Making of a Classic Kashmiri Shawl

At vonoz, every shawl is more than a garment — it is a translation of Kashmiri heritage into form. The creation of a classic handwoven cashmere shawl involves not only skilled hands, but a lineage of knowledge passed down through generations. In this article, we take you inside the making of a true Kashmiri shawl — as practiced today by master artisans in our atelier.

This process applies primarily to our Kashmiri Heritage Collection — a line of handspun, handwoven shawls made with 100% Himalayan cashmere.

1. Sourcing and Selecting the Fiber

The journey begins in the high plateaus of Ladakh and Tibet, where the undercoat of the Changthangi goat yields one of the world’s finest natural fibers. Once collected, the raw cashmere is cleaned, dehaired, and sorted by hand, with particular attention to softness and fiber length.

At vonoz, only Grade A+ fibers are selected — a rare yield that ensures the shawl will be both featherlight and thermally insulating.

2. Handspinning

Unlike many commercial shawls, which use mill-spun yarn, vonoz classics are spun by hand — a labor-intensive process that gives the yarn its characteristic light irregularity and loft. This adds both textural richness and breathability to the final piece.

3. Setting Up the Loom

Each shawl is assigned its own loom — typically a simple wooden frame constructed in the weaver’s workshop or home. The warp (longitudinal threads) is carefully measured and tensioned. The yarns are aligned in such a way that allows for uniform tension and precise edges — two signs of a well-made shawl.

4. Weaving by Hand

The weaving process itself can take anywhere from 10 to 25 days, depending on the fineness of the yarn and size of the shawl. Using a traditional shuttle, the artisan passes the weft (horizontal threads) through the warp — row by row, gesture by gesture.

No machines. No motors. Just rhythm, attention, and experience.

5. Washing and Finishing

After weaving, the shawl undergoes a multi-stage finishing process:

• First wash to remove any remaining sizing agents or oils
• Natural stretching and sun drying to even out tension
• Soft brushing to raise the natural nap of the fiber (optional)
• Final hand inspection for symmetry, density, and drape

In Nepal, this process is often followed by a special wash using spring water and plant-based soap — part of our Nepali Essence approach. In Kashmir, the finish is typically drier and airier — allowing the raw cashmere to shine.

6. Optional Embellishments

While many classic shawls are left unadorned, others may include:

• Minimalist Sozni embroidery around the borders
• Subtle stripes or checks in the weft
• Hand-knotted fringes or rolled hems

What Makes a Shawl “Classic”?

At vonoz, the term “classic” refers not to simplicity, but to purity of craft. A classic Kashmiri shawl is:

• 100% cashmere, with no silk or wool blends
• Woven entirely by hand, without the use of power looms
• Unembellished or subtly adorned with heritage techniques
• Made in sizes traditional to the region (e.g., 100 × 200 cm for a stole)

Conclusion: The Art of Simplicity

In a time when fashion often chases novelty, the classic Kashmiri shawl endures through its quiet mastery. It is not a design object, but a companion: light, warm, versatile, and profoundly personal.

At vonoz, we honor this tradition — not by replicating the past, but by bringing it fully into the present. To wear a classic vonoz shawl is to carry a fragment of Kashmir, woven in dignity and intention.

Want to know more about cashmere? See our Cashmere Knowledge Hub.