What is Cashgora Fiber?

What is Cashgora Fiber?

What Is Cashgora Fiber? Everything You Need to Know

If you love luxurious natural fibers but enjoy learning about lesser-known materials, Cashgora is a fiber worth getting to know. Soft, warm, and surprisingly versatile, Cashgora is a blend of cashmere and mohair goats, yet many fiber artists aren’t quite sure what it is or how it behaves.

Let’s break it down so you can decide if Cashgora is right for your next spinning, knitting, or weaving project.


What Is Cashgora?

Cashgora is a natural luxury fiber that comes from Cashgora goats, a cross between cashmere goats and angora (mohair) goats. The goal of this crossbreeding is to combine the best qualities of both fibers:

  • The softness and warmth of cashmere

  • The strength and length of mohair

The result is a fiber that’s soft, warm, and strong, without being quite as delicate as pure cashmere or as slippery as mohair.


How Does Cashgora Feel?

Cashgora is often described as:

  • Soft but not fragile

  • Warm without being heavy

  • Lightly fuzzy with a gentle halo

It’s generally softer than mohair and slightly more structured than cashmere. Most people find it very comfortable next to the skin, especially when spun or knit at a relaxed gauge.


Cashgora vs. Cashmere vs. Mohair

Here’s how Cashgora compares to its parent fibers:

Fiber Texture Halo Strength Warmth
Cashmere Extremely soft Low Delicate Very warm
Mohair Smooth, strong High Very strong Warm
Cashgora Soft + resilient Moderate Stronger than cashmere Warm

Cashgora strikes a lovely balanceβ€”it offers luxury without being overly fragile or tricky to work with.


Is Cashgora Good for Spinning?

Yes, Cashgora is excellent for spinning, especially if you enjoy fine or luxury fibers.

Spinners often love Cashgora because:

  • It drafts more easily than cashmere

  • It’s less slippery than mohair

  • It produces a strong, lightweight yarn

  • It holds twist well

Cashgora works beautifully spun:

  • On its own for lightweight, warm yarns

  • Blended with wool for added bounce and structure

  • With silk for extra drape and sheen

Many spinners find Cashgora more forgiving than other luxury fibers, especially if they’re newer to spinning fine fibers.


How Does Cashgora Dye?

Cashgora takes dye well, but with a slightly softer effect than merino or silk.

  • Colors often appear muted and elegant

  • Great for natural and tonal dye styles

  • Holds depth beautifully without becoming overly bright

This makes it a favorite for spinners and dyers who love subtle, sophisticated colorways.


What Projects Is Cashgora Best For?

Because of its warmth, softness, and strength, Cashgora is ideal for:

  • Scarves and shawls

  • Hats and cowls

  • Lightweight sweaters

  • Luxury accessories

  • Handspun yarns meant for wearables

It’s especially nice for projects where you want warmth without bulk and a soft hand without excessive fuzz.


Is Cashgora Ethical and Sustainable?

Cashgora is typically harvested during seasonal shearing or combing, similar to cashmere and mohair. When sourced responsibly, it’s a renewable, animal-friendly fiber.

As with any luxury fiber, sourcing mattersβ€”working with trusted suppliers ensures ethical handling and high-quality fiber.


Why Choose Cashgora?

Cashgora is perfect if you want:

  • A luxury fiber that’s easier to work with than cashmere

  • More structure than alpaca

  • Less slipperiness than mohair

  • Warmth without heaviness

  • A unique fiber not everyone is using

It’s a wonderful choice for fiber artists who love experimenting with special materials and creating truly elevated projects.


Final Thoughts

Cashgora may not be as widely known as cashmere or mohair, but it deserves a place among the great luxury fibers. With its balance of softness, strength, and warmth, it’s a joy to spin and a dream to wear.

If you’ve never tried Cashgora before, it’s a beautiful way to explore something a little different, while still feeling comfortably familiar.

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