Where mohair comes from
The Angora goat has long, curly, shiny hair that is usually shorn twice a year. The breed comes from Anatolia (old Angora is today's Ankara), and around half of the world's mohair is now produced in South Africa. Don't confuse it with angora, which is the hair of the Angora rabbit: different fibers from different animals.
Kid mohair, young goat and adult mohair
A goat's hair gets coarser as the animal grows, so mohair is graded by the goat's age at shearing:
| Grade | Source | Approximate fineness | Feel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kid mohair | First shearings of young goats | about 24–30 microns | Softest; fine, light halo |
| Young goat | Goats around two years old | about 30–34 microns | In between |
| Adult mohair | Adult goats | over 34 microns | Shinier and tougher, but coarser |
Figures vary by producer, but the rule is simple: fewer microns, softer fiber. Why fineness matters so much is explained in Highland wool vs merino.
Why knitters love mohair
- Very warm for its weight. The halo traps air, so a mohair sweater is as warm as one in a much thicker wool.
- Luster and color. The hair's smooth surface reflects light, so dyes look rich and bright.
- Strength. It is a long, strong fiber that wears well.
- Forgiving. The halo blurs stitches and hides small tension irregularities.
- Felts less than sheep's wool, although hot water and agitation will still mat it.
Is mohair itchy?
It depends on the grade and on your skin. The prickle comes from the tips of the halo fibers and from the coarser fibers. Kid mohair is the finest grade, so most people find it comfortable, but very sensitive skin may notice it at the neck. A few tips:
- Choose kid mohair, not adult mohair.
- Wear it over a T-shirt or blouse, especially high-neck sweaters.
- Knit the collar or cuffs in another yarn if those areas are sensitive.
- Before a big project, knit a swatch and hold it against your inner wrist or neck for a while.
What to make with kid mohair
- Light sweaters and cardigans on larger needles than usual: the fabric turns open and airy, like a cloud.
- Held double with another yarn to add halo, softness and warmth. One strand of mohair alongside a smooth wool completely changes how a garment looks.
- Shawls, scarves, cowls and hats, where lightness and sheen really show.
All the tips for knitting it (needles, holding double, frogging without breaking and washing) are in How to knit with mohair.
SLOW MO, our kid mohair
SLOW MO is 100% kid mohair in a 50 g / 150 m Flat Ball, for 5–8 mm (US 8–11) needles. It comes in five colors designed to combine with each other and with our wools: Saffron Bloom, Deep Emerald, Cardinal Red, Blackberry Jam and Inkwell Blue. Now available for pre-order.
FAQ
Are mohair and angora the same?
No. Mohair comes from the Angora goat; angora comes from the Angora rabbit.
What is the difference between kid mohair and mohair?
Kid mohair is the grade from young goats: finer, softer, with a more delicate halo. Plain "mohair" is usually from adult goats, thicker and coarser.
Is mohair warm?
Very. For its weight it is one of the warmest fibers, because the halo holds warm air.
Can you crochet with mohair?
Yes, though the halo makes stitches harder to see. Use a slightly larger hook and simple stitches.
How do you wash mohair?
By hand, in cool or lukewarm water (30 °C / 86 °F max) with wool wash, no rubbing or wringing, and dry flat. More in our guide to knitting with mohair.
