How do I care for my shawl?

Hand-washing and dry cleaning are the most common ways to care for and clean shawls. Many of our alpaca shawls specifically indicate dry-cleaning or hand-washing with cold water. Because shawls are delicate, a garment bag is a good way to prevent damage. Avoid direct sunlight and high heat. As always, it is important to follow the care instructions specific to the fabric of your shawl.

The great thing about shawls is that they are versatile. One can find a shawl for every season. Warmth is often based on the tightness of the weave and the type of material used. Alpaca fiber is known for its thermal capacity and provides an optimal degree of warmth. Sheep wool also acts as an insulator, absorbing moisture and creating a feeling of coziness for the wearer. Shawls made of cashmere and pashmina are light and thin, yet still provide a high degree of warmth. In Mexico, shawls made from San Juan Chamula sheep keep one warm and comfortable.

What shawls are most comfortable?

Comfort is always a question of preference, but certain fabrics lend themselves to softness and warmth. Shawls from the Andes are made from super soft alpaca fibers, and provide wearers a high level of comfort. Similarly, in Thailand and Bali, silk shawls are always favorites. Depending on ones climate, particular shawls may be preferable. Central American shawls made from cotton and rayon keep wearers cool in warm climates, whereas bamboo and acrylic shawls are great for cold weather. During hot summers, Indian shawls made of modal, silk, and viscose are a perfect option, and merino wool and cashmere are ideal for winter. West Africa stands by the luxurious comfort of their 100% cotton shawls, and Mexico prioritizes comfort with their beautiful wool designs.

Are your shawls handmade?

It depends on what you mean by handmade. We support artisans who work in the ancient traditions of their ancestors, crafting items by hand, with patience and love. But techniques vary among shawl makers. Embroidery, hand-painting, stitching, and sewing are often part of the process. Some artisans do use power looms when crafting their shawls, but even in those instances, there is no mega-factory or mass production line behind the garment. The beauty, creativity, and inspiration for each shawl comes from the artists own heart. Our product descriptions will always specify if an item is hand-woven, hand-knit, or otherwise.

Are there any common motifs or designs used in traditional shawls?

The shawl comes to us full of history, culture, and heritage. Each region invests its shawls with different symbols, patterns, and designs. Some shawls, like those in West Africa and the Andes, feature linear and geometric shapes, clean lines and patterns that have been passed down through the centuries. In Bali, we find elaborate batik designs, a technique that makes use of alternating dye and wax to block color. In Central America, embroidered and woven shawls incorporate designs inspired by corn, butterflies, and birds. Floral patterns are very popular in Indian shawls, particularly in pashminas from Kashmir. Gujarati shawls often depict geometric shapes, and artisans increasingly incorporate contemporary designs through hand-painted fabric. Thailand also integrates floral patterning, often using the yok dok technique, a brocade style that leaves the fabric slightly raised. This emphasis on brocade is also evident in Mexican shawls, with lavish designs in the form of frets, flowers and geometric figures, all inspired by pre-Hispanic cultures.

What materials are used to make shawls?

Fibers, dyes, and fabrics come together in innovative, unique ways during the creation of a shawl. Different regions rely on resources that are readily available and have cultural significance. In West Africa, 100% cotton and rayon frequently make their appearances in shawls. In Bali and Thailand, soft silk lends a luxuriousness to the shawl. Central American artisans incorporate bamboo rayon, while India makes use of wool and silk. Mexico boasts an array of vibrant natural and cotton yarn dyes, and artisans from the Andes weave shawls out of soft alpaca fiber.

What are the most popular methods for making traditional shawls?

Throughout the world, the shawl is considered a venerated garment, made by hand from techniques passed down through generations. The methods for making traditional shawls vary as widely as the regions from which they come. But most employ some method of hand knitting or weaving on a loom. In the Andes, for example, crocheting and flat weaving on a treadle loom are common techniques. In Central America, backstrap and foot looms are popular with artisans. In Bali, one finds intricate sewing, in addition to weaving. And in India and Thailand, practices of hand-painting fabric, batik, and the use of natural dyes are intimately tied to the creation of shawls.

Women's Cable Knit Accessories at NOVICA

Braided Red, Cable Knit Alpaca Blend Hat in Black and Red Hues

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$59.99 Wholesale

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Warm and Vibrant, Reversible 100% Alpaca Cable Knit Hat in Red and Grey

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Warm and Snug, Cranberry and Blue 100% Alpaca Reversible Knit Hat from Peru

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Warm and Soft, Reversible 100% Alpaca Cable Knit Hat in Teal and Green

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(18)

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Comfy in Blue, Robin's Egg Blue 100% Alpaca Soft Cable Knit Hat from Peru

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(1104)

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Comfy in Teal, Teal 100% Alpaca Cable Pattern Soft Knit Hat From Peru

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Comfy in Pink, Dusty Rose Pink 100% Alpaca Soft Cable Knit Hat from Peru

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Crossed Paths in Black, Knit 100% Alpaca Hat in a Black Tone Handcrafted in Peru

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(18)

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Warm and Stunning, Reversible 100% Alpaca Cable Knit Hat in Burgundy and Red

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(18)

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Comfy in Red, Crimson Red 100% Alpaca Soft Cable Knit Hat from Peru

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(1104)

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Warm and Snuggly, Reversible 100% Alpaca Cable Knit Hat in Ivory and Beige

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(18)

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Comfy in Dark Blue, Indigo Blue 100% Alpaca Soft Cable Knit Hat from Peru

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(1104)

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Comfy in Burgundy, Cranberry Red 100% Alpaca Soft Cable Knit Hat from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

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Crossed Paths in Indigo, Artisan-Made 100% Alpaca Knit Hat in a Solid Indigo Blue Hue

Idelsa Guevara

(18)

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Andean Loops, Peruvian Cable Knit Ivory 100% Alpaca Hat with a Pompon

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(18)

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Warm and Earthy, Reversible 100% Alpaca Cable Knit Hat in Brown and Green

Wilfredo Herencia

(18)

$57.99 Wholesale

$57.99
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Comfy in Grey, Soft Smoky Grey 100% Alpaca Cable Knit Hat from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

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Roads in Grape, Handcrafted Cable Knit Grape 100% Alpaca Hat with a Pompon

Idelsa Guevara

(18)

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Braided Grey, Cable Knit Alpaca Blend Hat in Navy and Grey Hues

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

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$59.99
Braided Fuchsia, Cable Knit Alpaca Blend Hat in Fuchsia and Purple Hues

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$59.99 Wholesale

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Cozy Winter in Azure, Knit 100% Alpaca Hat in Azure and Grey from Peru

Maria Teresa Tejada

(18)

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Bright Diamonds, White and Multicolored Alpaca Blend Knit Hat from Peru

Edison Canal

(45)

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Braids, 100% Alpaca Chullo Hat in Beige Hand-Knitted in Peru

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(18)

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Brown Mountain Roads, Hand Woven 100% Alpaca Wool Beanie Hat

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

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Warm and Contented, 100% Alpaca White and Grey Reversible Knit Hat from Peru

Wilfredo Herencia

(18)

$49.99 Wholesale

$49.99
Grey Scallops, Cable Knit Grey 100% Alpaca Hat from Peru

Idelsa Guevara

(18)

$39.99 Wholesale

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Emerald Moments, Emerald Alpaca Blend Knit Hat with Cable Stitch Stripe

Idelsa Guevara

(18)

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$29.99
Warm Cables in White, White Cable Knit 100% Alpaca Hat

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(18)

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Roads in Red, Peruvian Cable Knit Red Alpaca Blend Hat with a Pompon

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(18)

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Crimson Seasons, Cable Stitch Knit Hat Made from Crimson Alpaca Blend Yarns

Idelsa Guevara

(18)

$29.99 Wholesale

$29.99
Moss Braid Cascade, Cable-Knit 100% Alpaca Hat in Moss from Peru

Alfredo Falcon

(1104)

$44.99 Wholesale

$44.99
Poppy Moments, Poppy Alpaca Blend Knit Hat with Cable Stitch Stripe

Idelsa Guevara

(18)

$29.99 Wholesale

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Coming back

Berries and Cream, Fuchsia and White 100% Alpaca Hand Crocheted Cable Hat

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Featured Reviews

100% alpaca knit hat, 'Comfy in Teal'

Lori

Jan 14, 2020

Comfy indeed!

I love my comfy teal knit hat. Teal is so pretty. One of my favorite colors. This hat is very soft, lightweight yet warm.

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100% alpaca knit hat, 'Comfy in Blue'

Miriam

May 8, 2021

This hat is a huge hit as a gift

Bought this for a friend that goes walking in the wee hours with her dog and needed a warm hat that was lightweight (we're in SoCal). The color is great, the hat is well-made and I was delighted to give such a wonderful gift.

Soft And Lovely

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