Yes, you absolutely can spin camel hair.
Camel hair is indeed spinnable, and it is a fiber prized for its softness and warmth, commonly used in textiles. Based on the reference provided, "Because the undercoat hair is rather long, camel hair yarn can be spun quite well."
Why Camel Hair Spins Well
The reference highlights a key reason why camel hair is suitable for spinning: the length of the undercoat fibers. Longer fibers generally make spinning easier and result in a stronger, more uniform yarn.
- Undercoat Fibers: Camels have a two-layer coat. The outer guard hairs are coarse, while the inner undercoat is fine and soft. It is primarily the undercoat that is harvested for textile use.
- Fiber Length: The significant length of these undercoat fibers allows them to interlock effectively during the spinning process.
- Spinning Quality: This characteristic length contributes to the yarn spinning "quite well," as stated in the reference.
The Resulting Yarn and Fabric
When camel hair is spun well due to its fiber properties, the resulting yarn is high quality.
- Uniformity: The reference notes, "As a result, stitches will appear quite uniform." This suggests that yarn spun from camel hair creates smooth and consistent fabric when knitted or woven.
- Feel and Properties: Camel hair yarn is known for being lightweight, soft, and warm, making it ideal for clothing items like coats, sweaters, and scarves.
In summary, the favorable length of the camel's undercoat fibers makes it possible to spin the hair effectively into yarn, leading to uniform stitches and high-quality textiles.