Angora Wool Craft of Uttarakhand

The downy coat developed by the Angora rabbit is referred to as Angora fur or Angora fibre. Angora is well-known for its softness, thin fibres, and what knitters call a halo (fluffiness). It’s also known for having a silky texture. Because of the hollow heart of the angora fibre, it is much warmer and lighter than wool. Since Angora fibre is not naturally elastic, it is usually blended with wool to give the yarn elasticity. The blend reduces the softness and halo of the finished product, as well as its price.

Angora rabbit breeding and production was a state-sponsored project and is administered by the Uttarakhand Sheep and Wool Development Board. Angora is a specialty fiber that fetches high rates in the market. It was felt that the fiber would render fresh impetus to the wool-based economy of the northern districts of Uttarakhand, which are the backbone of the traditional wool based cottage industry.