Crin de Caballo

Crin de Caballo - Hair of the Horse

There are many fibers used to create textiles, many are common, many are not.  The use of horsehair has a long history.  Probably the upholstery “stuffing” of your grandmother’s sofa was horsehair, now replaced with modern synthetics.

Central Asians first domesticated horses around 3,000BCE.  The Moors brought horses to Spain and the Spanish brought horses to the new world. 

              In the western United States horsehair was, and still is, used in making tack (bridles, halters ) as well as accessories such as hat bands, belts and keychains.  These can be found in many shops throughout the southwest, selling local products.

              The method of construction is termed hitching, which takes half-hitch knots, using sets of plied horsehair, called “pulls”.  Since mane hair is generally too short and too soft, tail hair is used.  Pulls can also be braided, but braiding does not produce a silky, durable product, although braiding is definitely easier and quicker.

        

              South Americans have long used crin to create textiles, including beautiful mosaic designed carpets, using weaving techniques (usually flat woven techniques such as Soumak).   Crin offers good wear due to its strength, has nice tactile texture and accepts dyes     

              In a recent showcase of Chilean handcrafts were many examples of fine crin-work made into fanciful accessories.

Hair can be purchased cleaned, in bundles from firms overseas, usually in black or white.  Imported horsehair is, most often, used in making bows for violins and various stringed instruments. Musical instrument dealers who rehair bows are another source but natural horsehair should be ordered, not synthetic.  Also check the internet for US suppliers who sell hanks of  hair in various lengths and colors, usually by the pound ( a pound would make a lot of keychains!!)