The entire pashmina making process is done by hand. Pashmina wool is collected every spring from the mountain goat "Chyangra" (Capra Hircus). Each goat produces only about 3 ounces of pashmina wool each year. With one pashmina shawl needing a minimum of 9 ounces, it takes about three goats to give that much. The yarn is spun on a spinning wheel locally known as 'Charkha' and then woven on a traditional loom. Hand-work is extremely painstaking and time-consuming task. It requires immense patience, dexterity, and dedication of experienced and expert workers.
One distinct difference between pashmina and generic cashmere is the fibre diameter. Pashmina fibres are finer and thinner (12–15 microns) than generic cashmere fibre (15–19 microns). Pashmina is made from the mountain goat hair called Capra Hircus, whereas cashmere made from the magnolia goat hair. The breed of the goat is different for both the fabrics.
Pashmina is derived from the word “pashm”, which is a Persian term for wool. It’s made from interlacing fleece threads of Capra Hircus into a decorative textile of unparalleled softness and delicacy.