FAQ
The cloth
What is yathra?
A woollen cloth from the Bumthang valleys of central Bhutan, woven in narrow panels on wooden looms in bands of colour and geometric motif. It has been made in roughly the same way for around five hundred years.
Why is there a visible stitch running across the cloth?
Because a Bhutanese loom cannot weave a panel much wider than a forearm. To reach the width of a bed, panels are woven separately and joined by hand. Most producers try to hide that join. We make it the mark: always the same undyed cream thread, always the same gauge, always visible. We call it the Chumey seam.
What are the pieces made of?
100% Bhutanese highland sheep wool, from flocks grazed above 3,000 metres, apart from one merino wrap. Colours come from natural dyes — indigo, madder root, walnut husk, turmeric, saffron.
Why do two pieces in the same colour look different?
Dyes are prepared in small batches over a fire. Two batches are never identical, and we do not correct for it. Variation in colour, width and weave is the evidence of the loom.
Price and time
How do you set your prices?
By loom-days — the number of days a piece spends on the loom. A scarf is around three days. A rug is two to three weeks. A bed cover can be most of a month. That number is the price.
How long will my order take?
Every piece is made to order after payment is confirmed. Standard worldwide shipping then takes 7–21 business days. Custom commissions — a specific size, colourway or repeat — take four to eight weeks from confirmation, depending on size and complexity.
Ordering and delivery
Do you ship worldwide?
Yes. Standard shipping is free on orders over €500. Express options are available on request.
What about customs and import duty?
Duties and import taxes are set by the destination country and are the responsibility of the recipient. If you would like an estimate before ordering, write to us with your country and the piece you are considering.
Can I order a custom size or colour?
Yes. Rugs, blankets, scarves and cushions can all be commissioned. Write to office@yarnandyathrahouse.com with the size, the room and, if you have one, a colour reference — a fabric swatch, a paint code or a photograph.
Care
How do I wash it?
Dry clean, or hand wash in lukewarm water with a mild wool detergent. Spin for no longer than five minutes, reshape while damp, and dry flat away from direct heat and sunlight. Do not tumble dry.
Will it shed?
A new handwoven wool piece will release a small amount of loose fibre for the first few weeks. Shake it out; it settles.
Trade and visiting
Do you sell wholesale?
Yes — to interior design studios, hotels, chalets and retailers. See Wholesale & Trade, or write to us for a physical sample box.
Can I visit?
Yes. Our showroom is in Thimphu near the Bhutan Postal Museum, and the looms work upstairs. See Visit the Atelier.