Mohair yarn is soft, light and has a subtle sheen. It also behaves differently from smooth yarn, whether you knit or crochet with it. Below you'll read what mohair is, what to watch out for when you work with it, and what you can make with it.
What is mohair yarn?
Mohair comes from the Angora goat (not to be confused with angora, which comes from rabbits). The fiber is long, lustrous and takes dye beautifully. Spun into yarn it gives a light, fuzzy thread with a halo that softens every stitch. Kid mohair, from young goats, is finer and softer than adult mohair.
Mohair is often blended with silk or wool. The best-known version is kid silk mohair: a fine silk core wrapped in mohair fibers. It is very light (often lace weight) and stronger than you'd expect from such a thin thread. Mohair blends are used for sweaters, cardigans, scarves and small accessories.
Why makers love mohair
Mohair is warm for its weight and very soft. On its own it gives an airy, see-through fabric; held together with a second yarn it adds volume, warmth and a soft haze of color. Because of the halo it is forgiving: small differences in tension are barely visible.
Tips for working with mohair yarn
Mohair handles differently from smooth yarn. These tips make it easier:
1. Use a bigger hook or needles
Mohair fibers are fluffy and need space. Use a larger hook than the thickness of the strand suggests so the stitches stay open. Lace-weight kid silk mohair on its own is often worked with a 4-5 mm hook (US G/6-H/8) for a light, open fabric. Tight stitches make the halo look matted.
2. Try to avoid frogging
Mohair fibers cling to each other, so ripping back is hard and can damage the yarn. Work calmly and check your stitch count often so you never have to go far back. If you do need to unravel, pull slowly and gently. Some makers put the piece in the freezer for an hour first, which makes the fibers grab less. Prefer a yarn that hardly sheds or fuzzes? Read our guide to yarn that doesn't pill.
3. Hold it together with a second yarn
A popular technique is to hold mohair together with another yarn, such as merino or cotton. This gives more structure and a lovely depth of color. Try a sweater in a basic wool with a thin strand of mohair alongside it: it turns out very soft. Remember to swatch with both strands together, because your gauge will change. For the differences between wool, cotton and other fibers, see our guide to the best yarn for crochet.
4. Pick a light color for your first project
Light colors are easier to work with, because you can see the stitches through the halo. Dark mohair makes it harder to find your stitches and to count.
5. Block your finished piece
Mohair really benefits from blocking. Wet the piece gently, press out the water without wringing, and let it dry flat in shape. The stitches open up and the halo fluffs out. Wash mohair by hand in cool water with a wool wash, the same way you would wool; see how to wash wool.
Mohair compared with other yarns
| Yarn | Feel | Stitch definition | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kid silk mohair | Very light, fuzzy halo | Soft, blurred | Airy sweaters, scarves, holding double |
| Wool (e.g. merino) | Warm, springy | Clear | Sweaters, hats, socks |
| Cotton | Cool, firm | Very crisp | Summer tops, bags, homeware |
Project ideas with mohair yarn
Mohair suits projects that can look light and airy. A few ideas:
- An airy mohair sweater: light and still warm, nice for cool evenings.
- A soft shawl or scarf: the fuzzy yarn makes simple stitches look luxurious.
- A subtle mohair accent: hold mohair alongside your main yarn in a bigger project for extra softness.
Mohair FAQ
Is mohair itchy?
That depends on the quality and on your skin. Kid mohair is much softer than adult mohair, but some people still find the loose fibers tickly against bare skin. Wear a layer underneath if you're sensitive.
Can beginners crochet with mohair?
Yes, but it's easier once you can read your stitches. Start with a scarf in simple stitches and a light color, or hold a strand of mohair together with a smooth yarn.
Does mohair shed?
A little, especially in the beginning. Good-quality mohair with long fibers sheds less than cheap blends.
Getting started with mohair
Start small, for example with a thin strand of mohair alongside your usual yarn. You'll quickly find out how it crochets or knits before you commit to a whole sweater.
