Paradise Fibers De-Haired Yak Down Top - Bleached

Luxurious and superfine. Native to the icy, cold mountainous regions of Central Asia, yaks are a hefty member of the cattle and bison family with a multi-layered coat of shaggy fur that keeps them insulated and warm throughout extreme temperatures. Their coat is divided into three types that naturally shed together before being harvested and mechanically separated.

This yak fiber is 100% down that has been commercially de-haired and combed into a ready-to-spin top. Spin directly from the top in a worsted fashion for a smooth yarn or prepare the top into rolags for an easier spin and a lovely woollen yarn. The fibers will bloom beautifully after washing, resulting in a thicker yarn. Spin the yak top with enough twist to hold the yarn together without a wiry or stiff feeling. The spongy texture of the fiber might trick you into thinking you have enough twist in your singles. To test if you have enough twist do a ply back and check the strength of your yarn. Add more twist if the fibers aren't holding well. Yak down felts readily, even without water incorporated keep this in mind when handling and storing. Garments made of this luxury fiber will have incredible insulative warmth and a delightful squishy texture. 

Fiber Details:

Fiber content: 100% de-haired yak down 

Micron count: 13 - 18 

Staple length: 1.25" - 2.25"

Type: Commercial Top

Texture: Spongy and smooth

Care: Hand wash in cold water. Lay flat to dry.

Feltable: Yes

Please note: we've done our best to accurately represent the color of this fiber but the tone and saturation can vary between batches and especially from screen to screen.

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This fiber was featured in our December 2021 Fiber of the Month Club Package.

Prefer a natural shade? See light brown and dark brown yak down top, or the 50/50 yak and mulberry silk blend. Browse all camel, yak and alpaca.

Questions about Yak Down

Why is this yak down bleached?

Yak down is naturally brown. Bleaching lightens it to a soft white so it can be dyed to clear, bright colors, which natural brown yak cannot give you.

How warm is yak down?

Very. Yak down is often compared to cashmere for softness and warmth, and garments made from it have exceptional insulating warmth with a squishy, lofty feel.

Does yak down felt?

Yes, readily, even when dry. Handle it gently, store it loosely and avoid agitation when washing.

How much do I need?

As an accent or blending fiber, 1 to 2 oz goes a long way. To spin it on its own, plan on about 4 oz for a hat or shawlette and 8 oz for a larger shawl.

How is it priced?

Sold by the ounce. Quantity pricing applies automatically at 4 oz, 8 oz, 1 lb, 2 lb and 5 lb, so buying for a sweater costs far less per ounce than buying a single sample.