Knitting or Crocheting: Does it Matter What Kind of Yarn You Use? by Sonya Welter
There are so many different varieties of yarn out
there-wool, acrylic, cotton, bamboo, novelty, and on and on. Does it really
matter what kind you use for a knitting or crochet project, so long as the gauge
matches and the color is pretty?
You bet it does!
There many significant differences between various fibers,
even if they are all the same weight, and every variety has its own pluses and
minuses, so it's best to choose a fiber that best matches your project. Here's a
quick run down of some of the options available.
Wool
Wool is the gold standard for knitting and crochet
projects, and many people will use little else. Wool yarn is good for sweaters,
hats, socks, mittens, and scarves.
PROS: Wool is
very breathable and is excellent at wicking away moisture; it keeps you warm in
the winter and cool in the summer. Wool is a very forgiving yarn to work with,
as it is naturally elastic and maintains an even gauge. Wool garments hold their
shape and they wear very well. With proper care, wool items might last for
several generations.
CONS: While
many modern wool yarns are not as itchy as the wool of the past, it can still
irritate some people's skin. Wool garments often need to be hand washed and
dried flat. High quality wool can be on the expensive side.
Cotton
Cotton is airy and fairly lightweight and good for summer
clothes, as well as accessories, toys, and dishcloths.
PROS: Cotton
yarn is durable and machine washable, and cotton garments soften with age.
Cotton yarn is often very affordable.
CONS: Don't
expect to stay warm in a cotton sweater. Cotton yarn can be difficult to work
with as it is very inelastic, requires careful stitching, and offers very little
"give." Cotton holds a lot of water and will sag out of shape when wet. Some
colors may bleed in the wash.
Acrylic
While spurned by many serious knitters, synthetic fibers
like acrylic are good for accessories, toys, and blankets.
PROS: Acrylic
yarn is very inexpensive and comes in a dizzying array of colors. It is somewhat
strong and is yet lightweight.
CONS: Acrylic
yarn is relatively inelastic and can be unpleasant to work with. Acrylic is not
breathable, and it is easy to overheat in acrylic garments. Acrylic clothing
wears out with stress very quickly. Acrylic is essentially plastic and will
never biodegrade.
Bamboo
Bamboo is a recent addition to the yarn world, and it works
well for lightweight shirts, hats, scarves, and accessories.
PROS: Bamboo
is a renewable resource, making it an environmentally sound choice. Bamboo yarn
is naturally antibacterial, and the fabric is cool, breathable, and drapes well.
Bamboo is strong, flexible, and very, very soft.
CONS: Bamboo
garments need to be hand washed, and the yarn can sometimes split, making it
more difficult to work with. Bamboo yarn can be rather expensive.
Silk
Silk is a luxurious yarn that is best in shirts, scarves,
and accessories.
PROS: Silk
yarn is incredibly soft and feels very nice against the skin. Silk is warm and
breathable and is very strong. The fabric does not shrink or stretch.
CONS: Silk yarn is so expensive
that is it best used as an accent or in very small items. It is inelastic and
requires careful stitching. It also needs to be hand washed.