In this month’s newsletter, we wanted to talk about a relatively underrated animal for natural fibres which is the Camel. With very distinct natural shades & super soft fleece, the Camel is often overlooked by many in the textile industry. Although some finer micron Camel fleece is used for garments (usually coating’s) both wools & cashmere’s often take preference over Camel hair which is surprising as Camel fleece can be as soft as 16.5 micron in the baby animals.

The Camel originates from North America & approximately 4-5 million years ago it emigrated to Asia across the Bering Strait & gave rise to the species of the two-humped Camelus Bactrianus or the long-haired Camel which is widespread all over central Asia. Further mutations developed the species of Dromedary, Camelus Dromedarius, otherwise known as the Syrian Camel, with one hump & short hair which is common throughout the Middle East as far as the Horn of Africa & along the entire Northern coast of Africa as far as Morocco.

Adult Camels can weigh between 400 – 700 kg & stand up to 2.4 meters at the top of the hump.

Camelhair is classified into 3 grades of fineness:

1. Baby Young Camels up to 2 years

16.5 – 17.5 micron, 1-2kg of raw, 35-40mm

2. Females

19.0 micron, 2-3kg of raw, 40-45mm

3. Bucks

22.0 micron, 3-5kg of raw, 45mm and over

The long coarse hair 30cm, dark, and 40-120 mic is used for ropes & mattresses. The coarse hair, 30-40micron is used in the padding of winter quilts by the native population. The fine undercoat is used for knitwear and weaving & is exported from both China & Mongolia.

We currently have 6 natural camel products for sale on our website which can be bought using the link below.

https://www.craftyfibres.uk/product-category/camel/

Thank you for the continued support & messages we have received on Instagram, as well as the tags in all your Crafty Creations. We love seeing them & are proud to showcase our fibres in completed animal form. It is really inspiring for us, as well as other Crafters to see.

See you next month.

The Crafty Team