​Types of Yarn. Cashmere.

Hello, everyone!

Today I want to continue talking about types of yarn and I'd like to continue with cashmere - one of the most expensive, but so soft and nice.

Cashmere is one of the softest wool and yarn types around. It comes from the Cashmere Goats and several other types of goats. The word Cashmere comes from the old spelling of the old State of Kashmir in South Asia.

This yarn is among the softest and woolliest on this list. Something to consider is it’s not as strong as sheep fiber, and it is also quite expensive.

Why is it so expensive?

Cashmere Goats shed their undercoat once a year. The undercoat is closer to the skin and must be separated from the outer hair. It comes from the animals mid-side and back, not their bellies.

Unlike sheep who are shorn, the goat’s undercoat is combed and collected, which is labor-intensive. The yield of fiber from one goat is only about 4 ounces once it is processed.

Typically it takes the fibers collected from four goats to make a sweater.

Ideal For: It’s soft and not itchy, so it’s ideal for knitting clothing. (Jumpers, socks, gloves, etc.)

Fun Facts:

Cashmere fiber is six times finer compared to human hair.

60% of the world’s cashmere is produced in China, Mongolia, and Tibet.