Mohair yarn, made from the hair of the Angora goat, is known for its softness, luster, and halo effect. Though it can be a bit tricky to work with, it is well worth the effort for the beautiful results.
Here are 9 tips for working with mohair yarn:
- Needle size: Use slightly larger needles or hooks than recommended for the yarn weight to allow the mohair fibers to bloom and create a lovely halo effect. Experiment with different sizes to find the one that works best for your project.
- Loose tension: Try to maintain a looser tension when working with mohair, as it can be prone to breakage if worked too tightly. This also helps to emphasize the softness and drape of the fabric.
- Simple stitches: Since mohair has a halo, intricate stitch patterns can get lost in the fuzziness. Stick to simple stitch patterns, like stockinette, garter, or ribbing, to showcase the yarn's natural beauty.
- Blocking: Be gentle when blocking your finished project, as mohair can be delicate. Wet blocking is recommended, as it allows the fibers to relax and bloom. Soak the piece in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash, then gently squeeze out the excess water and lay it flat to dry, shaping it to the desired dimensions.
- Combining yarns: To add stability and strength, consider holding the mohair yarn double with a smoother yarn, like a silk or merino blend. This can also result in interesting textures and color combinations.
- Avoid frogging: Mohair can be difficult to unravel due to its halo and fiber structure. If you need to undo your work, do so carefully and slowly to prevent damage to the yarn. Using a needle or crochet hook to help separate the fibers can be helpful.
- Winding: Mohair yarn can be slippery and prone to tangling. Wind it into a center-pull ball or cake before starting your project to minimize tangles and make it easier to work with.
- Storage: Store your mohair yarn and finished projects in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and moisture to ensure they stay in good condition.
- Care: Check the care instructions on the yarn label, but in general, hand wash your mohair items gently in lukewarm water with a mild wool wash. Avoid wringing or twisting, and lay flat to dry.
How to stop mohair yarn from shedding?
It's not always possible to completely eliminate shedding, here are 7 tips to help minimize it:- Choose a higher-quality mohair yarn: Not all mohair yarns are created equal. Opt for a higher-quality yarn with a tighter twist and a higher percentage of mohair. This can help reduce shedding.
- Use larger needles or hooks: Working with larger needles or hooks can reduce the friction between the fibers, resulting in less shedding. This also allows the mohair fibers to bloom and create a lovely halo effect.
- Maintain a gentle tension: Be gentle when working with mohair and avoid pulling the yarn too tightly. This can help avoid breaking or disturbing the fibers, leading to less shedding.
- Hold the yarn double with another fiber: Combining mohair yarn with a smoother yarn, like a silk or merino blend, can help stabilize the mohair fibers and reduce shedding. This can also create interesting textures and color combinations.
- Avoid over-handling the yarn: Minimize the amount of handling and manipulation of the yarn to reduce shedding. Try not to pull or tug on the yarn unnecessarily.
- Gently wash before use: Sometimes, gently washing the yarn before using it can help set the fibers and reduce shedding. Soak the skein in lukewarm water with a gentle wool wash for about 15 minutes, then gently squeeze out the excess water (do not wring or twist). Hang the skein to dry, preferably with a weight attached to the bottom to help straighten the fibers.
- Care for your finished project: After completing your project, gently wash and block it to help set the fibers. This can also help to minimize shedding in the finished item. Follow the care instructions on the yarn label and always hand-wash mohair items gently in lukewarm water with a mild wool wash.
