The increased popularity of knitting has brought a great deal of attention to natural fiber yarns. One of the most popular types of natural yarns is angora yarn. This type of yarn has been revered for its low micron count, halo (fluffiness) and warm nature for years.
Angora wool is attained from angora rabbits. The process is quite simple and harmless. The fur is removed through a shearing process or by combing the loose hair off the animal.
Angora rabbits can be bred in residential areas, making it possible for anyone to raise, spin and dye their own yarn. Keep in mind that these animals should be well taken care of, just like any household pet.
Finding and Making Angora Knitwear
If you are not willing to raise your own rabbits, you can find a wide range of online and local stores that carry angora yarn for knitting. Some stores even offer handspun wool which is far better than the common machine spun yarn.
Angora knitwear is also available in a variety of stores, however, an angora blend that includes other types of yarn is much more common. You see, angora wool has significant halo, which can be bothersome to people with allergies.
Angora blends are often made of angora, acrylic fibers, and sheep’s wool. The purpose behind these blends is to help the angora fiber stay in place and therefore reduce the fluffiness that is what often causes problems in some people.
The Benefits of Angora Garments
If fluffy angora yarn doesn’t bother you then you can reap all of its benefits. One of the biggest benefits is that angora is one of the warmest yarns available, in fact, it is seven times warmer than traditional sheep’s wool.
This characteristic is the result of the hollow strand of angora fiber. The hollow chamber acts as an insulating element, an aspect that is much needed in colder climates.
Angora yarn is also light and airy, as a matter of fact, it feels like a billowy cloud. This is also the result of the hollow fibers.
Since it is a natural fiber, you can also dye angora yarn any color you’d like. Dyeing should be done with the cold-dye method and not with boiling water because natural fibers tend to felt with hot water.
Angora is not only a very versatility product, but also a very beautiful one.
ANGORA YARN offers a wide range of angora products which include angora sweaters made from 100% angora yarn. You can also find angora knitting yarns in a large variety of colors that are ideal for any type of knitting project.
- Loreto Marquez