People often call Mohair Socks goat socks. This is because manufacturers make them from the fleeces of Angora goats.
Farmers shear the goats twice a year, in the Spring and again in the Autumn. They then process the hair, spin it into yarn, and knit the socks into Capricorn Mohair Socks.
We knit everything in the natural colour and then dye it as a complete sock. This traditional way of knitting mohair socks makes for a natural, moisture-wicking sock.
First, someone washes the raw fleece and spins it into yarn.
Our UK knitters then create the socks with the toe open so that all socks look like an open tube. The knitting machines consist of a cylinder that knits the sock around itself.
After someone knits the socks, they close the toe. In this method, someone joins the two parts of the sock. The manufacturer closes the toe using the same thread from the same material as the sock.
After the knitter finishes the knitting and closes the toe, someone washes and dries the Mohair Socks. Washing removes knitting oils and residue from yarns and also helps with any shrinkage and stabilises the socks. The wash uses only water; no one adds detergent.
After someone washes and dries them, the socks travel to the board pairing area. Here, workers pull them onto flat metal foot forms, a process called boarding, to shape them into the desired size and form. They are then steam-pressed to get their final form.
Finally, we are ready to pair the socks. As Capricorn Mohair Socks are artisan, they often vary a little in size from one sock to the other.
The pairing process therefore is important to remove any problems down the line, unless you have different-sized feet!
We check each pair of socks carefully. We inspect, package, and send them to you. This way, we can then ensure everything is perfect before they arrive through your door.
We make Goat Socks for the UK market, focusing on high quality and great attention to detail.
Further reading
1. Cream Socks - why are they so good for your feet?
