What kind of yarn is mohair?

The wide variety of yarn types can be confusing for beginning knitters. Therefore, before choosing threads for knitting any product, you need to carefully study the possible options, consider their characteristics and features. This is the only way to get the thing you want and not waste your time and effort.

Mohair yarn: composition and characteristics

Yarn began to be produced in Europe and America only in the middle of the twentieth century. Until this moment, the export of Angora goats, from whose wool this soft yarn was made, was strictly prohibited from Turkey.

Mohair is a light, very soft and warm yarn that is ideal for knitting children's items and clothes for adults, as well as useful little things for everyday life such as bedspreads, blankets, capes and more. Products made from mohair are distinguished by their extraordinary softness and beauty. A striking example of a product made from mohair is the traditional Orenburg scarf.

Among the main characteristics of the thread are:

• special softness and fluffiness;
• ease;
• strength;
• good thermal conductivity.

Important! Mohair is a very beautiful material, but in order for it to retain its external qualities for a long time, products made from such material must be properly cared for.

Besides, fabric is ideal for dyeing, thanks to which it is possible to obtain bright and unusual things. The main thing is not to forget about proper care of painted items so that the product does not lose color.

Classification of mohair threads

There is a generally accepted classification of mohair varieties. The threads are distinguished not only by the method of production, but also by the characteristics of the material:

1. Kid Mohair (made from the wool of a young six-month-old kid obtained during the first haircut; this yarn is distinguished by its extraordinary softness and tenderness);
2. Going Mohair (the quality is slightly lower, but still remains high, obtained from wool taken during the second shearing of a young goat);
3. Adult Mohair (also soft, but not a luxury yarn; it is obtained from the wool of an adult goat).

In a skein of thread, mohair is usually not the only material; it is mixed with other threads. The share of natural mohair in such yarn is usually 10–83%. But despite the additives, the thread remains soft and has a unique ability to retain heat in an almost weightless fabric.

Pros and cons of yarn

The undoubted advantages of the yarn are its softness combined with elasticity and strength. Delicate material makes it possible to create beautiful things that are pleasant to the body and look great.

In addition, the finished product has a wonderful silky sheen to the yarn, repels dirt and does not pill. Products made from mohair fit perfectly and do not pill; thanks to their natural elasticity, they retain their shape remarkably well..

Among the disadvantages, only the high cost of yarn is highlighted. Due to their extraordinary properties and high popularity, such threads are very expensive. In addition, finished mohair products require regular and careful care, which will help keep the item in its original form.

Important! Due to the high demand for items made of mohair and thread, counterfeits are often sold in stores. Therefore, before purchasing, you should study the question of how to distinguish natural wool thread from a cheap fake.

What can be knitted from it?

This is an excellent material for clothing for men and women. It is soft, allows the body to breathe freely and retains heat perfectly. The item retains heat remarkably well in any weather, and the surprisingly delicate and warm colors will make you look attractive in any situation.

It is also used to create numerous children's clothing. Here you can fully use your imagination and create cute sweaters, overalls, scarves and hats that your child will love. The main thing is that they do not prick the skin and are pleasant to the body, which the baby will definitely appreciate.

Features of caring for mohair

In some cases, for items made from elite mohair type, care available only in professional dry cleaning. Washing by hand can completely ruin the product. Proper care of a mohair product at home involves hand washing with special products or shampoo and drying on a horizontal absorbent surface.

Important! If you don’t have a special powder for washing woolen items on hand, you should use regular hair shampoo.

Do not iron the product with a hot iron. It is better to straighten and lightly beat the product or use a steamer.