How Cashmere is Produced
The production of cashmere is a meticulous and labor-intensive process that involves several key steps, from harvesting the raw fibers to creating the final luxurious fabric. Here’s a detailed look at how cashmere is produced:
- Raising Cashmere Goats
Breeding and Care: Cashmere comes from the undercoat of cashmere goats, primarily raised in regions with harsh climates such as Mongolia, China, Iran, and the Himalayas. Farmers ensure the goats are well-fed and cared for, particularly during the winter months when they develop their soft undercoat.
- Harvesting the Fiber
Molting Season: In spring, as the weather warms, cashmere goats naturally shed their winter undercoat. This is the prime time to harvest cashmere.
Combing: The traditional method involves combing the goats by hand to gently remove the soft undercoat fibers. This process can take several weeks and requires great care to avoid injuring the animals.
Shearing: In some cases, shearing is used instead of combing. This method is quicker but requires careful handling to separate the coarse outer hair from the fine undercoat.
- Sorting and Dehairing:
Sorting: Once harvested, the raw cashmere fibers are sorted to remove any coarse hairs, dirt, and vegetable matter. This initial sorting is often done by hand.
Dehairing: The fibers are then sent to a dehairing machine that further separates the fine cashmere from the coarser guard hairs. This machine uses a series of fine combs to achieve this separation.
- Cleaning and Scouring:
Washing: The dehaired fibers are thoroughly washed to remove grease, oils, and any remaining impurities. This process, known as scouring, uses gentle detergents and warm water.
Drying: After washing, the fibers are carefully dried to preserve their softness and quality.
- Carding and Spinning:
Carding: The clean, dry fibers are carded to align them into a continuous web. Carding helps to remove any remaining short fibers and creates a smooth, even texture.
Spinning: The carded fibers are then spun into yarn. This can be done using traditional spinning wheels or modern industrial spinners. The quality of the spinning process affects the final texture and strength of the yarn.
- Dyeing:
Natural or Synthetic Dyes: The spun cashmere yarn can be dyed using either natural or synthetic dyes. The dyeing process is done carefully to ensure even color distribution and to maintain the softness of the fibers.
- Post-Dyeing Treatment: After dyeing, the yarn is washed and rinsed to remove any excess dye and then dried.
- Weaving or Knitting:
- Fabric Creation: The dyed yarn is woven or knitted into fabric. This can be done by hand or using industrial knitting machines. The fabric can be used to make a variety of cashmere products, including sweaters, scarves, shawls, and blankets.
- Finishing: The fabric undergoes finishing processes such as washing, brushing, and steaming to enhance its softness and appearance.
- Quality Control:
Inspection: Each cashmere product is carefully inspected for quality. This includes checking for consistency in color, texture, and overall craftsmanship.
Labeling: Finally, the finished cashmere products are labeled, often indicating the origin of the fibers and the care instructions.
This comprehensive process from goat to garment ensures that cashmere products maintain their renowned quality, softness, and luxurious feel.