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Frequently Asked Questions
About Mohair & Wool
What is mohair, and where does it come from? +
Mohair comes from the fleece of the Angora goat, not from sheep like ordinary wool. It's prized for its natural sheen, strength, and softness. South Africa is one of the world's leading producers, and all of our mohair is sourced from responsible farms right here and in neighbouring Lesotho.
Is mohair the same as wool? +
No — while both are natural animal fibres, mohair comes from Angora goats and sheep's wool comes from, well, sheep. Mohair has a smoother fibre structure, which gives it a distinctive lustre and a silkier feel than typical wool.
Is mohair warm? +
Very. Mohair fibres trap air within their structure, which helps regulate temperature — keeping you warm in winter without feeling heavy or overly hot.
Does mohair cause itching or allergies? +
Mohair is generally much softer and less itchy against the skin than many other types of wool, thanks to its smooth fibre structure. That said, as with any animal fibre, a small number of people with wool sensitivities may still react to it.
How durable is a mohair rug or throw? +
Very durable — mohair fibres are naturally strong and resilient, springing back into shape rather than crushing or flattening under regular use. With reasonable care, a mohair piece is genuinely built to last for years, if not decades.
Does mohair shed? +
A small amount of shedding is completely normal in the first few uses of a new piece, especially on brushed or fluffy finishes, and settles down naturally over time.
Shuttleworth Weaving
Why is every piece one-of-a-kind — will you ever restock a colour? +
Every rug, throw, and wrap we make is a genuinely unique, individually hand-woven piece — not a mass-produced pattern. Once a specific piece sells, that exact one is gone for good, though we're always weaving new ones in similar colourways.
How do I clean my rug or throw? +
Care differs by piece — our Natural Fibre Rugs, Blankets & Throws, and Poly Rugs each have their own specific instructions. Visit our Care Guide for full details on your exact piece.
What's the difference between your Natural Fibre Rugs and Poly Rugs? +
Natural Fibre Rugs (Baobab and Makalani) are woven from mohair and Karakul wool — soft, luxurious, and best suited indoors. Poly Rugs (Ficus) are woven from recycled polypropylene — hard-wearing, easy to hose clean, and safe for high-traffic or outdoor use.
Do you ship internationally? +
Yes — since shipping costs vary a lot by size and destination, we quote international orders individually rather than at checkout. Visit our International Orders page to get a quote.
What's your return policy? +
You have 1 week from the date of delivery to return your item, provided it's in its original, unused condition. Contact us via our Contact page to start a return.