Cashmere

Question 1

What part of the goat does cashmere come from and how is it processed?

Answer 1

• under the course guard hairs is an inner coat of soft, fine down which is the cashmere used.
• the cashmere fibre must be separated (often hand combed from goats) from the guard hairs.
• commonly used in pure form though can be blended with silk 50:50 or in small quantities to wool for marketing purposes

Question 2

How much can one goat produce?

Answer 2

Around 110g each year

Question 3

How long is cashmere fibre?

Answer 3

Around 2.5-9cm long

Question 4

How thick is cashmere fibre?

Answer 4

Around 15 ,u

Question 5

How much is cashmere?

Answer 5

• rarity and labour intensive processing means cashmere is very expensive
• good quilts yarn costs in excess of £130/kg

Question 6

What countries produce cashmere?

Answer 6

• the finest cashmere is produced in Inner Mongolia

- also produced in Scotland, Italy and China