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Types of Yarns for Knitting or Crochet

08 Oct 2009 by Peach
Different fibers of yarn will result in completely different results in your piece or garment. You want to be familiar with the different kinds of yarn fiber and how they will work in a knitting or crochet project.
Synthetic Fibers
Nylon, rayon, acrylic, viscose, and polyester are all synthetic fibers that appear in yarn. 100 % acrylic yarn is a common choice as it is the most inexpensive yarn. This makes acrylic yarn a good choice for those just learning how to knit or crochet.
 
Blends
Many yarns blend different natural fibers, synthetic fibers or natural fibers with synthetic fibers, such as for a softer feel. If you want to felt your knitted or crochet project, you must ensure the yarn is at least 80% wool, but the other 20% can be synthetic.
 
Natural Fibers
 
Cotton- Made from cotton plants, many types of cotton yarn are treated with chemicals to make them more durable, mildew resistant, and able to accept dyes better. Some environmental concerns have been raised with traditional cotton production though.
 
Wool- Many different kinds of wool exist and are spun into yarns with different weights and textures. Wool accepts color very well and is very warm. Merino wool yarn is a popular choice in making garments.
 
Cashmere- Cashmere, from the soft undercoats of cashmere goats, is a more expensive yarn which is especially smooth while still retaining warmth.
 
Alpaca/Llama- South American llamas or alpacas produce very soft, warm yarn. Llama wool yarn is less soft and bulkier. Alpaca and llama wool is non-allergenic, since it does not have the lanolin found in lamb’s wool. This yarn does not accept color as well as wool though.
 
Mohair- Mohair is a thick yarn from the Angora goat with an especially fuzzy look.
 
Angora- Angora is an especially soft rabbit fur yarn which has a fuzzy appearance.
 
Linen- Linen yarn is made from the flax plant and is a lightweight yarn perfect for summer garments.
 
Silk- Silk comes from silkworm larvae and is very smooth and light. Since silk does not have much stretch, silk is generally combined with other fibers for yarn, often cashmere for a truly-luxurious yarn.
 
Eco-Friendly Yarns
 
Organic Cotton- Please see this article for more information on organic cotton created without synthetic fertilizer or pesticides and, when made into yarn, without chemical dyes.
 
Bamboo- Bamboo yarn has the feel of silk and is very strong. Bamboo is a renewable resource because it can be harvested without killing the plant, which then regenerates the removed bamboo in a couple of months.
 
Hemp- Hemp is another renewable resource which can be grown without pesticides or herbicides and is the strongest natural fiber. Hemp yarn garments are softer with each machine washing and can be treated for softness as yarn. Check out LanaKnits to read about and purchse Hemp yarn.
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History of Crochet

08 Oct 2009 by Peach

A writer who tried to trace the history of crochet came to the conclusion that there is no real evidence to show the existence of crochet before the 19th century.  Knitting, she said, preceded crochet by at least four centuries. 

Why crochet did not show up until the 19th century could probably be explained by the fact that people at the time preferred more economical fabric-creating techniques. 

Crochet uses an enormous amount of thread to produce pieces of fabric which were much more economically produced by the ancient techniques of netting, sprang, nalbinding or knitting.

It was while Ireland was developing its lace industry that the US took up crocheting.  It soon became a household activity that was loved by many American settlers. 

While sewing was considered a function, crochet was entertainment.  When America went to World War II in 1941, there was no such thing as time and innovation for fashion, so the idea was to make it “short and sweet.”  Crochet was therefore saved for special things like a touch of lace, a scarf or a friendly. 

When the war ended, crochet was back in the limelight and women turned it into a hobby to create luxuries they desired:  tablecloths, edgings for pillowcases, handkerchiefs and towels.
into something more ambitious and non-traditional.  All of a sudden, all kinds of finished fabrics were arriving at the scene, manifestations of the innovation fever that characterized the wealthy period that the US was experiencing. 

Since this time, 21st century crochet has had a different face, a new look.  New types of hooks were born, and yarns multiplied in variety.

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