Mohair is a silk like yarn
that is produced by spinning the fleece of an Angora goat. Being one of the
oldest textile fibers in use it is believed to originate from the mountains of
Tibet. In 1820 mohair started being exported to England from Turkey where it
had made its way down during the 16th century, although
knowledge of the textile dates back to the 8th century. Today
South Africa and the United States are the most prominent producers of mohair.
Having the nickname
“diamond fiber” due to its high luster, Mohair is composed mainly of keratin
making it resistant to moisture wicking, stretch, flame and creases. It is
considered a luxury fiber like cashmere or silk. Though unlike cashmere, Mohair
is a single-coat bread, making production easier because it does not need to be
separated from coarse hair to down hair.
Mohair is shorn from the
Goat twice a year in spring and fall. Once it is processed to remove natural
grease and dirt, it can be spun into a yarn. One goat can produce 11-17 pounds
of mohair a year. Mohair increases in diameter with the age of the goat. The
finer hairs of a young goat are used for more delicate applications such as
clothing while the older, thicker hair can be used for carpets and other heavy
fabrics such as outerwear.
Mohair is a versatile yarn;
in addition to having a distinctive luster it also absorbs dyes exceptionally
well, allowing Mohair to be dyed in to vivid and saturated colors. Mohair is
used from scarves, hats, coats and even home furnishings and rugs. Due to its
resemblance to human hair mohair is also used for high-end Doll hair. Unlike
cashmere or alpaca, Mohair is not a soft yarn so it is often blended with other
fibers when wanting to enhance its softness.
References
Yates, M. (2002). Fabrics a guide for interior designers and architects. new york: w. w. norton & company.
Mohair Council of Ameria. (2012). The story of mohair. Retrieved from http://www.mohairusa.com/
