Yarn decides more than colour. It decides whether the garment turns out airy or heavy, whether it keeps its shape, and how warm it is. Here is the difference between the three qualities I use most — and what to do when you want to substitute.
Mohair
Light, airy and full of volume. Gives the characteristic halo around the garment. Perfect for sweaters, boleros and beanies that should feel soft and light. Often knitted with two strands, or together with a thinner wool.
Alpaca
Warm, soft and durable. Gives a more matte and structured result than mohair, and drops a little more. Good for everyday garments you will wear a lot.
Wool
Elastic and holds its shape. The yarn that keeps its shape best over time, and handles the most wear.
In short
- Want a light, airy sweater — choose mohair
- Want a warm, soft everyday sweater — choose alpaca
- Need a garment that keeps its shape — choose wool
| Yarn | Warmth | Elasticity | Volume | Look |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mohair | Medium | Low | High | Soft and airy |
| Alpaca | High | Low | Low | Matte |
| Wool | Medium | High | Low | Holds its shape |
Why two strands?
Many of my patterns are knitted with two qualities at once — often a mohair together with a wool. That gives the right volume, a better fit and a more even look than one strand alone. You then need to work out the yardage for each strand separately, and buy enough of both.
When you want to substitute yarn
You can use other qualities than the pattern says, as long as the gauge matches. Some suggestions:
- Same airy look: mohair together with a thin wool or alpaca
- More structure, less volume: alpaca only, or wool only
- Softer against the skin: alpaca together with silk or merino wool
Always knit a gauge swatch before you start. The yarn calculator works out how much of the new yarn you need.
Questions I often get
Does mohair itch?
Mohair feels light and airy, but can feel a little prickly on sensitive skin. The fibre decides — kid mohair is the softest. Use a soft strand together with the mohair for a more comfortable garment.
Can I substitute the yarn in the pattern?
Yes. Choose a yarn with similar yardage and recommended needle size, and check the gauge on a gauge swatch first.
What is warmest?
Alpaca is warmest. Wool gives the best elasticity, mohair gives the most volume.
How much yarn do I need?
Yardage decides, not weight. Work it out here.
Three patterns to try it in
Theory is one thing. Here are three of my patterns where you feel the difference on the needles straight away.
- Arctic Snow – The Winter Icon — mohair sweater with high neck and lace pattern, and my best-selling pattern. Beginner plus, needle 7. 115 kr.
- The Magic Woods – The Poncho — alpaca, mohair and gold thread knitted together. This is what several strands look like in practice. Beginner, needle 7. 115 kr.
- Woods – The Nordic Soul — green mohair sweater with lace pattern and puff sleeves. Beginner plus, needles 5 and 7. 115 kr.
All mohair patterns · Bestsellers · Beginner
Which yarns I use, and where to get them · Care and washing · Needles and gauge · All knitting patterns
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