Angora: Knitting Properties
Angora — from the angora rabbit, not the angora goat (which produces mohair) — is one of the warmest natural fibres available, with a distinctive halo and an extremely soft hand.
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Halo and shedding
Angora has a much more pronounced halo than mohair, with longer, softer fibres extending from every stitch. The fibres also shed continuously, depositing fluff on whatever the garment touches. This is intrinsic to angora and cannot be eliminated.
Warmth
Angora is one of the warmest natural fibres by weight — significantly warmer than wool. A 100% angora hat or mitten is suitable for the coldest weather.
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Best uses
Hats, mittens, and accessories worn in cold weather. Often blended with wool (10–30% angora) to add warmth and halo without the full shedding problem.
Ethical concerns
The angora industry has documented animal welfare issues, particularly in some major-producer countries. Look for certified ethically-sourced angora or for blends that minimise the angora content.
Abbreviation reference
| Abbreviation | Meaning |
|---|---|
| CYC | Craft Yarn Council |
Tips
- Choose ethically-sourced angora — the industry has documented welfare issues.
- Expect significant shedding with 100% angora; less with blends.
- Use angora for cold-weather accessories where the warmth is most useful.
In depth
Angora was a popular hand-knitting fibre through the 20th century but has declined in recent years due to ethical concerns and the popularity of cashmere as an alternative luxury fibre. Modern ethically-sourced angora is a niche but high-quality choice for cold-weather accessories.