Cashmere products can be a bit on the pricier side, but they are definitely worth your investment for its high quality and longevity... ...
Generally, you can cashmere sweaters priced anywhere from $50 to $500 or more. But why is the price of cashmere so expensive? Does it really worth the money?
If you are looking for a luxurious and cozy fabric to add to your wardrobe, cashmere would be you first choice for all time. Cashmere is the fine hair harvested from the undercoat of cashmere goats, it is 8 times warmer than wool, yet significantly lighter in weight. Moreover, it becomes softer with age and rarely pills after being worn and washed.
China and Inner Mongolia are two of the leading producers of cashmere, due to their harsh climate, where winters can go below -40 degrees, which forced the cashmere goats to develop a double fleece in order for them to adapt the environment. The cashmere harvested in those regions produce the longest, thinnest, and softest hair.
Whether you already own your cashmere sweater, or are at the stage of getting to know a bit more about cashmere for future use, do you know how cashmere sweater is produced?
Exploring the procedure of manufacturing cashmere helps you to become more familiar with this industry, eventually you will understand what you really need and the cashmere that suits you the best.
There are 9 steps of procedures in order to produce cashmere from scratch. including: combing or shearing, sorting cashmere, cleaning cashmere, carding and dehairing cashmere, dyeing cashmere fibers, spinning the fibers into yarn, wrapping, weaving, and the last step, darning.
Step 1 Combing/Shearing
Most of the cashmere is shed by the goat during the spring moulting season, this delicate fiber is collected of hand-combing or shearing, it requires skill and patience to avoid damaging the fibers. Combing cashmere is not only an important step in producing high-quality cashmere products, but also helps to reduce the environmental impact of cashmere production, as it cut down the amount of waste and water used in the process.
Step 2 Sorting Cashmere
Artisans manually sort each cashmere fiber based on its colours, origin and fineness. Cashmere comes with 4 different grades: Baby Cashmere, A, B, and C, generally following the criteria of colour, length, fineness, purity, strength, and elasticity. THe higher the grade, the more expensive and rare the cashmere is.
Step 3 Cleaning Cashmere
The sorted raw cashmere fiber is then sent to wash and dry for removing impurities. The professional raw wool cleaning washing machine is filled with a set temperature of boiling hot water, making sure cashmere fiber is entirely under water, and agitate the fiber as little as possible. The process usually consists of skirting and bagging the fleece, three washes, two rinses and drying.
Step 4 Carding and dehairing Cashmere
Carding cashmere is a process of separating the fine, soft fibers from the coarse, rough ones in the raw cashmere wool. It can be done by either hand or machine. The purpose of carding cashmere is to align the fibers and remove any dirt, debris, or impurities that may be present in the wool. It also helps to create a uniform thickness and texture of the cashmere fibers, which makes them easier to spin and weave. Moreover, carding cashmere also enhance the natural colour and luster of the wool, as well as its softness and warmth.
Step 5 Dyeing Cashmere Fibers
Dyeing cashmere fibers is a delicate process that requires careful attention to the quality, colour, and temperature of the dye. Cashmere is a luxurious and soft material that can be dyed in various shades, from pastels to deep hues. However, dyeing cashmere fibers is also challenging, such as maintaining the softness and strength of the fibers, avoiding uneven colour distribution and preventing shrinkage or felting.
Step 6 Spinning Fibers into Yarn
Spinning cashmere fibers into yarn can be done by hand or by machine, depending on the desired result. Hand spinning is more time-consuming and labor-intensive, but it allows for more control over the thickness, twist and texture of the yarn. It also preserves the natural crimp and elasticity of the cashmere fibers, which gives the yarn more loft and bounce. Whereas machine spinning is faster and more efficient, but might damage or break the delicate cashmere fibers, resulting in a less soft and smooth yarn.
Step 7 Wrapping
Wrapping cashmere yarn is a rewarding experience that can produce beautiful and cozy items. However, it also requires some investment and care. The cashmere yarns are drawn off by drum to which they get wrapped around another drum.
Step 8 Weaving
The quality of cashmere depends on several factors, such as the breed, age, climate and diet of the goats, as well as the harvesting, sorting, washing, spinning and weaving methods. Cashmere weaving is an ancient art that dates back to thousands of years ago in Asia, where cashmere goats originated. Weaving cashmere produces a variety of fabrics, such as plain, twill, herringbone, jacquard and more. This process is not only a craft, but also a passion for many artisans who dedicate their lives to produce high-quality cashmere products. It is also a way of preserving and promoting a rich cultural heritage that spans across generations and continents.
Step 9 Darning
Once the cashmere is ready, it will be taken out and inspected for any faults that may have occurred during weaving. Cashmere is a delicate fabric that can easily develop holes or tears. If faults are found then they must be repaired by hand to make the fabric perfect.
Cashmere is a delicate and luxurious fabric that requires careful handling and care. It should be washed by hand or dry cleaned, and avoid direct sunlight. It can last for years if properly stored and treated with respect.
If you are looking for a cozy, elegant, and timeless piece of clothing, I would strongly suggest you to invest in some cashmere. There will be no regrets! Cashmere is a must-have for any fashionista who wants to look chic and feel comfortable at the same time.
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