Making Pashmina Wool Shawls: From Fibre to Fashion

Pashmina, also called the soft gold of high Asia, is one of the most elegant and luxurious fibres known internationally. The wool is from the undercoat of the Changthangi goat that survives in the remaining heights of the Himalayas, as such is very warm,soft and light. Pashmina shawl making, an art that is a part and parcel of the Kashmiri culture, has undergone a few centuries of evolution, mixing up the old school techniques with the modern fashion awareness.

Sourcing and Harvesting the Wool

The beginning of a Pashmina shawl is in the harsh plateaus of Ladakh, where the Changthangi goats, the indigenous mountain breed, suffer from the severity of winter. During the spring, these goats lose their winter coat that is softly combed out by local herders in an environmentally friendly way, and in a way that does not hurt the animal. The ultra-comprehensive collection process makes sure that only the best quality fibres are collected keeping the goats in an acceptable state of minimal stress.

Processing the Wool

After being gathered, the Pashmina fibres are subjected to a number of thorough cleaning and sorting processes. Rice and water mixture are used for washing the raw wool to eliminate impurities and retain its true softness. The fibres are hand sorted by skilled workers who only choose the longest and finest fibres to spin, in order to uphold the high-quality standard that Pashmina is famous for.

Spinning and Weaving

The pashmina wool is spun on a charkha (spinning wheel) which is a laborious process that converts the fragile fibres into fine threads. The threads are further woven into cloth on handlooms, an art that has passed through centuries of the hands of Kashmiri craftsmen. This web weaved itself by hand, which demands skill and precision, can last even up several weeks for an individual scarf representing the quality and desirability of the final product.

Dyeing and Designing

Wood pashmina shawls are commonly dyed using natural dyes derived from the local materials such as saffron, indigo, and walnut. These materials not only provide bright colours but are also sustainable. The designs which range from the traditional Kashmiri motifs to modern abstracts are intricately woven into the fabric, designs that are as beautiful as they are intricate.

Finishing Touches

Trimming, washing, and in some cases, embroidering are the final steps in the production of a Pashmina shawl. Each pashmina shawl goes through the thorough inspection to guarantee there are no defects, thus, meeting the high luxurious requirements of Pashmina. Feel improving softeners can be added for the final sales.

From Local Craft to Global Fashion

Originally exclusive to royalty, the Pashmina shawl has broken free from its traditional confines and is now a staple of worldwide fashion. The artisans and small businesses in Kashmir have become widely known, as the shawls are being exported globally. The combination of centuries-old craftsmanship and contemporary fashion attraction creates each shawl a valued piece in the closets of fashion aficionados.

How You Can Get Authentic Pashmina Shawls

The most reliable way of getting the real deal pashmina shawls  is to purchase them from the local artisans and artists in Kashmir. Touring the shawl shops in Srinagar not only gives great opportunities to see how they are made but also connects with the people who make them. This thereby certifies to you the fact that it is a real handmade pashmina.

 

However If you can’t make a trip to Kashmir, don’t worry! We invite you to explore the authentic Pashmina Shawls selection at TCGLondon. We assure you that our quality and prices are unmatched, offering you the best of luxury without the need to travel. Visit TCGLondon for an exceptional shopping experience.

Conclusion

The process of developing Pashmina shawl from the fibre to fashion is a testimony of the craftsmanship, hard-work, and cultural legacy of Kashmiri artisans. With every shawl that drapes over the one who possesses it, she is cocooned in heat and couture and told a tale of eco-practice, fineness in execution and eternal allure.