Cashmere
Cashmere is one of the softest and most luxurious animal fibers, harvested from the undercoat of the cashmere goat, giving knitting an exceptionally soft feel.
Explanation
Cashmere comes from the fine undercoat that the cashmere goat sheds naturally, and each goat yields only a small amount of fiber per year, making cashmere one of the most expensive and sought-after animal fibers in yarn. The fiber is extremely soft and lightweight, with excellent warmth relative to its weight, but it is less durable than wool and more prone to pilling and felting with wear. Cashmere is often blended with wool or silk in yarn to increase durability while retaining some of its characteristic softness.
Also known as: Cashmere fiber
Undercoat from a goat
Cashmere is the undercoat of the cashmere goat, combed out in spring. Each goat yields only a few ounces a year, which is the main reason for the price. The fiber is extremely fine and gives a softness no other fiber matches.
In exchange it is short and not very durable. Pure cashmere pills and wears faster than wool, and is therefore often blended with merino or silk.
Care
Hand wash in lukewarm water with a mild detergent, squeeze the water out without wringing, and dry flat. Cashmere does not take machine washing unless the label explicitly says so.
Common mistakes
- Using pure cashmere for garments exposed to heavy rubbing.
- Machine washing cashmere.
Keywords
- cashmere
- cashmere yarn
- luxury fiber
Frequently asked questions
Is cashmere worth the price?
For a garment worn next to the skin and not subject to hard wear, yes. For everyday sweaters a merino blend gives more durability per dollar.
Why does cashmere pill?
Because the fiber is short. Short fibers work their way out of the yarn more easily and form pills where the garment rubs.