Cashmere Farm to Fashion Process

Lomanthang Chyangra Cashmere: Farm to Fashion Process

At Lomanthang Cashmere, transforming raw Chyangra cashmere wool into luxurious textiles
is a meticulous and skilled process. From Himalayan goats to scarves, shawls, blankets, and clothing, each step is
carefully crafted to maintain quality, softness, and sustainability.

1. Raw Material Preparation

Combing: Cashmere wool is carefully combed from Himalayan Chyangra goats without harsh treatment, preserving the soft undercoat fibers.

Sorting and Cleaning: Fibers are sorted to remove debris, dirt, and coarse hairs. Different natural shades are also separated, ensuring only the finest fibers proceed to production.

2. Carding and Spinning

Carding: Fibers are aligned into uniform strands (slivers), removing impurities and preparing them for spinning.

Spinning: Artisans hand-spin the fibers using a spinning wheel or spindle, creating yarn of varying thicknesses to match the desired texture of the final product.

3. Dyeing (If Required)

Yarn may be dyed using natural, plant, botanical, or vegetable dyes, ensuring bio-degradable and eco-friendly coloring.

4. Weaving & Knitting

4.1 Weaving

• Warping: Yarn is wound onto a loom, establishing the warp threads.
• Weaving: Warp and weft threads are interlaced on a handloom to create patterns and textures.

4.2 Knitting

• Hand Knit: Basic hand knitting with long needles looping threads into the desired products.
• Hand Flat Knit: Hand-operated flat knitting machines create rectangular fabrics, ideal for scarves, blankets, and garment panels.

5. Finishing

• Washing: Fabric is washed to remove residual dyes and sizing agents.
• Pressing: Steam pressing smooths and sets the weave.
• Fringing or Edging: Edges are finished with fringes, tassels, or hemming, depending on design.

6. Quality Control

Throughout every stage, quality control ensures the cashmere products meet standards for softness, strength, and color vibrancy.

7. Packaging and Distribution

Once inspected, the products are packaged for local or international distribution, ready to reach customers as luxury cashmere garments.

Traditional & Modern Methods

While traditional techniques include hand-spinning and hand-weaving, modern processes may utilize mechanized methods to improve efficiency while maintaining quality. Cashmere weaving in regions like Lo Manthang and Kirtipur reflects generations of artisanal skill and cultural heritage, blending craftsmanship, artistry, and sustainable practices.

Hand Flat Knit Method

Knitting cashmere on a hand-flat knitting machine involves producing flat, rectangular fabrics. The process includes:

1. Yarn and Machine Setup

• Yarn Selection: Cashmere yarn is chosen for the appropriate gauge and weight compatible with the machine.
• Machine Setup: Needles are selected and tension adjusted to match the desired stitch density.

2. Pattern Selection

• Pattern Setup: Needle arrangement is manually configured for the stitch pattern.
• Stitch Type: Machines produce plain knit, ribbing, cables, lace, and other stitches.

3. Casting On

Initial stitches are loaded onto the first row of needles, creating the foundation row for knitting.

4. Knitting Process

• Machine Operation: Rows are knitted automatically across all needles according to the pattern.
• Monitoring: Tension and settings are adjusted as needed to ensure uniform stitch quality.

5. Shaping and Finishing

Operators shape the fabric by increasing or decreasing stitches and forming raglan designs as required.

6. Finishing Touches

• Linking or Hemming: Loose ends are secured, and pieces may be blocked or linked together.
• Quality Control: Final inspection ensures the garment meets all standards.

Tips for Machine Knitting Cashmere

• Yarn Tension: Adjust carefully to prevent stretching or breakage.
• Practice: Start with simple projects to master working with luxury fibers.
• Maintenance: Regularly maintain machines for smooth operation and longevity.

By combining traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques, Lomanthang Cashmere ensures each product embodies quality, luxury, and sustainability from farm to fashion.