If you've been paying attention then you've noticed that knitting has become a very popular trend in the past few years. This has set off an increase of online and physical yarn stores that are rapidly appearing everywhere, in fact, novelty and traditional yarns are also becoming readily available in a variety of textures, thickness and colors.

One type of yarn that has become quite popular is angora yarn. If you know anything about angora wool then you won't confuse it with mohair which comes from Angora goats. The similarity in names often causes a confusion and people believe they are purchasing one product when in all actuality they are buying something completely different.

Angora Wool - Things you may not know about this yarn

Angora yarn is so highly valued because it has a low micron count. What is a micron? A micron 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. On the other hand, angora wool maintains a micron count of 12-16 microns.

Angora wool is also valued for its halo or fluffiness. So if you've ever wondered how you can get hold of that light and downy appearance you've noticed in certain garments, the answer is fluffy angora yarn. As a matter of fact, another reason so many people covet angora wool is because it is one of the warmest types of yarn available.

The warmth is the result of hollow strands of hair. This characteristic gives angora wool insulating properties that make it seven times warmer than sheep's wool.

Some people may find the halo bothersome or inconvenient, especially if they have allergies. However, angora can be spun with other wools. This will decrease its softness and price, but makes it more versatile.

In fact, it is probably easier to find angora knitwear that also contains 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.

Luckily, if you're a do-it-yourselfer then you can get hold of 100% angora and make your own project. If you don't find the color you want you can even dye it yourself, something that is possible because angora is a natural fiber.

Get Acquainted with Angora Rabbits

As with other wool-giving animals, angora wool is removed from the rabbit by one of two processes. The rabbit is either sheared or combed to remove the wool. Shearing produces cut fibers while combing insures a long, uncut strand.

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 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 allows ANGORA YARN to produce such plush and unique wool.