Hello my fellow spinners.
Now that you have stopped looking at that cute little doggy let me begin with a questions for you. What’s the most unusual fibre you’ve ever spun? Over the years, I’ve worked with many luxurious fibres—bison, qiviut from musk ox, angora, and cashmere, to name a few. But recently, I was asked to spin something a little different: Pomeranian dog fur.
What I didn’t know until that day was that yarn made from dog fur actually has a name: Chiengora. It makes sense once you hear it, doesn’t it? And here’s an interesting fact—it’s even warmer than wool. This is because the fibres are hollow, trapping air and creating an insulating layer. Perfect for those cosy winter items like gloves, scarves, or even jumpers.
I’ve often admired social media posts showing off beautifully hand-spun and knitted garments made from pet fur. There’s something quite sentimental about it, isn’t there? Knowing that a beloved pet’s fur has been transformed into a cherished piece of clothing adds a special touch.
But do keep in mind that not all dog fur is equal when it comes to spinning! The best fur comes from breeds with soft undercoats, such as Samoyeds, Newfoundlands, Golden Retrievers, and, of course, Pomeranians. That wiry terrier hair? Probably not something you’d want to wear, but who knows—it might make a fine rug!
The particular batch of fur I worked with was a mixture of the soft undercoat and some coarser guard hairs. The owner had saved it all as a keepsake, so I spun it just as it was. It had a certain charm, though I quickly realised spinning such fibres in my living room was a mistake! I ended up with fur all over my velvet sofa, wool carpet, and spinning wheel—not to mention my clothes. Next time, I’ll definitely be choosing a different workspace!
Now, for those curious about trying Chiengora yourselves, here are some key things to bear in mind:
Chiengora: Key Features
Softness: The undercoat is the best for spinning, giving a soft and luxurious feel.
Warmth: Due to its hollow fibres, Chiengora is warmer than wool.
Ideal Length: Fibres should ideally be about 2 inches long.
Blending: It can be blended with wool for added durability and easier spinning.
Halo Effect: Similar to angora, Chiengora can develop a halo after spinning, though it may still shed slightly.
How to Prepare Dog Fur for Spinning
Collect by brushing, not shearing. The undercoat naturally sheds in spring and autumn, so this is the best time to collect it.
Wash the fur thoroughly using a mild detergent to remove any dirt and odours. Once dry, it should smell clean. However, be careful when washing, as dog fur tends to felt easily if agitated.
Carding: Short fibres will card easily. If you’re blending the fur with wool, this is the stage to do it.
Spinning Dog Fur
Dog fur can be spun using either a spindle or a spinning wheel. Keep in mind that it’s short and slippery, so it may require more twist than other fibres to create a stable yarn.
It’s a good idea to test spin a small amount first to determine how much twist is needed.
As with any yarn, you can ply the singles to add durability.
Chiengora garments should be hand-washed gently in cool water. Lay flat to dry to prevent stretching or distorting the shape.
I hope this has sparked your interest in trying your hand at spinning Chiengora! If you do give it a go, I’d love to hear how you get on—and of course, I’d be thrilled to see any photos of your creations.
Happy spinning,
Theresa
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