Angora wool fabric is obtained from the long and soft hair of Angora
rabbit. This fabric is ideal for thermal clothing. It is most sought for its
durability, warmth and texture. Angora is much more warm than wool. It is
ideal fabric for people suffering from wool allergies.Angora wool has a therapeutic effect on human body. It improves the blood circulation and gives natural benefits to the wearer. The warmth-giving therapeutic effect benefits people with cold painful joints, sciatica, arthritis, rheumatics, muscle tension, kidney ailments, chilblains, circulatory disorders, etc.
Angora rabbit is believed to be originated from Turkey along with the Angora cat and goat. It was a popular pet for French royalty in the mid 1700s and then spread to other parts of Europe. In United States it appeared in the early 1900s.
There are commercially five breeds of angora rabbits namely English, French, Satin, Giant and German.
- The English angora is the most common pet and is distinguished with its facial hair.
- French breed is popular for hand spinning.
- Satin for its rich luster and coloration.
- Giant is the largest breed and produces the maximum wool.
- German angora looks like Giant angora but it is ruby-eyed white or albino.
- American Fuzzy Lop and Jersey Wool are too short for practical value in the industry hence it is only used in knitted and crocheted garments.
Preventing Hairballs - The angora rabbit has the tendency of hairballs (wool block). This is their intestinal problem. To avoid this, lots of clean hay is given in their diet. Special care is taken to ensure that the wool of the rabbit do not get matted as this causes sores and attracts parasites. This is done by regularly brushing it properly.
Harvesting Methods - Wool is harvested from angora rabbit either by clipping or plucking. Plucking is done quarterly. It coincides with the natural moult of the rabbit. The plucked wool, which is generally over 10 cm long, is ideal for hand spinning. Clipping is done with either manual or electrical clippers from the shoulders to the rump. In both the cases, wool is never harvested from the belly because the wool over there is too short.
Spinning - After harvesting, the wool either spun directly or carded before it. It is easy to spin and can be spun on a drop spindle. Angora wool is very finely spun. First it is spun into singles and then plyed into 2 or more plys. Finally it is wind into hanks.
Characteristics of Angora Wool Fabric
- It is soft, cozy and light weight.
- It is warm and comfortable.
- It is lustrous.
- It is durable.
- It absorbs moisture.
- It has therapeutic effect on human body.
- The warmth and softness of the fabric has made it widely being used in different types of garments, thermal underwear and overwear.
- It is also used as blankets, joint warmers for wrist, knees and back, head wear, scarves, etc.
- Sometimes angora wool is blended with other fibers to make use as cloak and overcoat.
