If you hadn't noticed, knitting has become a very popular trend in the past few years. Online and physical yarn stores are popping up everywhere, not to mention the fact that novelty and traditional yarns have become readily available in a variety of textures, thickness, and colors.

One type of traditional yarn that has recently become quite popular is angora yarn. Angora wool can exclusively from angora rabbits unlike mohair than comes from Angora goats. Their names may be the same, but each animal produces very different products.

What you Don't Know about Angora Wool

Angora yarn has a low micron count which is the measurement used to express the diameter of a wool fiber. A fiber with a low micron count is much finer than one with a higher micron count.

As a comparison, merino wool can range from 10-25 microns while mohair ranges from 25-45 microns. However, when referring to angora wool the micron count maintains itself between 12 or 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, mittens, scarves and caps, all of which are made from 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

Just like sheep's wool, the angora wool is removed from the rabbit by one of two processes. The rabbit will be either sheared or combed to remove the wool. Combing is often preferred over shearing because it doesn't lead to a cut strand of lesser quality.

Because rabbits are such small creatures, several people have taking the initiative to raise their own animals and spin their own yarn. However, not everyone is willing to invest the money and effort it takes to have their own angora farm, no matter how small it maybe.