Exploring Animal-Based Fibres for Knitting and Crochet
Animal fibres have been used for thousands of years to create warm, durable, and beautiful textiles. Renowned for their warmth, elasticity, breathability, and natural resilience, these fibres remain a favourite choice among knitters, crocheters, spinners, and fibre artists.
Each animal fibre has unique characteristics that influence the appearance, feel, and performance of the finished project.
Sheep Wool
The most widely used animal fibre, wool is valued for its warmth, elasticity, and ability to retain its shape. Different sheep breeds produce wool with varying softness, strength, and texture.
Popular wool types include:
- Merino
- Corriedale
- Romney
- Polwarth
- Blue Faced Leicester (BFL)
- Shetland
- Jacob
Best for:
- Sweaters
- Hats
- Socks
- Blankets
- Everyday garments
Merino Wool
Merino comes from Merino sheep and is prized for its exceptional softness, elasticity, and fine fibres. It is one of the most popular fibres for garments worn next to the skin.
Best for:
- Baby items
- Shawls
- Garments
- Accessories
Alpaca
Alpaca fibre is known for its luxurious softness, warmth, and drape. It is warmer than sheep wool and contains little lanolin, making it appealing to some people who find wool irritating.
Types include:
- Huacaya Alpaca
- Suri Alpaca
Best for:
- Shawls
- Scarves
- Luxury garments
- Winter accessories
Mohair
Produced from the fleece of Angora goats, mohair is lightweight, warm, and known for its distinctive fuzzy halo and lustrous shine.
Best for:
- Lace knitting
- Luxury garments
- Lightweight sweaters
- Blended yarns
Cashmere
Cashmere comes from Cashmere goats and is considered one of the world's most luxurious fibres. It is exceptionally soft, lightweight, and warm.
Best for:
- Scarves
- Shawls
- Fine garments
- Luxury accessories
Angora
Angora fibre is harvested from Angora rabbits. It is incredibly soft, lightweight, and fluffy, with a characteristic halo that creates warm and airy fabrics.
Best for:
- Lightweight winter garments
- Accessories
- Luxury blends
Yak
Yak fibre is harvested from the undercoat of yaks living in high-altitude regions. It is soft, warm, breathable, and often naturally brown or grey in colour.
Best for:
- Sweaters
- Shawls
- Luxury yarn blends
Camel
Camel fibre is collected from the soft undercoat of camels during seasonal shedding. It is lightweight, warm, and naturally rich in colour.
Best for:
- Scarves
- Shawls
- Fine garments
Qiviut
Qiviut comes from the undercoat of the musk ox. It is one of the rarest and most luxurious fibres in the world.
Benefits include:
- Extremely warm
- Incredibly soft
- Does not shrink or felt easily
Best for:
- Heirloom accessories
- Luxury garments
Llama
Llama fibre is durable, warm, and somewhat coarser than alpaca. It produces sturdy garments with excellent insulating properties.
Best for:
- Outerwear
- Blankets
- Rustic garments
Bison (Buffalo)
Bison fibre is harvested from the soft undercoat of North American bison. It is warm, lightweight, and often blended with wool for improved spinability.
Best for:
- Winter accessories
- Luxury yarns
Possum Fibre
Popular in New Zealand yarns, possum fibre is often blended with merino wool and silk. It creates lightweight garments with exceptional warmth.
Best for:
- Sweaters
- Gloves
- Hats
- Outdoor garments
Silk
Although not a wool fibre, silk is an animal-based fibre produced by silkworms. It is prized for its strength, shine, softness, and beautiful drape.
Best for:
- Shawls
- Lace knitting
- Luxury garments
- Blended yarns
Choosing the Right Animal Fibre
For Warmth
- Qiviut
- Alpaca
- Cashmere
- Yak
- Possum
For Elasticity
- Merino Wool
- Corriedale
- BFL
- Polwarth
For Softness
- Cashmere
- Merino
- Alpaca
- Angora
- Qiviut
For Halo & Texture
- Mohair
- Angora
For Durability
- Romney
- Corriedale
- Llama
- BFL
From everyday wool to rare luxury fibres like qiviut and cashmere, animal fibres offer an incredible variety of textures, warmth levels, and characteristics, allowing makers to find the perfect fibre for every project.