From the goat to teddy bear

The way to the finished stuffed animals from mohair starts in province of Ankara in Turkey, because this is where the Angora goat originally comes from. Today, it is kept in South Africa, The United States, Australia and Madagascar as well, to produce the great natural fiber. The fur of the Angora goat is long, curly and very silk-like. Depending on the age of the animal, the texture of the wool changes from very fine (Kidmohair) through “Young goat” to a solid natural fiber of the “adult” animal.

The term mohair comes from Arabic word and means “a type of haircloth “.

Mohair is won by shearing, which is done twice a year on the Angora goats (summer and winter fur). An Angora goat delivers an average of 7kg of wool per year. This is later processed into textiles, blankets, pillows, upholstery, carpets and as in our case to teddy bear fabrics. The interest in mohair fabrics is still growing, especially in the textiles sector, because unlike real furs the animals doesn’t have to be harmed. In addition you have the natural characteristics of wool, because mohair is very soft and comfortable to wear. The fibers are water-repellent due to their fine structure and the fabric has a cooling effect in summer and a warming effect in winter.

However, mohair is a bit more demanding in terms of care. Never use a tumble dryer and when washing it, it is definitely recommended to wash by hand and with appropriate wool detergent.

About Steiff-Schulte

The wonderful story of the Teddy Bear started at the beginning of this century. Everyone knows that Richard Steiff was the creator of the Teddy Bear; but what would Teddies have looked liked if he had not found the right material for their fur ???
Paul Steiff (left) and Reinhard Schulte, 1908 Fortunately, Schulte in Duisburg was already in existence! In 1901 Reinhard Schulte had opened his own factory, weaving plush fabrics. Today his company is known throughout the world as “the Mecca for bear making fabrics”. The name Schulte, Duisburg, has become synonymous with high-quality Mohair fabrics. Since their early beginns Schulte and Steiff have remaned in close commercial and privat contact.
 
Steiff Teddies, which attract the highest prices at sales and auctions are almost exclusively made from the “Original Schulte Mohair”. And still today, Steiff Teddies which are made from genuine Schulte Mohair are a Guarantee for highest Teddy Bear Culture!
 
Our long tradition, our “know how” developed by generations, and the newest production processes make it possible for Schulte to create fabrics every Teddy Manufacturer, Designer and Artist, -as well as collector-, loves and adores.

A fur fabric without comparison – world wide.
Teddies made from the “Original Schulte Mohair” are percious escorts into the future. Faithful partners one always can rely upon.

Welcome to Steiff-Schulte Mohair

This Website is not the official website of Steiff-Schulte Wovenfabrics.

The content on this website is provided by ProBär GmbH Germany. We visited Steiff-Schulte and get some awesome pictures and videos to show, how the great fabrics are step by step where created.