THE KNOW-HOW OF CASHMERE
Indian Kashmir is world famous for its craftsmanship in the production of pashminas. The production of these shawls begins with the careful selection of pashmina wool, which comes from the fleece of goats in the Ladak region.
Once the wool has been selected, it is washed and carded by hand to remove impurities and knots. The fibers are then spun by hand on a traditional wheel to produce pashmina yarn. The craftsmen use ancestral spinning techniques that have been passed down from generation to generation.
After spinning, weaving begins. The pashminas are woven by hand on traditional wooden looms. Artisans use intricate patterns and vibrant colors to create unique and beautiful pieces. The weavers work with great precision and attention to detail to create elaborate designs in each pashmina.
Complex and laborious weaving techniques, such as Ikat or Kani, make it possible to produce a wide variety of traditional and modern patterns.
After weaving, the pashminas can be embroidered by hand. Artisans use silk and woolen threads to create embroidered designs that add a touch of sophistication to each piece.
The process of making a pashmina requires a minimum of 5 days of work for the simplest ones, several weeks for more complex weavings such as Kani and up to a year for sophisticated embroidery.
In sum, the production of pashminas in Indian Kashmir is a meticulous and intricate craftsmanship that requires great skill and patience. Artisans work with a passion to create exceptional quality pieces that are loved around the world.
SIZES
The pashmina is woven in 3 standard formats.
The small format also called 'Scarf': 200cm x 45 cm weighs approximately 60g
The Scarf is worn exclusively as a scarf
The medium format also called 'Stole': 200cm x 70cm weighs around 100g
The Stole allows you to wear the pashmina as a scarf or a shawl
The large format also called 'Shawl': 200cm x 100cm weighs approximately 170g
The Shawl is woven a little thicker for the hold of the fabric and allows to wrap the whole upper body ('in wrap')
Weaving techniques
Ikat weaving
The ikat weaving technique, also known as tie and dye, dates back thousands of years and is used in many cultures around the world. The first traces of this technique date back to the pre-Columbian era in South America and Southeast Asia. However, it is in Indonesia that ikat has been most widely developed, becoming a true national tradition.
The word ikat comes from the Malay "mengikat", which means "to tie". The ikat technique involves binding and dyeing the threads before weaving them. Yarn sections are strategically knotted to create a desired pattern, then dipped in a dye bath. The knotted parts remain white, while the rest of the thread is dyed. This technique can be used with different types of fibers, including cotton, silk and wool.
Weavers using this technique must have great skill and patience, as each thread must be individually knotted to achieve the desired pattern. The precision of the knots is crucial to obtain a neat and precise pattern. Once the yarns are dyed and dried, they are then woven on a loom to form the final fabric. The ikat technique is known for producing vibrant and colorful patterns.
Today, ikat is used in Indian Kashmir in the production of Pashminas to create modern and abstract designs.
Kani weaving
The Kani weaving technique is a traditional craft from the Kashmir region of India, known for creating exquisite textiles with complex patterns.
Kani weaving is a thousand-year-old art form that gives life to fabrics of exceptional beauty. This technique begins with the careful preparation of weft and warp threads. The elaborate motifs are designed on a graphic paper called "Kani Patra". The warp threads are stretched on the loom, forming the basis of the weaving.
The weaver carefully selects the weft threads, each thread being wound on a small spool called "Kani". These weft threads are passed through the corresponding holes of the Kani Patra to create the desired pattern. After each row, the threads are firmly beaten in place with a comb.
This laborious process is repeated for each row of the pattern, which makes it possible to create floral, geometric and other complex patterns. The result is a fabric of exceptional finesse, with precise patterns and a wealth of details.
Kani weaving is the embodiment of high-level craftsmanship and Kashmiri tradition. Finished products, such as shawls and fabrics, are prized for their elegance and quality. You can explore our collection of unique Kani products to discover the essence of this traditional art and bring a touch of luxury to your wardrobe. Each piece tells a story of skill and artisanal heritage, making Kani weaving an exceptional choice for those who appreciate timeless beauty and authenticity.