THE MAKING
Pringle of Scotland use the finest Cashmere, from goats bred mainly in the mountain areas of China and Tibet. It is our policy to procure only the finest white fibre, which allows us to produce a wide range of colours which not only look and feel beautiful but are robust enough to wear regularly.
White fibre is the most expensive, as it can only be obtained from the chest and underbelly of the goat and there is a limited amount available from this area.
Our yarn supplier of choice is the Scottish spinner Todd and Duncan, one of the world's leading cashmere yarn spinners. The company shares the heritage of its founder, Joseph Dawson, who is credited with creating today's cashmere industry. He invented the first mechanical process to clean and de-hair raw cashmere fibre at the end of the 19th century.
The process of ‘milling’ (washing) is a hugely important part of cashmere production. It’s also probably the most scientific; a combination of using the very soft water from local Scottish rivers and specific softening agents. This process is important for removing any impurities, e.g. natural grease and oil. How much water, detergent, polymer and time required for milling is calculated according to the pantone colour chosen, in order to ensure the fibre opens. Only after the fibre has opened will the garment achieve the right level of tension and the luxurious and iconic cashmere feel.
Millers have developed the unique Pringle of Scotland cashmere handle over many decades working with our teams to perfect the process. We require specific degrees of twist and percentage of oil in our yarns and we specify the exact tension that we want our cashmere knitted to.