The upswing in the 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 is highly appealing because it has a low micron count and a halo-like fluffiness that can keep you warm during the cold winter months.

Angora wool is attained from angora rabbits through a harmless process. These animals are shorn or combed periodically to remove their fur.

Angora rabbits can be bred in residential areas, so it is absolutely possible for everyone 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.

Angora Knitwear

Because it's not easy to raise your own angora rabbits, nor is it easy to comb, spin, or dye your own yarn, you can find a wide range of online and local stores that carry angora yarn for knitting. Some of these stores also offer handspun wool versus machine spun. This gives the yarn a more unique quality.

Angora knitwear is also available in a variety of stores, however, an angora blend that includes other types of yarn is much more common. This is mostly because angora wool can be bothersome to people with allergies.

Angora blends include angora, sheep's wool, and acrylic fibers. The purpose of these blends is to help the angora fiber stay in place and therefore reduce the fluffiness may irritate some people.

Benefits of Angora Garments

If you do not mind fluffy angora yarn then you can reap all of its benefits. One of the biggest benefits is that it is seven times warmer than traditional sheep's wool making it one of the warmest yarns available.

This characteristic is due to the hollow strand of angora fiber. The hollow chamber acts as an insulating element which another reason why angora yarn is ideal for colder climates.

Angora yarn is also light and airy, a characteristic that is noticeable simple by touching the fibers. This can also be accredited to the hollow fibers.

Because it is a natural fiber it can be hand-dyed to match any color you'd like. Dyeing should be done with the cold-dye method instead of messing with boiling water, as natural fibers tend to felt with hot water.

The versatility of this product is one of its most attractive features. Nevertheless, angora yarn is also one of the most esthetically pleasing yarns.