Those who don’t know their knitting needles from their crochet hooks may think all wools are equal, but experienced knitters know that’s just not the case. Wool is a fibre that originates from animals and while sheep or lambs may be the first to spring to mind, there are many more types of animal wool, each with its own characteristics or properties.
Increasingly, today’s knitters are opting for a Knitting Kit. This can provide everything you need in one pack, eliminating your search for the right wool. But, if you are in the market for new wool ideas, perhaps to augment your knitting kit, here are five lesser-known ones.
Alpaca
Alpacas produce hollow hairs and so the wool sheared from these animals is exceptionally lightweight. It is also a good insulator, perfect for base layers. Alpaca wool is popular among seasoned knitters not only because it is luxuriously soft but also because it is easy to work with. It is hypoallergenic and does not itch.
Qiviut
Qiviut comes from the undercoat of the arctic muskox, which is native to the colder climes of Alaska and Canada. These animals shed their undercoat, which is then collected from the ground. Finer than sheep’s wool, qiviut is around eight times warmer than other wool. It is also a lot lighter than other wools too, but despite this is notably strong.
Camel hair
This light and glossy wool equals cashmere in softness and is finer than sheep’s wool. It comes from Bactrian camels, which are bred in Mongolia and China and their coat is used to protect them in extremely cold temperatures. Little wonder then that camel hair is extremely insulating. Its fibres are hollow, making them light and soft.
Vicuña
The little-known vicuña, which is usually found in Peru and is similar to an alpaca, gives us the most expensive and ‘rarest fabric on Earth‘. Its trade is heavily regulated in a bid to protect the endangered animal. Vicuña is incredibly soft, finer than cashmere and can sell for $3,000 per yard.
Angora
Taken from Angora rabbits, angora wool is considered the finest, lightest and warmest wool around. Its hollow fibres make it soft and light. It also has an inherent delicacy and is often mixed with other fibres to improve its robustness. The meticulous steps needed to farm angora mean it is also quite an expensive option.