What is Pashmina Made of?

Pashmina’s story begins in the amazing landscapes of Kashmir, which is often called “Paradise on Earth.” Pashmina is made from the cashmere wool of the Changthangi goats found in tough Himalayan climates. Their wool is very soft and fine. Pashmina is known for its thin fibers. They are so thin that they don’t measure more than a tiny bit of human hair thickness.

Step-by-step process of Crafting Pashmina 

Methods of making Pashminas have been passed down from generation to generation. The following is a step-by-step procedure detailing how Pashmina is made:

1. Pashmina Origin: A journey of creating pashmina starts in the Himalayas, specifically Kashmir, where Changthangi goats are reared by a nomadic tribe called the ‘Changpa. 
2. Pashmina Fibre Harvesting: Pashmina wool is collected during the time the goats molt their winter undercoat. Natives gently scrape off ultra-fine fibers from the goats.
3. Selection of the Best Fibres: The manufacturing process for Pashminas involves only taking the finest and thinnest fibers that assure the best softness and quality of the fabric.
4. Washing and Sorting: After harvesting, they clean out impurities and dust through an extensive cleaning process. The weavers separate the fiber strands with the greatest length.
5. Spinning Threads: For spinning fine pashmina threads, old traditional spindles are used. This requires manual techniques so that they can create desired thicknesses as well as regularity at work.
6. Tradition Hand Loom Weaving: Craftsmen weave hand-spun Pashmina yarn on handlooms. All steps are performed by hand which makes each item unique.
7. Dyeing the Pashmina: Natural dyes, frequently derived from flowers and minerals, are used to add color to the Pashmina material. This eco-friendly method enhances the material’s appeal.
8. Quality Check: In tweaking the finished Pashmina, several checks are made. Craftsmen examine the fabric for faults and ensure that it meets the high standards required for Pashmina.
9. Finishing: At this stage, the final touches of fringe or other embellishments are added to complete the design of the finished Pashmina fabric.

( Source: Research Gate )

The history of Pashmina started in the high altitudes of Kashmir and now it has taken its place in the fashion industry and has witnessed the creativity of artists. Knowing where it comes from, what is Pashmina made of, and how manufacturing gives this luxurious textile more dimension than warmth and softness. Next time you wrap yourself in a Pashmina, remember the tale woven into its very fibers – an account of tradition, craftsmanship as well as breathtaking landscapes of Kashmir.