Designing and crafting cashmere accessories by hand is the heart of what we do at Kasmiri. Every scarf and shawl is a labour of love; from the delicate spinning and weaving of cashmere fibres on traditional charkhas and flying shuttle looms, to the slow artistry of hand felting and dip dyeing.
We work closely with artisans, mainly women, whose impeccable skills have been passed down through generations. Their heritage and craftsmanship are reflected in each piece.
Our journey begins with the finest Grade A cashmere fibres from Nepal, Tibet and Mongolia. These precious fibres are meticulously selected for their purity, softness, and longevity before being woven or knitted and finished in Nepal.
Unlike fast fashion, Kasmiri embraces slow, purposeful craftsmanship. Every piece takes time to design, time to weave, and time to perfect. This patience ensures that every scarf or shawl you own is a lasting expression of artistry and quality.
Weaving: The Rhythm of Tradition
Before weaving begins, the warp; the longitudinal foundation of the fabric must be prepared through a process called drafting. This is threading individual cashmere strands through tiny hooks, one by one, in a precise sequence that defines the density, tension, and final weave pattern. It's a meditative ritual requiring focus, patience, and skill.
As the loom comes to life, the artisans weave each cashmere scarf and shawl slowly and meticulously by hand. These traditional looms enable precise control of tension, which is essential to avoid fibre distortion and maintain the soft handle characteristic of high grade cashmere.
Patterns are created through hand operated treadles that lift specific warp threads in predetermined sequences; a delicate choreography that determines the texture, structure, and fluidity of the final scarf.
The result is a fabric with balanced tension, even selvedges, and a natural elasticity that cannot be replicated by machine.
Each woven scarf is made slowly and meticulously by hand, skills learned from generations passed, akin to wearing a piece of history
Dip-Dyeing: The Art of Colour and Expression
Once woven, the undyed cashmere fabric is ready for the dip dyeing stage; a process that combines technical precision with intuitive artistry. Each scarf is immersed by hand into vats containing natural or low impact dyes, one section at a time.
The artisan controls the depth of immersion, temperature, and duration to create seamless gradients and tonal shifts. The pH of the dye bath and the mineral content of the water are also adjusted to control how the cashmere absorbs pigment, ensuring even penetration without compromising fibre integrity.
Unlike mechanised dyeing, where colour uniformity is guaranteed, hand dip dyeing celebrates variation. Each scarf reflects the artisans' unique rhythm and eye for balance.
After dyeing, the scarves are rinsed and dried in open air, allowing the colours to settle naturally and reveal their full beauty. The result is a blend of tones, each dip-dyed scarf entirely one of a kind.
There are no rules to dip-dyeing, only individual mastery to perfect the desired gradient
Hand Felting: Texture, Softness, and Strength
The hand felting process brings durability and texture to Kasmiri's cashmere. Each scarf is agitated in hot water using a cashmere shampoo. Through controlled friction and temperature, the microscopic scales on the cashmere fibres interlock naturally, creating a soft felted surface with increased density and resilience. This process strengthens the weave while preserving breathability and drape. The result is a scarf that feels cloud soft to the touch, yet resists pilling and has a delicate interplay of texture and light.
Hand-felting is the traditional technique of binding the cashmere fibres for durability and a soft, ethereal look and feel
When you wear a Kasmiri handcrafted cashmere scarf or shawl, you are wearing something special; there's a story of how it was made, which makes the wearer feel special and connected to a greater purpose.
Every piece is exclusively made in Nepal—a country whose creativity, resilience, heritage, and culture inspire us.
