If you hadn't noticed, knitting has become a very popular trend in the past few years. Online and physical yarn stores have popped up everywhere. 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.

Angora Wool - Things you may not know about this yarn

Angora yarn is revered for its low micron count. A micron 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. On the other hand, angora wool maintains a micron count of 12-16 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. In fact, another reason angora wool is so sought after is because it is also one of the warmest types of yarn.

Angora strands are hollow which is the reason why it has the 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 together with other wools to help decrease its softness and price.

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. However, you may be able to find smaller accessories (mittens, scarves and caps) that are made with 100% angora wool.

Fortunately, 100% angora yarn can still be purchased if you are interested in making your own garments. Since it is a natural fiber, you can dye angora wool with a variety of different dyes. You can also purchase dyed wool.

Angora Rabbits

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

Unlike larger animals, rabbits can be kept in residential areas which is a reason why so many people have now decided to raise their own animals and spin their own yarn. However, this isn't precisely something that appeals to everyone, especially considering that it does require a certain level of investment, both in time and money.