Tip Tuesday: Working with Mohair

Have you met Dove, our newest mohair yarn? We’re thrilled to introduce you to this latest addition to our yarn family! Mohair is loved for its delicate, airy halo, adding texture and warmth to any project. Whether used alone for an ethereal look, held double with another yarn for extra coziness, or paired with contrasting colors for a heathered effect, mohair’s possibilities are endless!

To set you up for success, here are five essential tips for working with this luxurious fiber:

1. Swatch First: Swatching is always a good idea, but it’s crucial with mohair! Mohair blooms beautifully after blocking, so a swatch helps you see how your stitches will settle and how fluffy the final fabric will be. You may even want to go up a needle size to achieve the airy texture mohair does best. Seeing your final fabric in a swatch can also be great motivation to finish your project!

Learn more in our Tip Tuesday: The Benefits of Swatching.

2. Choose Smooth Needles & Loose Gauge: Mohair’s fibers can cling to wooden or rougher needles, so opt for smooth, sharp needles for cleaner stitches. Working at a looser gauge will let the mohair’s natural softness and halo shine. A lighter gauge also allows the yarn’s unique bloom to come to life, adding that beautiful fuzzy texture to your project.

We recommend lykke cypra 5" copper interchangeable circular needles.

3. Frog Carefully: Mohair is tricky to frog since its fibers catch easily. To avoid unraveling large sections, check each row as you go and keep track of stitch counts. For long projects, consider using lifelines, which will make it easier to undo stitches safely if needed. If you do need to frog, take it slow to prevent tangles. Stitch markers with smooth edges are also helpful for staying on track with mohair.

3. Blend Mohair with Other Yarns: Mohair is magical on its own but transforms beautifully when paired with other yarns like wool or silk. Try holding it double to add a soft halo and extra warmth to your base yarn. Remember, adding mohair increases the weight of your yarn, so, for example, holding Dove with Tern turns a Fingering weight into a DK.
4. Pull from the Outside: When working with a mohair ball, always pull from the outside to prevent tangling. Center-pulling can cause mohair to catch on itself, leading to frustrating knots. Protect your peace (and your yarn stash!) by pulling from the outside.

With a bit of patience and care, mohair can be a joy to work with, creating dreamy, fluffy projects that keep you cozy and stylish. Give it a try in your next project, and let us know what you think of our newest addition, Dove!