How to Knit a Mohair Scarf

Angora goats have been raised for their hair since Biblical times.

Mohair, made from the hair of angora goats that originated from Ankara Turkey, has been a prized choice for knitters and other craftspeople for many years. Its lightweight, hollow structure allows it to wick moisture away from the skin, making it cool in warm weather and warm in cool weather, even when wet. It shrinks less than wool, is very elastic and is stronger than steel wire of the same diameter. People who are allergic to wool are able to wear mohair without discomfort. It is easily dyed, resistant to fading and non-flammable. Mohair is an ideal choice for beautiful and durable scarves.

Things You'll Need

• Mohair yarn
• Knitting needles
• Scissors
• Hairbrush

Instructions

1. Choose a simple pattern. Because mohair is often fuzzy, complicated stitch patterns may not show up well. Simple lace patterns worked in thin yarn on large needles work well.

2. Use needles with a more blunt, less sharp tip. This will help you insert the needle in the proper part of the stitch, which can be difficult to see through the fuzziness of the mohair.

3. Work carefully to avoid mistakes. It is very difficult to unravel a piece knitted in mohair. The texture of the mohair will camouflage small mistakes. However if you must rip out a section, do it stitch by stitch. f the fibers stick together, use a pair of small scissors to cut them apart.

4. Finish a scarf knitted in mohair by wet blocking it. Spray the scarf with water, stretch it out on a flat surface such as a blocking board, ironing board or bed, and pin it in place until it is dry.

Tips & Warnings

• If moths have infested your mohair yarn, put it in a plastic bag and place in a freezer for 48 hours to kill the larvae. Store mohair yarn with mothballs to prevent moth infestations Freezing mohair makes it easier to unravel.

References

• Subversive Knitting; Lesson: Tips for Knitting with Mohair; Donna Druchunas; 2006
• The Purl Bee; Whit's Knits: Mohair Lace Scarf; Purl Soho; 2009
• Mohair Council of America; The Story of Mohair; mohair USA; 2007
• AngoraGoat; Mohair; 2008
• Binhai Times; Natural Fibres; Mohair
• Knitting Daily; Knitting With Mohair, Kathleen Cubley; 2011
• Vogue Knitting; Blocking; 2011

Resources

• Canadian Living; Knit a Mohair Scarf or Wrap; 2011
• Knitting with Mohair; Debbie Robinson; 1988
• Mohair Knitting By Nihon Vogue Staff; 1984
• Ronan Fibers; Selecting Mohair for Your Project; 2008