Updated 12 October 2026 · By Vilrita
If you've been saving fluffy sweaters and airy shawls for your next project, mohair may be the yarn you're looking for. Here's what it is, which one to pick, and how to knit it without tears.
What is mohair yarn, and why do knitters love it?
It's all about the halo: long, silky fibres that float out of the yarn and blur your stitches into a soft cloud. Mohair also has a lovely natural shine and takes dye beautifully, which is why its colours look so glowing. And because the halo traps air, a mohair piece feels surprisingly warm while weighing next to nothing.
Fine brushed mohair often has silk, nylon or merino alongside it. These companion fibres help hold the yarn together while the mohair creates that lovely halo.
Is mohair itchy?
A quick tip: the word "kid" on the ball band means the finer grade. And watch out for yarns simply called "Angora": some contain no mohair or rabbit at all, so always read the fibre line.
Which mohair yarn should I choose for a light, fluffy sweater?
For a light, fluffy sweater, our first pick is Gazzal Super Kid Mohair, held with a smooth yarn. You can buy it at Vilrita. For a shawl or a quick hat, pick by what you want to make. Here are our favourites, with a few colour ideas to get you started.
Alize Kid Royal 50: 62% kid mohair, 1,000 m per 100 g
YarnArt Mohair Trendy: 50% mohair, 220 m per 100 g
For a light, fluffy sweater: Gazzal Super Kid Mohair
Our first pick for those dreamy held-double sweaters. Super kid mohair gives a soft halo, with merino and polyamide alongside it. Each 25 g ball holds 237 m, with plenty of shades to pair with your favourite smooth yarn.
Gazzal Super Kid Mohair
See colours and price →25 g balls of 237 m
Cream
Taupe
Plum
Mustard
Petrol
Candy PinkFollowing a DROPS pattern? DROPS Kid-Silk (75% mohair, 25% silk) is the yarn many free DROPS patterns are written for, so you can buy exactly what the pattern asks for.
DROPS Kid-Silk
See colours and price →25 g balls of 210 m
Halo shades
Light Peach
Jeans Blue
North Sea
Red
Parrot Green
Misty YellowFor a light lace shawl: Alize Kid Royal 50
With 500 m in each 50 g ball, one or two balls can make a light shawl; check your pattern's total metres before choosing. Want a silkier, less fluffy look? Gazzal Exclusive is mostly merino and silk with just a touch of mohair.
Alize Kid Royal 50
See colours and price →50 g balls of 500 m
Cream
Powder
Lavender
Cornflower
IndigoGazzal Exclusive
See colours and price →25 g balls of 200 m
Sage
Dark Rose
Burgundy
Teal
MustardAlize 3 Season, the one-ball option
Off White
Dusty Rose
Petrol
MochaFor quick, chunky fuzz: YarnArt Mohair Trendy
Half mohair, half acrylic, and thick enough to knit on its own with 5 mm needles. Perfect for a cosy hat or a fluffy cardigan that grows fast.
YarnArt Mohair Trendy
See colours and price →100 g balls of 220 m
Silver
Nude
Cherry
Dark Teal
OceanWhat can I use instead of DROPS Kid-Silk?
Two more ideas, depending on the look you love. For more shine and less fuzz, Gazzal Exclusive has 30% silk and just a touch of mohair. For a thicker, cosier halo, DROPS Brushed Alpaca Silk is brushed alpaca, not mohair: with 140 m per 25 g and 5 mm needles, it suits patterns written for a thicker yarn rather than Kid-Silk patterns.
| DROPS Kid-Silk | Gazzal Super Kid Mohair | Gazzal Exclusive | DROPS Brushed Alpaca Silk | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fibre | 75% mohair, 25% silk | 47% super kid mohair, 31% superwash merino, 22% polyamide | 60% superwash merino, 30% mulberry silk, 10% super kid mohair | 77% alpaca, 23% silk |
| Length per 25 g | 210 m | 237 m | 200 m | 140 m |
| Recommended needles | 3.5 mm | 3–4 mm | 3.25–5 mm | 5 mm |
| Choose it when | your pattern asks for Kid-Silk | you want a fine kid mohair halo | you want more silk shine, less fuzz | you want a thicker halo (not a one-to-one swap) |
- Fibre
- 75% mohair, 25% silk
- Length per 25 g
- 210 m
- Recommended needles
- 3.5 mm
- Choose it when
- your pattern asks for Kid-Silk
- Fibre
- 47% super kid mohair, 31% superwash merino, 22% polyamide
- Length per 25 g
- 237 m
- Recommended needles
- 3–4 mm
- Choose it when
- you want a fine kid mohair halo
- Fibre
- 60% superwash merino, 30% mulberry silk, 10% super kid mohair
- Length per 25 g
- 200 m
- Recommended needles
- 3.25–5 mm
- Choose it when
- you want more silk shine, less fuzz
- Fibre
- 77% alpaca, 23% silk
- Length per 25 g
- 140 m
- Recommended needles
- 5 mm
- Choose it when
- you want a thicker halo (not a one-to-one swap)
See Gazzal Super Kid Mohair colours →
How to knit mohair with a second yarn
Picture a plain merino sweater, then the same sweater with a strand of mohair alongside: the stitches soften, the colour gets richer and the whole thing looks like it's wrapped in mist. It's also the easiest way to start with mohair, because the smooth yarn makes your stitches easy to see.
Colour is where the fun begins. A darker mohair over a paler base makes the colour "glow"; a lighter mohair over a dark base looks soft and frosty; a high-contrast pair turns speckled.
Four pairings from our shelves, mohair on the left and base on the right:
Same colour family
Super Kid Mohair Cream (64408)
Baby Wool Ivory (839)Darker over paler
Super Kid Mohair Plum (64415)
Baby Wool Dusty Rose (845)Darker over paler, close-up
DROPS Kid-Silk Walnut (76)
DROPS Lima Wheat Mix (0206)Lighter over darker
Baby Wool Wine (816)How much mohair do I need for a sweater or shawl?
| Project (pattern) | Mohair metres | DROPS Kid-Silk (210 m) | Gazzal Super Kid Mohair (237 m) | Gazzal Exclusive (200 m) | Alize Kid Royal 50 (500 m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hat, mohair + base (DROPS 182-7 Enrica) |
≈210 (one 25 g ball) | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Knitted shawl, mohair alone (DROPS 0-1269 Freestyle) |
598 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 2 |
| Crochet shawl, mohair + alpaca base (DROPS 222-7 Moon Migration) |
≈630 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 2 |
| Crochet stole, mohair alone (Lana Grossa) |
≈1,050 | 5 | 5 | 6 | 3 |
| Sweater, mohair + base, XS–XXL (DROPS 241-6) |
≈1,050–1,470 | 5–7 | 5–7 | 6–8 | 3 |
| Sweater, 2 strands of silk mohair alone, XS–3XL (PetiteKnit Sunday Mohair Edition) |
≈1,696–2,968 | 9–15 | 8–13 | 9–15 | 4–6 |
Hat, mohair + baseDROPS 182-7 Enrica
- Mohair metres
- ≈210 (one 25 g ball)
- DROPS Kid-Silk (210 m)
- 1 ball
- Gazzal Super Kid Mohair (237 m)
- 1 ball
- Gazzal Exclusive (200 m)
- 2 balls
- Alize Kid Royal 50 (500 m)
- 1 ball
Knitted shawl, mohair aloneDROPS 0-1269 Freestyle
- Mohair metres
- 598
- DROPS Kid-Silk (210 m)
- 3 balls
- Gazzal Super Kid Mohair (237 m)
- 3 balls
- Gazzal Exclusive (200 m)
- 3 balls
- Alize Kid Royal 50 (500 m)
- 2 balls
Crochet shawl, mohair + alpaca baseDROPS 222-7 Moon Migration
- Mohair metres
- ≈630
- DROPS Kid-Silk (210 m)
- 3 balls
- Gazzal Super Kid Mohair (237 m)
- 3 balls
- Gazzal Exclusive (200 m)
- 4 balls
- Alize Kid Royal 50 (500 m)
- 2 balls
Crochet stole, mohair aloneLana Grossa
- Mohair metres
- ≈1,050
- DROPS Kid-Silk (210 m)
- 5 balls
- Gazzal Super Kid Mohair (237 m)
- 5 balls
- Gazzal Exclusive (200 m)
- 6 balls
- Alize Kid Royal 50 (500 m)
- 3 balls
Sweater, mohair + base, XS–XXLDROPS 241-6
- Mohair metres
- ≈1,050–1,470
- DROPS Kid-Silk (210 m)
- 5–7 balls
- Gazzal Super Kid Mohair (237 m)
- 5–7 balls
- Gazzal Exclusive (200 m)
- 6–8 balls
- Alize Kid Royal 50 (500 m)
- 3 balls
Sweater, 2 strands of silk mohair alone, XS–3XLPetiteKnit Sunday Mohair Edition
- Mohair metres
- ≈1,696–2,968
- DROPS Kid-Silk (210 m)
- 9–15 balls
- Gazzal Super Kid Mohair (237 m)
- 8–13 balls
- Gazzal Exclusive (200 m)
- 9–15 balls
- Alize Kid Royal 50 (500 m)
- 4–6 balls
Freestyle shawl: 2 balls of Kid Royal 50 from one dye lot and 4 mm (US 6) needles; swatch first, as the pattern was written for Kid-Silk.
Held-double sweater (DROPS 241-6): 5–7 balls of Kid-Silk by size, plus your base yarn by metres, on 5 mm (US 8) needles.
Free patterns to fall in love with
Need inspiration? These free DROPS Design patterns are all made with Kid-Silk, on its own or with a second yarn we stock. If the Kid-Silk colour you want is sold out, Gazzal Super Kid Mohair is a similar fine kid mohair; knit a swatch to check the gauge.
Cinnamon Dream Sweater
DROPS 272-22 · Knitted
Kid-Silk, 2 strands in 2 colours: 100–175 g of each
4.5 mm (US 7) needles
Southern Migration Cardigan
DROPS 235-14 · Knitted
Merino Extra Fine 400–650 g + Kid-Silk 100–175 g
5.5 mm (US 9) needles
Freestyle shawl
DROPS Extra 0-1269 · Knitted
Kid-Silk 75 g (3 balls)
4 mm (US 6) needles
Warm Feelings neck warmer
DROPS 204-30 · Knitted
Kid-Silk, 2 strands: 100 g
5 mm (US 8) needles
Spring's Blush stole
DROPS 229-11 · Crocheted
Kid-Silk, 2 strands: 200 g (8 balls)
5 mm (H-8) hook
Ocean Whisper sweater
DROPS 263-31 · Crocheted
Fiesta 450–800 g + Kid-Silk 125–225 g
5 mm (H-8) hook
Which needles and hook for mohair?
A looser gauge lets the halo breathe, and mohair still holds its shape beautifully.
Tips for knitting with mohair
Mohair has a reputation for being tricky, but a few small habits make it a joy:
- Choose smooth needles that feel comfortable. Wood or bamboo grips the fluffy strand a little, so it doesn't slide off.
- Start with simple stitches. Stockinette and garter show off the halo best; save complicated textures for smooth yarns.
- Knit loosely. Mohair loves air, so don't pull it tight.
- Use a lifeline. Thread a piece of smooth scrap yarn through a finished row; if you need to rip back, the stitches stop safely on it.
- Undo stitch by stitch. Ripping back fast makes the fibres tangle. Go slowly and gently.
- Count with good light. A contrasting background behind your work can make stitches easier to see.
Can you crochet with mohair?
Absolutely. Choose your hook from the pattern and check it with a swatch. Simple chains and airy mesh look lovely with a halo. Our guide to choosing yarn for crochet has more shawl ideas.
How to care for mohair
Mohair doesn't need washing often: airing it is often enough. When it does need a wash, follow the ball band. For yarns such as Kid-Silk, hand wash at no more than 30 °C with a gentle wool detergent. Don't rub or wring it, roll it in a towel and dry it flat away from the sun. Never tumble dry, and store it clean in a closed bag.
Frequently asked questions
Is angora the same as mohair?
No. Mohair comes from the Angora goat, angora from the Angora rabbit.
Is mohair good for beginners?
Yes, if you hold it together with a smooth yarn and knit simple stockinette or garter. Lace mohair on its own is better for your second project.
Does mohair shed?
Some shedding is normal, and the amount varies with the yarn and how it's made. Handle it gently and follow its care instructions.
Is mohair warm?
Very, for its weight. The halo traps air, so a light mohair sweater keeps you cosy.
Mohair or alpaca: what's the difference?
Mohair is known for its sheen and airy halo; alpaca often has a softer lustre and lovely drape. Both can make light, fluffy knits: the exact fibre content and how the yarn is spun matter as much as the fibre itself.
Can I wear mohair in summer?
Yes, in light, airy pieces, for example mohair held with cotton or linen for cool evenings.
What's the difference between DROPS Kid-Silk and DROPS Brushed Alpaca Silk?
Kid-Silk is a fine mohair and silk yarn: 210 m per 25 g, 3.5 mm needles, and often held together with a second yarn. Brushed Alpaca Silk is a thicker brushed alpaca and silk yarn: 140 m per 25 g, 5 mm needles, and often knitted on its own.
Why is mohair so expensive?
Part of the cost is the fine fibre and the work behind it: mohair comes from Angora goats, and the fleece is sorted, cleaned and spun into yarn. Kid mohair is the finer grade from young goats. A fine halo yarn can still go a long way: Gazzal Super Kid Mohair holds 237 m per 25 g ball.
Is mohair good for baby clothes?
We'd choose a soft baby yarn instead. See our OEKO-TEX certified baby yarns.
