What Is Angora Yarn?
There is much to know about Angora yarn--where it comes from, how it's harvested and made into yarn, and the types of things commonly made with it. Angora yarn comes from the fur of the Angora rabbit.
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About Angora
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The fur of the Angora rabbit is not to be confused with mohair, which comes from the wool of the Angora goat. Angora yarn is known for its fluffiness and silky softness.
Types
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The American Rabbit Breeders Association recognizes four different types of Angora rabbit: Giant, Satin, English and French. However, many other breeds exist, and each breed produces fiber of different qualities and quantities, as well as different colors.
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Angora Production
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The United States, Chile, Europe and China all produce Angora fur. Four times per year, the fur is harvested. Most breeds of Angora rabbits molt naturally, so the fur can be plucked or merely collected as it molts. Some prefer to shear the rabbits in an effort to save time, but guard hairs are included when the rabbits are sheared, which results in a lower quality of fleece. The rabbits need grooming at least once or twice per week to keep the fur from matting and felting, and to keep them from swallowing loose fur. Unlike cats, rabbits can't cough up hairballs.
Yarn Production
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The fur is usually blended with wool (to provide elasticity) and then spun into yarn.
Quality
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The highest quality fiber comes from the rabbit's back and upper sides. It's normally the longest and cleanest fur as well.
Colors
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The natural colors of Angora rabbits are brown, white and black. However, the French breed's fur contains more guard hairs than other breeds. These guard hairs absorb dye more readily, and thus many colored items are made from French Angora rabbit wool.
Luxury
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Angora is considered a luxury fiber that's usually made into sweaters, hats and scarves. Most of the items made with Angora are very expensive, due to the harvesting process and the fact that so few producers exist.
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