not keeping up with the production, which makes it even more expensive.
Currently, China is the world’s leading cashmere producer, however Central Asia has seen a growth in output as well.
History of cashmere
Goats used to produce cashmere are mostly reared in Kashmir and Mongolia. References to cashmere dates back to the third century BC, and it indicates that cashmere wool production stretches back even longer.
Through trade with Turkestan, cashmere wool was originally introduced to the Middle East. From there, it was transported along ancient trade lines to the European court and beyond. The popularity of cashmere wool increased, especially in France. Traders took a chance on hazardous trade routes to bring the legendary fabric back to the burgeoning European market.
In the 19th century, the production of cashmere wool was a sizable industry in Europe, and the interchange of this wool product was economically advantageous in many regions.
The process of making the cashmere
- Shearing
The process is made easier by the goats’ early growth of whole coats of hair. The animal is not harmed in any way by the technique.
- Cleaning
After being sheared and collected, the raw wool is cleaned of the dirt.
- Combing
The collected individual wool fibres are next straight-line combed into a light clump of fibres.
- Revolving
The yarn is then produced from the fibres by the spinning machinery. Depending on the item being produced, the yarn’s thickness changes.
- Cleaning and dying
The yarn is cleaned and coloured to the right shade after being collected.
- Weave
The finished item that the creator is trying to build is then created using the yarn.
Present day
Despite the fact that China now supplies the majority of the world’s cashmere, Central Asian countries nevertheless maintain a thriving artisanal cashmere market. As global population and poverty levels rise, China will likely remain the world’s top cashmere exporter in the foreseeable future as well. Although China has a large number of unethical textile producers, it also has a large number of ethical cashmere wool producers.
Cashmere wool has no practical synthetic substitute, despite the fact that wool and other animal fibres have fallen out of favour due to worries about animal rights. Textile manufacturers had long predicted a continuous trend away from consumers wearing mainly synthetic fabrics, but the opposite has actually happened. The global economy is moving in the direction of fair trade and sustainable textile production techniques.
When paired with the most modern standards in organic and toxic-free production techniques, cashmere is a fabric that will continue to have a big impact on the development of the textile industry in the twenty-first century. Consumers will continue to pay a premium for products made from beautifully woven cashmere wool as long as they are accessible on the market due to its exquisite sheen.
Using cashmere
Cashmere has a long history of being associated with high culture as one of the finest fabrics for the opulent robes and other ceremonial attire used by European royalty. Cashmere is more softer and finer than other varieties of wool, even though it is significantly more expensive, making the wearer feel affluent and comfortable right away. Even though cashmere is a lightweight material, jackets and other bulkier apparel rarely use it. Cashmere is a material that can be used to make scarves, shawls, and blankets, yet there is a need for thin cashmere sweaters.
Although reputable suppliers like Angela Jey sell only products made of 100% pure cashmere, it is common for retailers to sell blended cashmere products.