Articles

If you hadn't noticed, knitting has become a very popular trend in the past few years. This has set off an increase of online and physical yarn stores that are rapidly appearing everywhere, in fact, novelty and traditional yarns are also becoming readily available in a variety of textures, thickness and colors.

One type of yarn that everyone is hoping to get their hands on is angora yarn. Angora wool is obtained from angora rabbits, not to be confused with mohair which is obtained from Angora goats.

Angora Wool - Things you may not know about this yarn

Angora yarn is so highly valued because it has a low micron count. What is a micron? A micron is the measurement used to express the diameter of a wool fiber. The lower the micron count the finer the wool.

As a comparison, merino wool can range from 10-25 microns while mohair ranges from 25-45 microns. However, when referring to angora wool the micron count maintains itself between 12 or 16 microns.

Angora wool is also noted for its halo or fluffiness. Fluffy angora yarn is what gives garments its light, downy appearance. In fact, angora wool is also one of the warmest types of yarn.

If you're wondering why this wool is so warm it's simply because of the hollow strands of hair, a characteristic that gives angora wool insulating properties.

Some people don't like the halo effect that surrounds this type of wool, however it can be spun together with other wools to make it less irritating and also less expensive.

In fact, it may be easier to find angora knitwear that is also made with some percentage of other wools, even acrylic fibers. This also goes for angora sweaters, mittens, scarves and caps, all of which are made from 100% angora wool.

Luckily, if you're a do-it-yourselfer then you can get hold of 100% angora and make your own project. If you don't find the color you want you can even dye it yourself, something that is possible because angora is a natural fiber.

Get Acquainted with Angora Rabbits

Similar to sheep's wool, the angora wool is removed directly from the rabbit by one of two processes. The rabbit will be either sheared or combed to remove the wool. Shearing produces cut fibers while combing insures a long, uncut strand.

Unlike larger animals, rabbits can be kept in residential areas. This is why so many people decided to raise their own animals and spin their own yarn. However, this does require a certain level of investment, both in time and money.

ANGORA YARN offers hand dyed and handspun yarn that is made with 100% angora fiber. In order to harvest such a lovely blend of angora hair the angora rabbits are well taken care of and combed on a periodically basis. This attention to detail is the reason ANGORA YARN can offer such a plush and unique brand of angora wool.