What Mohair Is? Everything you need to know about Mohair

Not many people know what mohair is, even though it’s been around for centuries. The only reason I knew about it was that my grandmother used to knit with it. I thought it was just some special type of wool, but it turns out that mohair is actually a lot more interesting than that!

In this blog post, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about mohair. I’ll talk about its history, how it’s made, and the different types of mohair available today.

So, whether you’re a knitting enthusiast like my grandmother or you’re just curious about this silky-smooth wool, keep reading! You might be surprised by how useful and versatile mohair can be.

What is Mohair?

Mohair is a type of textile fiber made from the hair of angora goats. It’s one of the oldest natural fibers in use today, dating back to the 16th century. Angora goats are native to the mountainous regions of Turkey, although they’re now raised in many other parts of the world, including the United States, South Africa, and Australia.

The word “mohair” comes from the Arabic word for Angora goats, which is مُخير (pronounced mukhayyar). The fiber was originally called “angora wool”, but the name was changed to avoid confusion with the angora rabbit, which produces a completely different type of fiber.

Mohair is known for being very strong, durable, and resilient. It’s also incredibly soft and lustrous, which makes it a popular choice for making clothing, blankets, rugs, and other textile products.

The History of Mohair Wool

The history of mohair goes back centuries. The first recorded use of mohair was in the 16th century when it was brought to Europe by travelers from Turkey and Persia. It quickly became popular among the European elite, who used it to make expensive clothing and furnishings.

Mohair continued to be popular throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. In the 19th century, the industrial revolution led to a decline in popularity, as other synthetic fibers were developed that could be produced more cheaply and easily.

Mohair made a comeback in the early 20th century when it was used extensively in military uniforms during World War I. After the war, mohair became popular again for making clothing and other textile products.

Today, mohair is still used in a wide range of textile products. It’s also popular among fiber artists and crafters because of its unique properties.

How Is Mohair Wool Made?

It doesn’t take a lot to produce mohair. Traditionally, all you need is a pair of shearing scissors and an Angora goat.

Harvesting the wool:

The first step in making mohair is to harvest the wool. This is typically done once a year, in the springtime. The Angora goats are sheared using special scissors that are designed to avoid harming the animals or cutting their hair too short.

The sheared wool is then gathered and cleaned to remove any dirt, debris, or other materials. The clean wool is then ready to be used for making mohair products.

Spinning the wool into yarn:

The next step is to spin the wool into yarn. Traditionally, this was done by hand, but nowadays it’s usually done using a machine. The yarn can be used to make a wide variety of textile products, including clothing, blankets, rugs, and more.

The process of spinning mohair into yarn is very similar to the process of spinning other types of wool. First, the wool is fed into a spinning machine where it’s twisted and turned into yarn. The yarn is then wound onto a spool or bobbin so it can be used later.

Once the yarn is made, it can be dyed any color you like. Mohair is typically dyed before it’s made into products, but it can also be left in its natural color, which is a light cream or white.

The Different Types of Mohair Wool

There are two main types of mohair: regular mohair and kid mohair.

Regular mohair wool:

Regular mohair is the most common type of mohair. It’s made from the hair of adult Angora goats and has a long, silky texture. Regular mohair is typically used for making clothing, blankets, and other textile products.

Kid mohair wool:

Kid mohair is made from the hair of young Angora goats. It’s softer and finer than regular mohair, making it ideal for making luxury textile products. Kid mohair is also often used in blends with other fibers to create a unique fabric.

Mohair can also be classified by its fiber diameter. The three main types are:

Fine mohair: 19-23 microns in diameter.

Medium mohair: 23-28 microns in diameter.

Coarse mohair: 28-34 microns in diameter.

Finally, mohair can also be classified by the way it’s processed. The two main types are:

Raw mohair:

Wool that has been sheared from the animal but hasn’t been cleaned or processed in any way is known as raw mohair. Raw mohair typically has a lot of impurities, such as dirt and debris. It may also have a strong animal odor. People usually order raw mohair to spin it into yarn themselves or to have it processed into another form.

Processed mohair:

Wool that has been sheared, cleaned, and combed is considered to be processed and ready to be used for making textile products. It’s typically less expensive than raw mohair because it’s usually mass-produced by large companies for the commercial market. Companies tend to use lower-quality mohair for processing, so the final products may not be as high-quality as those made from raw mohair.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions about mohair.

Is mohair wool hypoallergenic?

Mohair is generally considered to be naturally hypoallergenic. It’s soft on the skin and won’t cause irritation or itchiness like some other types of wool. However, methods companies use to process mohair may introduce chemicals and impurities that can cause allergic reactions in some people. If you’re allergic to wool, it’s best to avoid mohair altogether.

Is mohair environmentally friendly?

Mohair is a natural fiber that comes from Angora goats. The goats are sheared once a year, and the wool is then gathered and processed into yarn or other textile products. The process of gathering and processing mohair is generally considered to be environmentally friendly.

Is mohair warm?

Mohair is a very lightweight fiber, so it’s not as warm as some other types of wool. However, it can still provide some warmth and insulation. Mohair is often used in clothing for cool weather, such as in sweaters and jackets.

Is mohair itchy?

No, mohair is not itchy. It’s actually very soft and smooth, which makes it comfortable to wear next to the skin.

Is mohair vegan?

No, mohair is not vegan because it’s made from the hair of animals. Vegans should avoid products made with mohair.

What’s the difference between mohair and cashmere?

Mohair and cashmere are both types of wool. Mohair is made from the hair of Angora goats, while cashmere is made from the undercoat of Cashmere goats. Mohair is typically coarser and less expensive than cashmere.

Conclusion

Mohair is a type of wool made from the hair of Angora goats. It’s soft, smooth, and hypoallergenic, making it ideal for making clothing, blankets, and other textile products. Mohair can also be processed into yarn or other forms to be used in a variety of different applications.

If you’re looking for a natural fiber that’s environmentally friendly and hypoallergenic, mohair is a great option. Just be sure to check the labels carefully if you’re allergic to wool, as some processing methods may introduce impurities that can cause an allergic reaction.