Product Story: "Cashmere Like a Scarf"

I imagine few people would know what I'm talking about if I mentioned the "Slanting Stole."

That's because, like the "Angel Stole," it's an original UTO product.

A Stole Like a Scarf

"I want to create a beautiful cashmere stole with slanted edges that seems like it should exist in the world, but doesn't."

One day, I was looking at a scarf and suddenly thought.

"How can I make the edge of a knit fabric slanted?"
"I'd have to cut it."
"But if I cut it, it will fray..."
"Should I fold it and stitch it to prevent fraying? Or attach something to it?"

None of these methods seemed aesthetically pleasing... What should I do?

These thoughts continued for three years.
One day, I suddenly remembered that old British-made sweaters used to slant.

British-Made Knits That Slant

Why did British-made knits slant?
Because they used "single yarn" instead of the "plied yarn" typically used.

* Plied yarn is made of two single yarns twisted together, so single yarn is finer.

"Maybe if I knit with single yarn, it will slant?"
From this flash of inspiration, the creation of the slanting stole began.

The Challenge of Fine Yarn, Repeated with Artisans

"Is single yarn available in Japan?"
"There should be yarn before it's plied (single yarn)... Found it!"

Once I found the single yarn, I immediately consulted with the artisans.

"Can this be knitted?"
"This fine yarn is difficult to knit with a machine, but let's try!"

Initially, it didn't work well with traditional knitting machines, but we managed to knit it using a new machine.
However, because the edges slanted, the "ironing finish" was very difficult.

After much trial and error, the slanting cashmere knit stole was completed in 2013.

Named by a Person from "Iwate Prefecture"

A nickname!
We consulted with the Kitakami City Hall, where our factory is located, and received applications from Kitakami citizens and residents of Iwate Prefecture.

We received 30 applications with wonderful names such as "SHIRAYURI STOLE" and "Yuihana," and ultimately chose "Slanting Stole" by Mr. Yahaba from Morioka City.

A Stole So Thin It's Almost Transparent, Yet Beautifully Radiant

Starting from the desire to make it slant, the "Slanting Stole" was completed after many years.

It's so thin it's almost transparent, and when you hold it, you'll be enchanted by its luxurious feel.

This stole, which comfortably wraps you from spring to autumn, has now surpassed the image of cashmere as a winter item and is loved by many customers as a perfect piece for lighter seasons.