Mohair Yarn

Mohair yarn is the fibre of light, warmth, and extraordinary softness — prized for the luminous halo it creates and the way it transforms any project into something luxurious. From fine kid mohair-silk held double to brushed mohair for cosy textures, our collection spans the full range of this exceptional fibre.

What is the difference between mohair and kid mohair?

Mohair and kid mohair come from the same animal — the Angora goat — but from different stages of life. Regular mohair is sheared from adult goats and has a longer, slightly coarser fibre with excellent durability and a bold halo. Kid mohair is sheared from young goats, producing a significantly finer, softer fibre that is gentle enough to wear against sensitive skin and creates a more delicate, luminous halo. For most knitting applications — particularly shawls, lightweight garments, and anything held double alongside a main yarn — kid mohair is the preferred choice because of its softness and the quality of its drape. Regular mohair is well suited to projects where durability and a more substantial texture are priorities.

How do I hold mohair double with another yarn?

Holding a fine kid mohair-silk double with another yarn is straightforward in practice but benefits from a little preparation. Both yarns are held together on the same needle and worked as one throughout the pattern. The key is to keep both strands untangled as you work — winding the mohair and main yarn onto separate balls placed in separate bowls, or using a yarn holder that keeps them apart, prevents the mohair's long fibres from catching on the main yarn as you knit. In terms of gauge, a fine kid mohair-silk (typically around 25 grams / 200–250m per ball) adds very little bulk to the main yarn's gauge — you will generally use the needle size recommended for the main yarn alone, though it is always worth swatching first. Most Scandinavian patterns from designers like Knitting for Olive and Isager specify exactly which mohair to hold alongside their recommended main yarn, making the choice straightforward.

Is mohair yarn suitable for knitters in Scotland's climate?

Mohair is exceptionally well suited to Scotland's climate, and particularly to the layering approach that Scottish weather demands. Its warmth-to-weight ratio is remarkable — a fine kid mohair shawl provides genuine insulation while remaining light enough to fold into a bag or wear loosely over the shoulders indoors. Mohair-blend garments are also resilient to damp conditions, as the long fibres and natural crimp help the fabric repel light moisture and dry quickly. For the cool, damp springs and autumns that characterise much of Scotland's west coast — including Ayrshire and Glasgow — a mohair-blend lightweight cardigan or wrap is one of the most genuinely useful pieces a knitter can make.

How do I care for mohair yarn garments and shawls?

Mohair garments and shawls require gentle care, but they are not as fragile as their luxurious feel might suggest. Most kid mohair-silk blends should be hand washed in cool water with a small amount of wool-safe detergent — gentle swirling and soaking rather than agitation, as mohair fibres can felt or matt if rubbed or wrung. Rinse thoroughly and press excess water out gently between towels before laying flat to dry, shaped to the correct dimensions. Hanging a wet mohair garment is not recommended as the weight of the water will cause it to stretch significantly. For shawls, blocking while damp is worthwhile — it opens the stitch pattern and helps the fabric settle into its final drape and dimensions.

Why does my mohair yarn look tangled or pill — and how do I prevent it?

Mohair's long, fine fibres are what create its characteristic halo, but those same fibres mean that it can snag and tangle more readily than smoother yarns if not handled carefully. When knitting, it is important not to pull mohair back through stitches if you make a mistake — unlike standard wool, mohair cannot easily be unknitted (frogged) without the fibres matting and tangling. If you need to undo a section, do so very slowly stitch by stitch rather than pulling the yarn back through in one motion. Pilling in wear is more likely with regular mohair than kid mohair, as the coarser adult fibres have more friction against clothing. Kid mohair's finer fibres are considerably more resistant to pilling in normal wear, which is another reason it is the preferred grade for most garment applications.