If you've been paying attention then you've noticed that knitting has become a very popular trend in the past few years. Online and physical yarn stores are popping up everywhere, not to mention the fact that novelty and traditional yarns have become readily available in a variety of textures, thickness, and colors.

One type of traditional yarn that has recently become quite popular is angora yarn. Angora wool can exclusively from angora rabbits unlike mohair than comes from Angora goats. Their names may be the same, but each animal produces very different products.

Angora Wool - Things you may not know about this yarn

Angora yarn has a low micron count which is the measurement used to express the diameter of a wool fiber. The lower the micron count the finer the wool.

As a comparison, merino wool can range from 10-25 microns while mohair ranges from 25-45 microns. Angora wool, however, maintains a micron count of 12-16 microns.

Angora wool is also noted for its halo or fluffiness. Fluffy angora yarn is what gives garments its light, downy appearance. In fact, another reason angora wool is so sought after is because it is also one of the warmest types of yarn.

Angora strands are hollow which is the reason why it has the insulating properties that make it seven times warmer than sheep's wool.

Some people don't like the halo effect that surrounds this type of wool, however it can be spun together with other wools to make it less irritating and also less expensive.

In fact, it may be easier to find angora knitwear that is also made with some percentage of other wools, even acrylic fibers. This also goes for angora sweaters. However, you may be able to find smaller accessories (mittens, scarves and caps) that are made with 100% angora wool.

Fortunately, 100% angora yarn can still be purchased if you are interested in making your own garments. Because this fiber is natural, you can dye it yourself or simply look for dyed wool.

Angora Rabbits

Similar to sheep's wool, the angora wool is removed directly from the rabbit by one of two processes. The rabbit is either sheared or combed to remove the wool. Combing is often preferred over shearing because it doesn't lead to a cut strand of lesser quality.

Unlike larger animals, rabbits can be kept in residential areas which is a reason why so many people have now decided to raise their own animals and spin their own yarn. However, this isn't precisely something that appeals to everyone, especially considering that it does require a certain level of investment, both in time and money.

ANGORA YARN offers 100% angora fiber that has been hand dyed and turned into a beautiful handspun yarn. In order to harvest such a lovely blend of angora hair the angora rabbits are well taken care of and combed on a periodically basis. This attention to detail is what helps ANGORA YARN produce plush and unique wool.