Angora Goats and Angora Rabbits
Both Breeds Produce Fine Fibers Used in High Quality Textiles
The Angora Goat and the Angora Rabbit both produce high quality fibers used in a range of textiles including fabrics and yarns.
Many breeds of animals other than sheep produce fiber that is used in the textile industry. Goats, alpaca, rabbits and other animals have fiber which is highly regarded. Two of the most well known are the Angora rabbit and the Angora goat.
Fiber from the Angora rabbit is called Angora, while fiber from the Angora goat is called Mohair. There are other breeds of animal called Angora: for instance there are Angora cats and even Angora ferrets; however, only the rabbit and the goat have fiber which is used commercially to produce yarn and fabric.
Angora Rabbit
The Angora rabbit produces a fiber which is extremely fine and soft. Due to the softness of the fiber, it is rarely used on its own, and is often blended with other fibers such as wool to provide added strength. Angora gives a distinct bloom when washed and is typically used to provide a luxury knitted jersey fabric for sweaters, scarves and wraps.
Angora rabbit fiber is naturally available in a range of shades; however for commercial use white rabbits are bred and the fiber dyed. The rabbit in the photograph is a brown satin Angora, whose fiber is highly prized by hand spinners and weavers, but not normally produced commercially. The fine fiber means that the angora rabbit needs special treatment. They are kept free from debris which may catch and mat in their coats.
The fiber from Angora rabbits is collected four times a year when the rabbit moults. The fiber from the rabbit is either plucked or clipped. Both processes are painless to the rabbit.
Angora Goat – Mohair
Mohair comes from the Angora goat. This breed of goat is famous for its long flowing locks of white shiny hair. The fiber from a young kid goat is highly prized, however the fleece from all angora goats is fine with a sheen. The fiber is sometimes blended with other fibers, or can make a strong fiber if used on its own. Kid mohair blended with silk is popular and gives a resulting fabric with a soft sheen. Mohair fabric is often used for coating and suiting, and is a good quality, versatile textile.
When the mohair is processed it is either spun so the yarn is left fluffy, with a ‘halo’, or spun smooth. The fluffy yarn is often woven into suiting and the textured finish is attractive for use in a range of clothing.
Although colored Angora goats are bred, most commercial herds are white. The coat of the Angora goat grows quickly, around an inch a month is normal. The goats are sheared twice a year. Mohair fibers don’t felt as quickly as fine wools such as merino, and fabrics made from mohair are hard wearing.
Tips For Looking After Fabric Containing Angora and Mohair
- Hand wash or use the delicate program on a washing machine
- Dry flat to avoid the fabric pulling out of shape
- Gently brush the fabric to raise a 'halo' if required
