How to Weave With Mohair Yarn

Angora goats thrive in dry, mountainous regions.

Mohair yarn is a natural fiber woven from the coat of Angora goats. Though the U.S. didn't have any of these goats until 1849, it is now the second largest producer of mohair in the world. The Angora goat fleece is made into a variety of products, including boots, blankets, carpet and, of course, yarn. This beautiful yarn is shiny and soft and is made in varying textures from thick and wooly to soft and whispery. It can be knitted and crocheted into hats, scarves, mittens and sweaters, or it can be woven. Weaving with mohair can be difficult because of the many fibers that spin out from the central thread, but with a few guidelines, you can simplify the task with beautiful results.

Things You'll Need

• Handweaving loom or loom of your choice
• Mohair yarn
• Matching yarn if desired
• Wide-toothed comb

Instructions

1. Tie on the warp threads, making sure they are spaced far enough apart that the fibers don't get tangled or cause confusion; 1/4 inch apart is usually enough.

2. Tie the mohair onto the side of the loom and begin weaving back and forth through the warp threads to create the weft. When you reach the end of the first row, weave back through the warp thread being sure to go under threads you went over and over threads you went under.

3. 

   Many beautiful projects can be made by weaving on a loom.

   Use the wide-toothed comb to compress the mohair rows and move them back on the loom. Continue to comb each row back gently or firmly, depending on whether you want a thick, tight weave or an airier, more open weave.

4. Remove the project from the loom by cutting and tying off each warp thread. It is easier to hide these short ends amidst the many mohair fibers by using a blunt tapestry needle to weave the ends through the work.

Tips & Warnings

• Consider using a different soft yarn that is not mohair for your warp threads. This will keep the tangling to a minimum, but the weft threads will still give the look of mohair that you want.

• If you want your warp threads closer together, weave a thin, flexible (1/8-inch) dowel through the warp threads so that you can move it up and down to separate the warp yarn for weaving through.

• If you have a very luxurious mohair, you may need to spray the warp threads with hair spray to keep the fuzz from tangling.

References

• Mohair Council of America: The Story of Mohair
• Handweavers Guild of America: Which Loom Should I Buy?
• Evelyn Oldroyd: Weaving Mohair

Resources

• Weaving World: Tips & Tricks for Weaving & Spinning