Mohair wool
What is mohair wool, and what animal does it come from?
When you think of wool, you might immediately think of sheep, but mohair comes from a different animal. Mohair comes from the Angora goat. These goats are known for their shiny, silky coat. As a result, mohair yarn has a luxurious look, a subtle sheen, and a soft, fluffy texture.
Mohair yarn is popular for knitting and crochet projects that are meant to be light, warm, and elegant. Think of cardigans, sweaters, scarves, shawls, and accessories with a soft sheen. Because mohair is a luxurious fiber, it’s often more expensive than many basic yarns. In return, you get a special material that provides plenty of warmth without feeling heavy.
Why choose mohair yarn?
Mohair is a great choice if you want to create a project with volume, sheen, and softness. The fiber is light, warm, and has a distinctive fluffy appearance. This means you can create a project that looks full and luxurious even with relatively little yarn.
The main characteristics of mohair yarn are:
- Light and warm: mohair provides plenty of warmth without making your project heavy.
- Soft halo: the fluffy fibers create a light, luxurious look.
- Subtle sheen: Mohair has a beautiful natural sheen.
- Great for a sample project: combine mohair with another yarn for extra softness, volume, and texture.
- Suitable for elegant clothing: ideal for sweaters, cardigans, scarves, and shawls.
Different Types of Mohair Wool
Mohair is often combined with other fibers. This results in a yarn that is easier to work with, holds its shape better, or is more affordable. A mix with Acrylic or Polyamide, such as Rico Fashion Big Mohair, is often more accessible than a luxury blend of mohair and Silk.
A yarn that combines mohair and silk, such as Lana Grossa Silkhair, feels exceptionally refined and has an elegant sheen. These types of yarns are perfect for light, airy sweaters, cardigans, scarves, and shawls. Which type of mohair is best for you depends on your project, budget, and the look you’re going for.
Long-haired and short-haired mohair yarn
Not only can the composition and price vary, but the length of the fibers also determines the yarn’s appearance. Some mohair yarns have long, striking fluffy strands. Others have a shorter, more subtle halo.
Yarns such as Katia Ingenua and Lana Grossa Brigitte No. 3 have a distinctly fluffy look. Lana Grossa Silkhair has a more refined look. There are also Super Kid Mohair yarns. These are exceptionally fine mohair fibers, often sourced from young Angora goats, and they are known for their softness and luxurious look.
Crocheting and Knitting with Mohair Yarn
Knitting and crocheting with mohair sometimes requires a little more attention than working with a smooth yarn. Because of the fluffy fibers, stitches may be less visible, and unraveling them is more difficult. Still, mohair is worth the effort, especially if you love a light, soft, and luxurious finished product.
It’s best to work at a leisurely pace; use a simple pattern if you haven’t worked with mohair very often, and make a gauge swatch first. That way, you can see how the yarn drapes, which Needle Size works best, and how much texture remains visible in your project.
Mohair as a weft yarn
Mohair is often used in combination with another yarn. You knit or crochet with two strands at the same time: your main strand and a thin strand of mohair. This adds softness, warmth, volume, and a subtle fluffy look to your project.
This technique is popular for sweaters, cardigans, scarves, and shawls. The mohair yarn instantly adds depth and a luxurious look to even the simplest pattern. Be sure to always check that your gauge is still correct when combining yarns.
Tips for Working with Mohair
Would you like to learn more about working with mohair? In this blog post about mohair yarns, we share helpful tips and tricks for working with this fine, luxurious yarn. Afterward, you’ll be well-prepared to start a project like a light cardigan, a soft scarf, or, for example, the Bernadette cardigan.
Buy mohair yarn at Yarnplaza
At Yarnplaza, you can easily order mohair yarn and mohair-blend yarns online. Choose from airy lace yarns, luxurious mohair-silk blends, voluminous mohair yarns, and yarns with a distinctly fluffy texture. Pair your favorite mohair with the right Knitting Needles, Crochet Hooks, and accessories, and get started on your next project right away.
FAQs About Mohair Yarn
What is mohair wool?
Mohair wool comes from the Angora goat. The fiber is known for its luster, light weight, warmth, and fluffy appearance.
Is mohair the same as angora?
No, mohair comes from the Angora goat. Angora wool comes from the Angora rabbit. The names are similar, but they are different fibers.
What do you use mohair yarn for?
Mohair yarn is used for sweaters, cardigans, scarves, shawls, accessories, and light, airy projects with a soft sheen. It is also often used as a thread for weaving.
Is mohair difficult to knit or crochet with?
Mohair can be a bit trickier to work with than smooth yarns, because the fluffy fibers decrease the visibility of stitches and can make it harder to pick them up. A simple pattern and working at a steady pace help a lot.
What is Super Kid Mohair?
Super Kid Mohair is an exceptionally fine and soft type of mohair. These fibers often come from young Angora goats and are used to make luxurious, lightweight yarns.
Can you combine mohair with another type of yarn?
Yes, mohair is often used as a blending yarn. By working it together with another yarn, your project will gain more softness, warmth, volume, and a luxurious look.