Angola Yarn: What Makes It Unique?

Angola yarn is a type of conventional trade term used to describe a particular type of union or mixture yarn made from a blend of natural fibres such as silk, polyester, linen, cotton, and wool. It can also be made from synthetic fibres such as polyester, acrylic, spandex, and Kevlar. Angola yarn is used to create a variety of textile fabrics, both knitted and woven, and is known for its soft and mellow feel. It is often used to create garments such as underwear, nightwear, and shirts.

Angola yarn is a blend of natural fibres

Angola yarn is a natural fibre produced by Angora rabbits. Angora fibre is distinct from mohair, which comes from the Angora goat, and is also distinct from cashmere, which comes from cashmere goats. Angora is known for its softness, thin fibres, and what knitters refer to as a "halo" (its fluffiness). It is also known for its silky texture. Angora rabbits produce coats in a variety of colours, from white through tan, grey, and brown to black. Angora wool is also much warmer and lighter than regular wool due to the hollow core of the angora fibre.

Angora yarn is a blend of natural fibres, typically mixed with wool to give the yarn elasticity, as Angora fibre is not naturally elastic. The blend decreases the softness and halo of the yarn, as well as the price of the finished object. Commercial knitting yarns typically use 30-50% angora to produce some halo, warmth, and softness without the side effects of excessive felting. Angora yarns are used as accents and are popular for knitting sweaters, scarves, gloves, and suit jackets.

There are four different types of Angora recognised by the American Rabbit Breeders' Association: English, French, Satin, and Giant. There are many other breeds, with German Angoras being one of the more common. Each breed produces a different quality and quantity of fibre and has a different range of colours. Angora rabbits produce full coats of fur within 3-4 months, and harvesting occurs up to three times a year. The fur is collected by either plucking or shearing the moulting fur.

Angora wool is one of the most expensive natural textile fibres, with a single ounce of Angora wool costing as much as £15, and garments made with this fabric are correspondingly expensive.

It is soft, strong, and durable

Angola yarn is soft, strong, and durable. It is a blend of different natural and synthetic fibres, such as cotton, silk, polyester, linen, spandex, and Kevlar. The blend of fibres gives Angola yarn its characteristic soft and mellow feel. This soft and durable quality of Angola yarn also makes it suitable for a variety of textile applications.

The blend of fibres in Angola yarn also imparts strength to the yarn. The cotton staple, for example, improves the spinning properties of the wool, allowing for finer counts of yarn to be spun than would be possible with wool alone. The resulting yarn is surprisingly strong and can be used for knitting and crochet projects.

The softness and durability of Angola yarn make it suitable for a wide range of textile applications. It can be used alone or in combination with other yarns, such as cotton, silk, artificial silk, and worsted yarns. Angola yarn is commonly used in the production of "union" fabrics, such as underwear, shirts, pyjamas, and nightgowns. It is also employed in the weft series of threads in certain types of warp-faced worsted fabrics, where it is obscured at the back of the cloth and protected from wear and tear.

The soft and durable nature of Angola yarn also makes it ideal for creating lightweight and gossamer garments, such as lace and scarves. Its strength and softness make it suitable for knitting and crochet projects that require a strong yet soft yarn, such as blankets, sweaters, and scarves.

It is used for knitting and crocheting

Angola yarn is a conventional trade term used to describe a particular type of "union" or "mixture" yarn. It is produced from short-staple or "shoddy" wool and raw staple cotton, blended together by a "scribbling" process to ensure a thorough mix before spinning. The cotton and wool are blended in varying proportions, depending on the desired fabric type and characteristics such as texture and "feel". A standard quality of Angola yarn contains 80% wool and 20% cotton.

The addition of cotton improves the spinning properties of the wool, allowing for finer counts of yarn to be produced. It also gives the yarn a soft and mellow feel, a distinctive characteristic of Angola fabrics.

Angola yarn is used for knitting and crocheting and is made from various fibres, including cotton, polyester, silk, linen, nylon, and wool. It is available in different thicknesses, lengths, and threads, and can be purchased in bulk from wholesale suppliers.

When used for knitting and crocheting, Angola yarn can be combined with other yarns, such as alpaca, to create unique colour variations and textures. It is important to note that Angola yarn is fine, so it may not be suitable for those who prefer thicker yarns. Additionally, its fuzzy texture makes it challenging to rip out stitches.

Some online retailers sell Angola yarn, and customer reviews offer insights into its quality and applications. While some customers praise the yarn for its softness, strength, and uniform texture, others have encountered issues with scratchiness and inconsistent thickness. It is always recommended to purchase from reputable suppliers and carefully review product specifications to ensure the yarn meets your specific requirements.

It is available in different thicknesses and lengths

Angora yarn is available in a variety of thicknesses and lengths, depending on the type of Angora rabbit it comes from and the method of harvesting. The four main types of Angora rabbits recognised by the American Rabbit Breeders' Association are English, French, Satin, and Giant, but there are many other breeds, with German being one of the more common ones. Each breed produces a different quality and quantity of fibre, and has a different range of colours.

English Angoras grow thick, fluffy hair all over their bodies and look like a twitching, fluffy ball prior to shearing. French Angoras have less fur on their faces, which makes grooming easier, but they also produce less wool. Giant Angoras are large rabbits that produce a lot of wool, comparable in size to house cats. Satin Angoras produce the least wool of any Angora variety, but their fur fibres are the thinnest and softest.

The method of harvesting Angora wool can also affect the thickness and length of the yarn. Most breeds of Angora rabbits moult with their natural growth cycle about every four months, and the fur can be plucked or sheared. Plucking is the process of pulling out the moulted fur, which ensures a minimum of guard hair and less matting. However, plucking is time-consuming, so some producers opt for shearing, which is faster and results in more fleece, but includes more guard hairs.

Angora yarn is typically used as an accent in knitting and is available in different thicknesses and lengths depending on the blend of Angora and other fibres, such as wool. Commercial knitting yarns usually contain 30-50% angora to provide some halo, warmth, and softness without excessive felting.

Angola is not the same as Angora (mohair)

Angola is a type of yarn made from mohair and cashmere wool. It is soft, warm, lightweight, and comfortable, making it ideal for various crafts, including knitting and crocheting. On the other hand, Angora refers specifically to the downy coat produced by the Angora rabbit. While Angora fibre may be used in knitting yarns, it is distinct from mohair, which is derived from the Angora goat.

Angora fibre is known for its softness, thin fibres, and fluffiness, often referred to as a "halo" by knitters. It is also characterised by its silky texture. In comparison to wool, Angora is much warmer and lighter due to the hollow core of its fibres. Additionally, Angora is highly susceptible to felting, even on the animal itself if not groomed regularly.

In contrast, mohair, the primary component of Angola yarn, possesses unique properties attributed to the Angora goat. While it shares similarities with wool, such as scales, the scales of mohair are not fully developed, resulting in a distinct feel from standard wool. Mohair is renowned for its lustre, high sheen, durability, and resilience. It also exhibits excellent insulating properties, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer due to its moisture-wicking characteristics.

Furthermore, mohair is naturally elastic, flame-resistant, and crease-resistant, setting it apart from Angora. The diameter of mohair fibre ranges from 25 to 45 micrometres, increasing as the goat ages. Consequently, finer hair from younger goats is typically used for scarves and shawls, while thicker hair from older goats is utilised for carpets and heavy outerwear fabrics.

In summary, Angola yarn, a blend of mohair and cashmere wool, differs from Angora in both fibre source and characteristics. Angora is derived from the Angora rabbit, while mohair, a key component of Angola yarn, comes from the Angora goat. Angora is recognised for its softness and halo, while mohair stands out for its lustre, durability, and elasticity. These distinct attributes make Angola yarn and Angora fibre unique in the world of knitting and crafting.

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