When it comes to hand-knitted apparel, there are few materials that can match the beauty and luxury of mohair. Mohair is a natural fiber that comes from the Angora goat and is known for its softness, luster, and durability. We will explore the unique qualities of hand-knitting mohair apparel. Using Mohair in hand-knitted apparel is a perfect choice for those looking to create beautiful, high-quality hand-knitted garments.
What is Mohair and Where Does it Come From?
Mohair is a natural fiber that is obtained from the Angora goat, not to be confused with fur from the Angora rabbit. These goats are primarily found in Turkey, South Africa, and the United States. Mohair is considered a luxury fiber due to its softness, luster, and durability. It is also a sustainable and eco-friendly fiber as Angora goats are shorn twice a year, and the fiber regrows without harm to the animal.
Qualities of Mohair in Hand knitted Apparel
Mohair is a versatile fiber that possesses several unique qualities that make it a favorite among hand knitters. One of the most notable qualities of mohair is its softness. It is considered one of the softest fibers available, making it perfect for creating comfortable and cozy garments. Additionally, mohair has a natural luster that reflects light and gives garments a subtle sheen. It is also incredibly durable, making it an excellent choice for creating long-lasting, heirloom-quality pieces.
Why Choose Mohair in Hand Knitted Apparel?
Hand-knitted garments made from mohair have several advantages over those made from other materials. Mohair is incredibly lightweight, making it ideal for creating garments that are warm and cozy without feeling heavy or bulky. Additionally, mohair has a natural elasticity that allows it to stretch without losing its shape, ensuring that garments made from this fiber will fit well and maintain their shape over time. Mohair is also highly breathable, which makes it an excellent choice for creating garments that can be worn in a variety of temperatures.
The Beauty of Mohair in Handknitted Apparel
When it comes to hand-knitted apparel, mohair’s softness, luster, and durability make it an ideal choice for creating beautiful and luxurious garments. Mohair’s natural sheen adds a subtle glow to garments that can’t be replicated by other fibers, giving each piece a unique and elegant look. Additionally, the texture of mohair adds depth and dimension to hand-knitted garments, making them stand out and catch the eye.
Yarn Quality for Mohair in Knitwear Manufacturing
Mohair wool comes in a variety of microns and can be blended with other materials. However, we specifically use a blend of 76% Mohair wool, 16% Merino Wool, and 6% Nylon that is either 22 microns in diameter. Our Mohair yarn has a thickness of 1/2Nm, which means that it is relatively fine compared to other yarns. The Nm value represents the length of the yarn in meters per gram, with a higher Nm indicating a finer yarn. In this case, the 1/2 Nm value suggests that each gram of our Merino yarn has a length of 2 meters. The fluffiness of Mohair creates density in knitwear.
Our knitting gauge for jersey knit is 18 stitches and 28 rows per 10 x 10 cm. This means that when knitting a jersey fabric using our Merino yarn, you should aim for 18 stitches and 28 rows within a 10 x 10 cm area to achieve the intended fabric density and size.
Fluffiness of Mohair Yarn
Mohair if brushed brings the fluffiness in the yarn which makes it feel more plush and luxurious.
Caring for Mohair Apparels
While mohair is a durable and long-lasting fiber, it does require some special care to keep garments looking their best. Handwashing is the best way to care for mohair garments, as the agitation of a washing machine can damage delicate fibers. When washing, use a gentle detergent and lukewarm water, and avoid twisting or wringing the garment. Instead, gently squeeze out excess water and lay flat to dry.
Is mohair a sustainable fiber?
Yes, mohair is considered a sustainable and eco-friendly fiber. Angora goats are shorn twice a year, and the fiber regrows without harm to the animal.
What makes mohair different from other fibers?
Mohair is incredibly soft, lightweight, and durable, with a natural luster that reflects light and gives garments a subtle sheen. It also has a unique texture that adds depth and dimension to hand-knitted garments.
Can mohair garments be machine washed?
It is best to handwash mohair garments, as the agitation of a washing machine can damage the delicate fibers.
What types of garments are best suited for mohair?
Mohair is an excellent choice for creating a variety of garments, including sweaters, shawls, hats, and scarves. It is also a popular fiber for creating cozy blankets and throws.
Is mohair suitable for those with sensitive skin?
Mohair is hypoallergenic and is a suitable fiber for those with sensitive skin. It is also a breathable fiber that helps regulate body temperature, making it comfortable to wear in a variety of temperatures.
Caution on Mohair
It is important to be aware that not all materials labeled as “Mohair” are made purely from Mohair. Many blends of wool, nylon, and synthetic fibers are brushed to resemble Mohair but contain little or no Mohair at all. To ensure that you are using high-quality, genuine Mohair in your knitting, it’s important to investigate the fiber blends and reach out to genuine vendors. In Nepal, it is possible to find yarn that is made up of a blend of 30% wool and 70% nylon.
While there are many imitations on the market, the softness and luster of genuine Mohair is unmatched. Mohair fibers are naturally curly, which gives them a unique texture and sheen that cannot be replicated with other fibers.
In conclusion, mohair is a beautiful, luxurious, and versatile fiber that is perfect for hand-knitted apparel. Its softness, luster, and durability make it an ideal choice for creating beautiful, high-quality garments that will last for years. Whether you are a seasoned knitter or just starting, mohair is a fiber that is well worth exploring. With proper care, your hand-knitted mohair garments will be treasured for years to come.