Yak

Yaks are a double-coated animal, with an outer layer of guard hair covering a soft downy layer. Yak fiber is removed from the animal by combing.

Yak down is very soft, similar to camel wool or cashmere. The micron count of yak fiber varies between about 14 and 16 microns, and its staple length is fairly short, typically just over an inch. However, because it has good crimp, yak wool is not as hard to spin as some other short staple length fibers. But for an easier spinning experience, you still may want to blend it with another fiber such as wool or silk.

You’ll occasionally find auctions for yak roving or yak top on eBay. Any current auctions will be listed below. Click a picture or description to place your bid.

nice!!~yak-merino-top~2oz~spinning-wool-roving-fiber Nice!!~Yak-Merino Top~2oz~spinning wool roving fiber
US $8.50
End Date: Saturday Mar-13-2010 3:29:33 PST
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yak-fiber-dark-brown-8-oz-highest-quality-spin Yak Fiber Dark Brown 8 oz Highest Quality Spin
US $14.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Saturday Mar-13-2010 21:10:26 PST
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yak-fiber-dark-brown-8-oz-highest-quality-spin Yak Fiber Dark Brown 8 oz Highest Quality Spin
US $14.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Wednesday Mar-17-2010 18:01:13 PDT
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crazy-100-yak-fiber-ready-to-spin-chocolate-soft!-1-oz CRAZY 100% YAK Fiber Ready to Spin Chocolate SOFT! 1 oz
US $6.89
End Date: Friday Mar-26-2010 8:15:09 PDT
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crazy-100-yak-fiber-ready-to-spin-off-white-soft!-1-oz CRAZY 100% YAK Fiber Ready to Spin Off White SOFT! 1 oz
US $7.12
End Date: Friday Mar-26-2010 8:17:16 PDT
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yak-natural-brown-loose-spinning-wheel-fiber Yak Natural Brown Loose Spinning Wheel Fiber
US $7.95
End Date: Friday Apr-02-2010 17:00:51 PDT
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nice!!~yak-merino-top~2oz~spinning-wool-roving-fiber Nice!!~Yak-Merino Top~2oz~spinning wool roving fiber
US $8.00
End Date: Tuesday Apr-06-2010 4:06:45 PDT
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superfine-white-yak-merino-50-50-so-soft-spin-fiber-8oz SuperFine White Yak-Merino 50-50 So Soft Spin Fiber 8oz
US $35.95
End Date: Tuesday Apr-06-2010 9:03:29 PDT
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Paradise Fibers often carries Yak fiber for spinning, most often in natural white and brown.

You’ll typically find yak fiber in shades of brown, grey and white. There are also “Golden” yaks found in North America; however, they are quite rare so you won’t find golden yak wool for sale very often. If you want to buy yak fiber for spinning, you’ll probably want to make sure it’s already been dehaired for a better spinning experience.