Learning to hand knit begins with getting to know yarn - after all, now there are so many varieties of it that beginners’ eyes simply run wild! Don't worry, from our article you will learn how to make the right choice when buying knitting threads whose fibers will last a long time and will not pill.

Natural yarn for knitting

This includes all materials made from animal wool - it was natural knitting threads that were first used by humans to create warm clothing. After choosing the yarn you need, learn how to crochet a hat - a great option for winter walks.

Wool

A universal material that can be recommended to beginning needleworkers. Made from sheared wool from sheep and camels.

Whether you need thread for crocheting or knitting, working on socks, scarves or sweaters, wool is suitable for any occasion.

In terms of quality, the material can be classified as average - over time, the fibers roll down, the color fades, and the product itself stretches. However, it is best for beginning needleworkers to train on this cheap material.

Merino yarn

Merino sheep have wool with properties similar to human hair - it is very elastic, soft and thin. This makes it possible to make light, tight-fitting products from it.

The quality of merino threads is better than regular wool - they do not pill and stretch as much. Especially if it is thick yarn, so popular recently, from which voluminous hats and blankets with large braid patterns are knitted.

Alpaca

Knitting threads made from llama alpaca wool receive only positive reviews from users. This material is very durable, soft to the touch, silky and has a slight shine due to the smoothness of the fiber.

The fabric is knitted uniformly, making alpaca products light but very warm. Ideal for working on winter items.

Such wool does not wrinkle, does not roll or mat for a long time. However, due to this characteristic, not every craftswoman can afford to buy yarn for knitting of this type.

The main advantage of alpaca is that it is hypoallergenic and is suitable for anyone who is allergic to regular wool. Alpaca sweaters and sweaters will be an excellent gift for your household.

Angora

The down of Angora rabbits is considered an exceptionally soft, warm and pleasant to the touch material - professional craftswomen love to work with this expensive yarn. High-quality products made from good wool can keep the owner warm for years.

However, these knitting threads have many features and disadvantages. For example, the fluff in the fiber is not fixed very tightly, so over time it comes out and rolls up heavily. For the same reason, finished items cannot be washed in the usual way and cannot be soaked too much - only dry cleaning is suitable.

Angora is mainly used to make clothes, although sometimes craftswomen knit surprisingly soft and fluffy toys from this yarn.

Cashmere

Cashmere threads for knitting are also called “royal” - they are made from the hair of high-mountain cashmere goats, which are almost 2 times thinner than human hair. Products made from cashmere are very expensive (as is the yarn itself), but the feeling of wearing them is indescribably pleasant.

Unfortunately, this material is as capricious and difficult to work with as angora. It is best to make scarves and stoles, sweaters and thin women's dresses from it.

Silk

Silk thread has a beautiful shine and smooth surface, but due to the difficulty of obtaining it is very expensive, so it is often found in combination with other natural or synthetic fibers.

Silk yarn is worn in clothes for a long time, its threads are pleasant to the touch, and most importantly, they do not fall off. Due to the fact that silk does not retain heat very well, winter clothes are not knitted from it. But you will get excellent demi-season and summer products.

Yarn of vegetable origin

This includes knitting threads made from plants. This does not mean that they are not natural - these types of yarns simply differ in the properties of materials of animal origin.

Linen

Flax fibers are strong and long. At the same time, they allow manufacturers to produce threads of any thickness. Linen yarn is ideal for knitting.

Its beauty is that it not only gives warmth in winter, it is also not hot in summer. Many craftswomen use this - when knitting T-shirts and swimsuits, for example.

Linen threads do not pill and hold their shape well - this is another advantage.

Cotton

Cotton knitting threads are a rather controversial material. On the one hand, they have high strength due to a special way of twisting the fibers (around the axis). On the other hand, cotton products wear out quite quickly. Also, this knitting yarn does not pill, but wrinkles a lot.

Of greater interest is mercerized cotton yarn - a material that has undergone special processing, named after John Mercer, who invented it. As a result, the manufacturer receives an elastic and durable, smooth and shiny thread that is resistant to deformation and rolling. Its only drawback is its high cost.

Cotton T-shirts are an excellent solution for summer.

Among domestic manufacturers, many companies produce mercerized material: “Trinity Yarn” and “Iris” threads are excellent proof of this.

Nettle and hemp

Materials with similar characteristics. They are characterized by high strength and good heat transfer - so you definitely won’t freeze in winter.

The wear resistance of such threads is average, but you don’t have to worry about spools. It is better to knit summer clothes from these materials.

Bamboo

A very interesting material that not every yarn store can offer you.

Mostly craftswomen speak positively about him. Interesting fact: bamboo has antimicrobial properties, so it does not need to be treated with protective chemicals, unlike all other materials.

Bamboo threads shimmer beautifully in the light; they are softer than cotton and resemble cashmere. In addition, like alpaca, they do not cause allergies. They are used for knitting almost any type of product.

Recently, a new fiber made from soy milk has appeared on the market of creative materials, but you are unlikely to be able to buy knitting threads from soy - most often the material is added to other types of yarn to improve their properties: smoothness, elasticity, softness.

Artificial and synthetic yarn

It is necessary to distinguish between these knitting threads. Man-made yarns are made from natural fibers through chemical processing, while synthetic yarns are created from synthetic fibers.

The first type is viscose - it is made from cellulose, which is actually considered a natural substance. It is viscose yarn for knitting that represents the whole variety of colors - from pastel to bright neon. It does not electrify and is pleasant to the body, but it has one drawback: if you wash it incorrectly, you can damage the fibers, which will immediately begin to stretch and roll. Knit voluminous winter scarves and sweaters from it.

On the market of domestic manufacturers, “Semenovskaya Yarn” is considered one of the best viscose yarns.

There are slightly more synthetic materials.

Acrylic

Acrylic yarn is ideal for knitting if you are a beginner. It is coarser than all other types of yarn, but it comes in a variety of colors. In addition, its fibers have an average degree of wear resistance and pill less than natural yarn.

Ideal for creating soft toys. It's so cheap that you won't even have to wait for yarn sales to purchase it.

The popular name for acrylic is children's yarn: it was so nicknamed because even a child can learn to knit with acrylic threads.

Nylon

One of the most durable and very elastic type of yarn. Due to its properties, nylon is often woven into other fibers to improve their properties.

Nylon knitting yarn allows you to make beautiful tight-fitting things: sweaters, blouses and dresses.

Microfiber

An amazing yarn whose fibers are 100 times thinner than a human hair. It does not pill, is very durable and can be used to create clothing, toys, furniture upholstery - almost any knitted product.

You can learn more about the types of yarn in the following video:

One of the first questions that arises before we start knitting is which one do we need, which one is better to choose? In order to answer this question, you need to figure out what types of yarn are on sale and for knitting what products it is usedintended.

• The first thing you need to pay attention to is the composition of the yarn. The composition of the yarn is always indicated on the label

Wool yarn- Great for knitting warm clothes: sweaters, warm socks, hats and scarves. This yarn allows air and moisture to pass through well and retains heat well. This yarn has many advantages - it is natural, looks beautiful when knitted, elastic, but, unfortunately, it also has disadvantages - products made from it tend to stretch , as well as fall off and form pellets. To avoid this, they add to wool yarn synthetic threads, usually acrylic - such yarn is called mixed yarn. The composition of the yarn, as well as its quality, determines the appearance of the knitted product, as well as how it will behave when worn.As a rule, sheep wool is used to make wool yarn; yarn from goat hair, rabbit hair, and even dog hair is also found.

100% wool- if you see such an inscription on the yarn, it means that it is made from pure sheep wool, without any admixture of other types of threads. It can be of different thicknesses, both very thin - from such yarn you can knit very elegant, well-draped products, and very thick, well suited for knitting hats and scarves with a relief pattern. Medium thickness yarn is good for knitting sweaters, jackets, dresses, vests, and socks.

Merino yarn- the softest and most delicate yarn,is being manufacturedMade from merino sheep wool, it usually costs slightly more than regular sheep wool. It is thin, so it is well suited for knitting delicate items. This yarn is also good for knitting children's clothes, as it does not irritate the baby's delicate skin.

Shetland yarn - is being manufactured from shorn sheep wool. This yarn is rough, but very durable; it produces textured knitted items in strength. country

Cashmere- produced from the combed undercoat of Kashmir goats. This is one of the finest and noblest types of wool yarn. Products made from it are very warm, wear-resistant and elegant. More often found in a mixture with other types of yarn.

Mohair- this yarn is being manufacturedfrom goat wool. This is a thin and fluffy yarn. Previously, mohair yarn was used to knit Orenburg scarves. Mohair, which is quite expensive, is therefore found both in a mixture with sheep wool and with synthetics, often with acrylic.

Angora- thin fluffy yarn obtained from the wool of Angora rabbits. Also, as a rule, found in combination with woolen or synthetic yarn . Products made from angora are thinner, more elegant and less fluffier than mohair.

Alpaca- this is llama wool, its advantage is that it is very warm due to the fact that the fibers alpacas hollow inside: they trap air and retain heat. These fibers are long, so alpaca is less prone to pilling.

Acrylic- it's synthetic yarn, it is often called “artificial wool”.Characterized byhigh strength and good ability be painted in a variety of colors colors. Typically, it is added to various types of wool yarn to increase itswear resistanceand reduce the cost. But here you have to look attentively , if the acrylic content is small: 10-20 percent, then the products related from such threads will have all the properties of the main yarn. If the acrylic content is more than 50%, then, as a rule, products knitted from them will have a cheaper appearance, but most importantly, they will not adequately allow air to pass through and retain heat, and therefore will not be very comfortable to wear. You can find acrylic yarn for children's products on sale. But I still wouldn’t recommend it for knitting children’s clothes. Despite the fact that it is hypoallergenic, it still has poor breathability, does not absorb moisture well and is very electrified.

Cotton yarn -this is natural yarn, used for knitting light summer items. This yarn allows air to pass through well and gives a feeling of coolness. But this yarn is not elastic, so if you want to knit things from cotton, then attentively consider the choice of yarn. If the thread is heavily twisted, then such yarn will not work; it is only good for crocheting. An example of such yarn is “Iris” thread. The yarn for knitting is slightly twisted, the thread should be soft to the touch. As a rule, such yarn is sold in skeins, like wool. Wool or acrylic can be added to the cotton thread to increase its elasticity

Linen yarn - also natural yarn, used for knitting summer things. But it is stiffer and less elastic than cotton and is better suited for crocheting.

Silk yarn - this yarn obtained from silkworm thread. This one is very expensive manufacturing yarn. The thread is very strong, but at the same time, thin and soft, and has a noble shine. Products knitted from silk yarn practically don't roll down. In addition to a very beautiful appearance, products made from silk yarn have an important quality - they keep a feeling of coolness well on hot days. This one is very expensive making yarn, so it is more often found mixed with cotton or viscose. You can also find silk thread with the addition of synthetic threads.

Viscose- also called " artificial silk". This yarn produced from wood pulp, spruce or pine. It looks like silk, heavy and smooth, with a slight shine. This yarn conducts air and absorbs moisture, but still not as good as natural threads. Well suited for knitting products, used in the warm season, but on a very hot day you will not feel very comfortable in clothes made of viscose; it is better for such weather to choose cotton or silk yarn.

Bamboo— bamboo yarn has recently appeared on sale. This, like viscose, is a cellulose thread, only made from bamboo wood. This is a very strong but soft yarn, with a little shine, and very light. Very good for knitting summer clothes. I advise you to pay special attention to this yarn if you are planning to knit a product for a child. This yarn has unique qualities - it absorbs moisture 3 times more than cotton, does not cause irritation and has antimicrobial effect, therefore which contains a natural component that stops the development of bacteria.

• If you have decided with the composition of the yarn, then the second point that you need to pay attention to is the thickness of the yarn and the number of threads that you will be required . If you have chosen a model with a description for knitting, then the instructions always indicate the thicknessrecommended yarn. She determined bywhat length of thread (in meters) is contained in 100 (or 50) grams of yarn. The shorter the length of the thread, the thicker it is. To ensure that the piece you knit is the same size as the pattern in the magazine, make sure you choose a yarn with a similar thickness. Also, the description usually indicates the required number of threads. If you do not have much experience in knitting, then you need to focus on this amount. If you buy less thread than required and you don’t have enough, you may have problems buying more of the same yarn. Often the label on the skein of yarn will also indicate how many threads there are. will be needed for knitting a pullover, and also what size knitting needles are best for knitting this yarn. If you don't know how many threads required in order to knit the desired product, you can find outHere.

• The third point that I advise you to pay attention to is thread uniformity. Attentively inspect the skeins, check that the thread is uniform, without thickenings and knots, as well as thinned areas. Especially attentively choose skeins of section-dyed yarn - choose skeins that start with the same color fragment, and also pay attention to the fact that there are no broken or knitted ends of the threads, because otherwise it will be difficult for you to knit the back and front, as well as sleeves with a symmetrical pattern.

I highly recommend saving the yarn label until you finish it off product. Because if you don’t have enough thread, it will be much easier for you to buy the required amount. Try to find threads from the same batch, its number is indicated on the label, because threads of the same color, but from different batches can vary slightly.

Also pay attention to how to care for the knitted product. There are general rules - wash in lukewarm water with the addition of a mild detergent, and gently lay out to dry. But look at the label, it often indicates exactly how to care for this yarn.

These are the main points that you need to pay attention to when you choose which one is well suited for the execution of the product you have in mind. If you have any questions or want to discuss something, be sure to leave a comment.

Note! Recently, an article appeared on the site with recommendations for selecting yarn for knitting socks:.

Wool yarn is perhaps the most popular for hand knitting. Of all the types of wool that are used to produce yarn, the most common is sheep's. Yarn for hand knitting is also often made from camel, goat, rabbit hair and down. Wool is the most expensive raw material for the production of yarn for knitting, its cost is 2 - 15 times higher than the cost of cotton (natural silk is even more expensive, but it is practically not used for this purpose).

Wool fiber consists of two or three layers: scaly, cortical and core. A scaly layer of wool. consists of thin horn-like plates of various sizes and shapes. It protects the cortex from harmful chemical and physical influences, and largely ensures the fellability and shine of the wool. The cortical layer of wool consists of spindle-shaped cells and determines the main properties of the fiber - its strength, elongation, elasticity, flexibility, softness. The cells of the cortical layer contain pigment, which determines the natural color of the fiber. The core layer of wool consists of loose cells and spaces filled with air. The dimensions of the core layer may vary depending on the type of wool fiber. This layer reduces the thermal conductivity of wool fibers, but at the same time reduces their strength, elongation, flexibility, and crimp.

Let us note the general qualities of wool.

Positive properties of wool: wool fiber is crimped, has high elasticity, so it wrinkles little and holds its shape well; has excellent hygienic properties: it is highly hygroscopic and removes moisture from the body, while appearing dry; lung; warm; quite durable.

Negative properties of wool: low heat resistance, at a temperature of 100 - 110 0 C, the fibers become brittle, stiff, and their strength decreases; not resistant to abrasion; loses strength when wet by approximately 30%.

Based on the properties of wool fiber, the following conclusions can be drawn: wool yarn must be washed carefully, without twisting or subjecting it to strong physical stress, otherwise the threads will lose strength and elasticity; Do not boil wool or perform wet heat treatment with an iron that is too hot.

Here are the most common types of wool used for hand knitting.

Sheep's wool- the most common, used both in pure form and in mixtures with other fibers in various proportions. 95 - 97% of wool for the textile industry comes from sheep. There are several types of sheep wool, which differ primarily in the thickness of the hair.

Merino wool (Merino) is wool obtained from a fine-fleece breed of sheep that produces the finest wool of the highest quality.

Semi-fine wool (medium type) - obtained from the wool of sheep with thicker hair from sheep not of a fine-wool breed, but of meat-wool breed. This wool is thicker and coarser, which of course affects the quality of the yarn.

The quality of wool fiber depends on the breed of sheep and the timing of shearing. Haircuts can be autumn, spring or bright. Fine-wool (merino) sheep are shorn once a year - in the spring, and the wool obtained is fine and semi-fine, of high quality. Sheep of coarse wool breeds are shorn twice a year - in spring and autumn. Autumn wool has less fluff, more coarse hair, and is patchy and short. This kind of wool is not used for the production of yarn; it is used in felt production and for making carpets.

Poyar wool (Baby Merino) - wool from lambs aged 4-7 months. Poyark wool is thin, much thinner than the wool of an adult sheep.

Mohair- the raw material for the production of mohair is the wool of Angora goats, obtained by shearing. This wool is characterized by softness, great strength and high shine, has a length of 210-350 mm, a fineness of 30-38 microns. Since goat hair is too slippery, it has to be held together with other fibers (the so-called cort), so the goat down content in the yarn cannot be more than 83%, which means it cannot be 100% mohair. The most common yarns are those with a mohair content of 10, 20, 35, 40, 50, 80 percent. Mohair items are very light and warm. To knit with this yarn, you need to choose loose, openwork patterns, this way the beauty of this yarn is better revealed.

Cashmere- also yarn made from goat fluff, but only from the fluff of a special breed of goats - Tibetan highland goats. The living conditions of Tibetan goats are harsh: from -40 0 C in winter to +50 0 C in summer, because of this they grow thick and thin fluff, while the top layer is rather coarse wool. Therefore, the wool is not cut, but fluff is combed out; the best quality is obtained from the chest and belly of the goat. Cashmere yarn is one of the most expensive. Cashmere items are beautiful and pleasant to wear. Cashmere with a goat down content of about 30% is most often used in hand knitting yarn. This is explained by the fact that pure cashmere does not have sufficient dimensional stability; items made from it are pulled out under their own weight. The name of this yarn comes from the name of the area where it was first produced - Kashmir; this area is located at the junction of Afghanistan, India, Pakistan and Tibet.

Camel's wool. In yarn for hand knitting it can be used both in pure form and in a mixture with other fibers. Often used without dyeing, the natural color of the wool is light brown. Unlike all other wool fibers, this fiber is hollow inside and does not have the scaly structure characteristic of other types of wool. Camel wool is distinguished by the fact that it does not electrify, is resistant to pollution, and is more than two times lighter than sheep's wool. Products made from camel wool are recommended for people suffering from circulatory problems. Thanks to lanolin, an animal wax that is found in the inner cavity of the hairs, camel hair has a healing effect for diseases of the musculoskeletal system. At a temperature of 36-37 0 C, lanolin is easily absorbed into the skin and has a beneficial effect on it, as well as on muscles and joints. Things made of camel wool provide good warmth, and due to their very high hygroscopicity, the heat is dry. However, it should be borne in mind that camel hair has tingling hairs: on the one hand, it creates a massage effect and improves blood circulation; on the other hand, children and people with sensitive skin may not like “itchy” clothing.

Yarn using alpaca hair (belongs to the camel family). It lives in South America - Bolivia and Peru. The animal lives in high mountain extreme climatic conditions: the harsher the habitat, the better the wool must be in order to protect against adverse conditions. The fur of this animal is soft, long and thin, with a pleasant silky sheen. Compared to sheep wool, it is lighter and has lower thermal conductivity; Alpaca wool does not mat. Alpaca is an expensive fiber, so it is rarely used in its pure form (Alpaca 100 yarn), more often mixed with other fibers, for example, Alpafina yarn - 50% sheep wool, 50% alpaca or Inca baby silk yarn - 70% alpaca, 30% silk.

Vigogne- wool of the animal of the same name, also from the camel family. The coat is short, but soft and fine, consisting mainly of downy hairs. Also called vigonya is a soft fabric made of cotton fiber, with the addition of coarse wool; the name arose from the association with the brown color of the llama's coat.

Angora(angora) - real angora is made only from the fluff of Angora rabbits. Angora rabbits are bred in England, Germany, and France. This is a soft, delicate and very warm fiber, but not very strong. Another disadvantage of rabbit fluff is that it is difficult, and even impossible, to firmly fix it in the yarn; the fluff “comes out”. Therefore, the optimal content of rabbit fluff in yarn is about 20%. True, very high-quality angora yarn does not have this drawback, but it is, of course, expensive.

As you probably noticed, the name of the breed of both goats and rabbits that produce high-quality wool for yarn production is Angora. There is an interesting story connected with this. Once upon a time, in ancient times, Angora goats lived in the Ankara region of Turkey (hence the name “Angora”). Goats provided especially valuable wool; their export was prohibited from Turkey; however, goats practically did not take root in other areas. Since even in those days yarn from the Angora goat breed was very expensive, attempts were made at counterfeiting - searching for similar raw materials. The Chinese did it best - they began to produce yarn from rabbit fluff that was similar in appearance and called it “Angora”; the breed of rabbits was called Angora. Soon England began to purchase original wool from Angora goats in Turkey and produce yarn from it called “mohair”. So nowadays it is customary to call goat hair mohair and rabbit angora. Angora goats are now bred only in Turkey, South Africa and Texas.

Let us add that in our country the Orenburg breed of goats is famous, producing very high-quality fluff from which the famous Orenburg scarves are knitted. By the way, these goats also practically do not take root in other places.

Yarn is spun from various threads, threads are spun from fibers. There are yarns consisting of several threads. They are called “several ply yarn”. Threads can be made from different and uniform fibers and have a range of textures. Such threads allow you to knit different types of products - from a simple sock to a complex product that combines both strands and openwork. To make colored products, you need to choose the right yarn according to the combination of colors, from muted to the brightest.

Fibers. Threads are made from fibers. Fibers can be of either natural or artificial origin. Before the fiber is turned into thread, it is pre-treated. This process includes procedures such as cleaning the fiber, combing, steaming, shaping and twisting the thread. Yarn can be made from one type of fiber or a mixture with other fibers. For example, pure wool yarn may have different fibers added to it for elasticity. A product made from such yarn will elegantly fit the figure and emphasize its advantages. All threads have different properties, so it is very important to choose the right mixture for your project.

(By clicking on the picture, you will see our entire range of yarn made from this material)

Natural fibers

This is a natural material, obtained from the sheared wool of sheep since ancient times. Such wool retains heat well, neutralizes the difference between body temperature and air temperature, and is hygroscopic. Wool yarn is ideal for knitting smooth, textured and multi-colored patterns. Very often used for knitting children's items, socks, scarves and hats.

This is wool taken from the withers of a Merino sheep. Merinos are a breed of fine-wool sheep. The softest wool, very hygroscopic, retains heat well. Merino threads are very elastic, which allows you to knit figure-fitting items from it. Thanks to its qualities, it can be washed well both in a washing machine in a special mode and when washed by hand, without losing its qualities.

This is the finest fluff (undercoat) of a high-mountain cashmere goat. Refined, chic, trendy, sophisticated and rightly the most expensive material. It is no coincidence that it is called “royal yarn”, “wool diamond” or “precious thread”. Cashmere raw material consists of threads only 13-19 microns thick (human hair is 50 microns), so touching cashmere creates a feeling of splendor.

This is a wool yarn with long fluffy fibers. Mohair makes airy, warm products. As a rule, mohair has an uneven thread thickness. Well suited for knitting warm openwork items. Very often used for knitting shawls and stoles. You can knit with knitting needles, crochet and fork.

This is the fluff of Angora rabbits. Angora wool is exceptionally soft, very warm and fluffy, with a characteristic delicate pile. Among the disadvantages: the fragile fixation of rabbit fluff in the yarn can cause abrasion; It is necessary to protect it from excessive wetting and clean it only chemically. However, products made from high-quality angora wool can last for more than one year.

This is a type of llama. Alpaca wool has exceptional properties: it is light, soft, uniform and silky, maintaining a silky unique shine throughout the life of the product. Very warm, with high thermoregulating properties; durable, not subject to rolling, falling or jamming. Does not cause allergic reactions. No other type of wool has such qualities.

This is a soft thread extracted from the cocoon of the silkworm. The length of the silk thread reaches 800-1000 m. The thread has a triangular cross-section and, like a prism, reflects light, which causes a beautiful shimmer and shine. Due to the difficulty of obtaining it, it is a very expensive raw material. As a rule, this thread is added to other natural fibers, which makes the product more affordable.

A fiber of plant origin obtained from herbaceous plants of the Cotton genus.

It is highly hygroscopic; good hygienic properties; good heat-shielding characteristics due to the hollow structure of the fiber; in strength it is comparable to silk, inferior to flax, but superior to wool. The expensive mercerization process minimizes the inherent properties of cotton: susceptibility to pilling, abrasion, creasing and sensitivity to light.

The longer the cotton fibers and the lower the amount of fluff (lint, delint), the higher the quality of the yarn, the threads of which are softer, smoother, denser and thinner, and the products are less susceptible to peeling. But such cotton is, accordingly, more expensive.

The flax genus includes more than a hundred types of thread, of which the most important is ordinary flax, or spinning flax. Linen yarn consists of strong, perfectly round bast fibers, strongly pointed at the ends, reaching a length of 4 cm or more. Flax fiber has all the properties of natural fiber. Keeps you warm in winter and keeps you cool in summer. Knitted items have a cleaner look than woven fiber items.

This is cotton that has undergone a process called mercerization, named after its inventor, John Mercer. During technological processing, the so-called “bouffant” is removed. As a result, the thread becomes less fluffy and smoother. This procedure is achieved through a rather expensive technological process, after which the thread becomes shiny, dense and more durable.

Hemp fiber is 10 times stronger than cotton and can be used in all types of clothing. The hemp plant has few insect enemies, so its cultivation does not require as many pesticides as cotton plantations. Hemp fiber supports normal heat exchange. Ultraviolet radiation is blocked by hemp fiber almost completely (95%), while other fabrics block it by only 30-50%.

The process of making yarn from nettle fiber is very labor-intensive. The fiber needs to go through many processing steps. This fiber is not used on its own, since 4.5 kg of nettle yields an average of 20-30 g of thread. Nettle thread is woven into other natural fibers. Products made from such yarn have good hygroscopicity and lightness.

Protein derived from soy and milk can be used for fibers that are often seen in blended yarns. The stretchy, smooth fibers add softness and silkiness to coarse fibers such as linen or wool. Threads containing soy or milk protein are not recommended to be machine washed. They do not retain heat and are suitable for light knitted items and summer clothes.

Bamboo is a unique, environmentally friendly material. Unlike other antimicrobial fibers that require special chemical treatments, bamboo fiber has natural antimicrobial properties and does not need to be treated with chemicals. Bamboo fiber with a natural shine is softer than the softest cotton and has a quality reminiscent of silk and cashmere. In addition, bamboo fiber does not generate static electricity and does not cause allergies.

Synthetic fibers

Microfiber or microfiber is a fiber made from polyester fibers, it can also consist of polyamide fibers and other polymers. It got its name because of the thickness of the fibers, which is several micrometers. Microfiber is used in the production of woven, non-woven and knitted products. Can be used in clothing, upholstery, industrial filters, and cleaning products.

Acrylic fibers are made from ethylene, which is derived from petroleum, and are very cheap to produce. Acrylic yarn is much coarser than yarns made from other synthetic materials and is often dyed in very bright and light shades that are difficult to create with natural fibers. The durability and moth resistance of acrylic yarn is ideal for toys. Yarn accumulates static electricity.

Although this thread is not a fiber, metallic can be incorporated into any other thread that is available to knitters. Lurex and other metallic threads will make any decorations and decorations spectacular. If you use the thread by itself, knitted items will be uncomfortable to wear, so this thread is added to the main thread. Finished products made from such mixed fibers look very festive and you can create interesting compositions in the form of a pattern on the product.

Polyamide or nylon are incredibly strong and lightweight fibers. Their elasticity makes it ideal for use in knitwear. It is often used to reinforce blended yarns for items that may be subject to heavy wear, such as socks or work socks. As with other man-made fibers, nylon improves abrasion resistance and prevents shrinkage.

Blended fibers

P gannet

The strength and softness of cotton adds to the smoothness of pure wool fibers. Increased breathability and stretch when washed disappears, and the fiber acquires a softer structure. Products made from such thread are not as prickly as those made from pure wool fiber. This combination is great for people with sensitive skin and children. Cotton and wool absorb dye differently, which can result in uneven dyeing. Wool loses less microfibers than cotton.

Mixed fibers in this embodiment acquire both the strength of synthetic fibers and the hygroscopicity and breathability of natural ones. When washed, products made from this yarn do not shrink and are not subject to deformation. The colors do not lose their brightness, and the finished items look elegant and festive for a long time.

Blended fibers

The composition includes synthetic fiber and several types of natural ones. This combination gives the products a more neat look. For example, if you are trying to avoid the fluffiness of natural mohair or the matting of natural wool or cotton.

Special yarn with textured effect

For experienced knitters who prefer to use threads in their creativity that can achieve any visual effects, threads of various textures, with many combinations of different types of fibers, fancy yarns or yarns with the addition of non-standard threads, which are usually used for final design of the product. This combination allows you to create original products.

This fiber consists of cotton and synthetics. Products made from chenille look expensive and last a long time, withstanding a sufficient number of washes without becoming covered with pills. Chenille is ideal for hosiery. It is also used for knitting women's hats, berets and scarves.

This yarn is created by twisting several types of yarn. This configuration may contain one or more threads with long pile. The introduction of such threads into the yarn structure gives this product a similarity to faux fur. If you add one thread with a long pile, then such products take on the appearance of a “light haze,” especially if the product is knitted with large openwork.

This yarn consists of several twisted threads, usually in four or six plies. More than four colors are also used in color design. The thread is dyed with different colors in turn, so when knitting such yarn on a product, “waves” of different colors appear, which are repeated throughout the finished product. It is this combination of colors that is called “plaid”.

This yarn is characterized by a different combination of thread thicknesses and different colors. Fabrics made from such yarn have different thicknesses. This gives the products a somewhat sloppy appearance and emphasizes the informal use of the item.

As a rule, this yarn is made of synthetic fiber in one ply, loosely twisted. Very light, quickly wrinkles and restores its original shape. This yarn is used when knitting products with thick knitting needles. A combination of different types of designs will look very good, for example, voluminous multi-part plaits and braids, interspersed with light openwork.

Such yarn can simultaneously contain several natural and one synthetic fiber. Natural yarn will provide the product with good hygroscopicity and breathability, but a more elegant look and good fit of the product on the figure can be provided by synthetic thread. It is located inside the wool and cotton yarn and is invisible in the product. If it is a metallic thread with shimmer, then the item takes on an elegant look and at the same time has the properties of natural fibers.

This is a yarn that is created as a thin and flat knitted cord. Thanks to complex technological production, it is somewhat more expensive than ordinary yarn. The distinctive feature is that the knitting thread has a flat shape and it is thanks to it that the products in ordinary stocking stitch have an elegant look. The thread in the loop is laid at different angles, which gives things an uneven shine.

As yarn is spun, it forms small balls that are firmly attached to the warp thread. They can be at the same or different distances from each other. The yarn can be dyed in one or more colors. This looped structure in regular stockinette knitting gives the fabric additional volume. If the yarn contains wool, the product will have higher thermal conductivity properties. The bouclé yarn itself is already elegant, which gives an additional mood to the product. It can be used in finishing elements.

Yarn "Ribbon"

One of the modern types of yarn. It is used when knitting accessories, individual small items or as part of a large product, as a decoration or an independent element. The thread is quite slippery and knits very easily, but that is why you need to constantly monitor the thread tension to ensure uniformity of the fabric.

Multi-colored thread, usually of wool or, less commonly, wool blend. The first tweed yarn was made from undyed thread. Since the natural colors of wool are grey, black and white in various shades, undyed yarn also has a variegated appearance. This gives the products naturalness and visual “warmth”. Currently, tweed yarn is used for knitting items with ornaments. This technique gives broaches on the wrong side in place of the design and the product acquires additional density.

Original yarns

The use of non-standard materials made it possible to destroy the traditional view of knitted items. In the hands of knitters with great skills and needlework techniques, such materials received another type of use in addition to the main one.

Fabrics

Traditionally, textiles are made from old clothes and other textiles. Things are cut into strips, sewn into a single “thread” and wound into a ball. They are mainly knitted into floor mats. But you can come up with more worthy secondary uses for old things. Nowadays, the direction of ecological home is developing quite widely. The most uncreative and most time-consuming process is cutting the fabric. Next is a matter of your imagination. You can knit blankets, stands for vases and flower pots, etc. For work, use the thickest knitting needles or hooks.

You can create this type of artificial thread yourself; it is the simplest and cheapest method of production. Simply cut plastic bags into ribbons. The width can be any and even different along the entire length. Using bags with a pattern will give the products a colorful look. But you can purchase such a thread and industrial production. It varies in quality and composition - from soft and thin to hard and thick.

Rope

Rope, any tourniquet or lace can be used when tying household items. This technique will allow you to create a certain and special style and comfort that is specific to you and your home. Try tying this material around, for example, boxes for storing small items or lamp shades.

Wire thread

Woven thread can be used for knitting jewelry. It is precisely due to the fact that the skein has enough length that it is possible to create a voluminous product without connecting the threads. When knitting, you can use various techniques - crocheting, knitting, fork knitting, hand weaving, shuttle weaving. This thread is also used for weaving entire products or decorating beaded elements. It is possible to use the thread as a frame.

Rubber thread

Also known as "jelly yarn". Rubber threads are used for decorative accessories such as belts and 3D sculptures. They are used, for example, for knitting or partially tying lamp shades. Because yarn can stick to your knitting needles, use a lubricant such as baby oil when working with plastic or metal knitting needles. If the yarn has a hollow core, a wire can be inserted there to help the product hold its shape.

Knitting and crocheting have always been a popular activity for women. But today this type of needlework is experiencing a real boom. IN

The opportunity to purchase yarn for knitting, varying in color, production and composition, simply inspires anyone who has decided to start making any knitted product with their own hands. The choice of yarn is really quite large. For beginners and those who decided to refresh their memory about the types of yarn, we offer an overview of wool yarn.

Sheep's wool. One of the oldest materials used in textile production. Since time immemorial, threads have been spun from sheep's wool, which were then used to make clothes.

Sheep wool is durable, but rough, and often shrinks or becomes deformed when washed. But for socks, mittens, gloves, and warm shower jackets, you can’t find anything better.

Merino. Merino sheep are a special breed of sheep for wool production.

Merino wool is sheared from the withers of the sheep, where the hair is longest. Merino wool yarn is elastic, structured, holds its shape well, and is resistant to wear. Products made from it are warm, but not rough.

Alpaca. Alpaca - uh then one of the types of llama.

Alpaca is considered one of the high-quality and budget types of wool, its fibers are homogeneous, silky, with a hollow core, which means they are heat-saving, are not prone to matting in the finished product, retain their properties when in use, while the alpaca wool thread is very pleasant and easy to work with does not cause allergic reactions. In addition, it is more economical and economical compared to expensive types of yarn.

Mohair. Mohair yarn is obtained from the hair of the Angora goat, which has long, curled hair.

The structure of mohair hairs makes knitted items light and warm, the fabric is fluffy, airy, and elastic. Sheep wool or acrylic is added to the mohair fiber yarn for greater practicality and wear-resistant qualities.

Kid Mohair .

This is a type of mohair characterized by even greater lightness and extreme tenderness. Kid Mohair is obtained from two-month-old Angora goats.

Cashmere. This is the down or undercoat of high-mountain cashmere goats.

These goats come from Mongolia or China. Cashmere is rightly considered royal wool. Any cashmere product is light, warm, with a noble soft shine and incredibly gentle to the touch. This is the most expensive woolen thread; the most exquisite things are created with its help.

Angora. This is the wool of Angora rabbits, unusually soft, thin and fluffy.

Angora is very warm and is considered the most hypoallergenic. It is not cut, but combed from very fluffy Angora rabbits. In addition, it can be used immediately after combing, since it does not contain fatty skin secretions, it is suitable for knitting children's clothes. The disadvantages include the low strength of down fastening due to its delicate structure, so you need to choose only high-quality yarn that is not cheap.

Camel's wool. This is not a very common type of wool for knitting. As a rule, camel yarn can be found in Asian regions, where camels are bred in sufficient quantities.

Camel thread most often has a rough structure and is not dyed; its natural color is from field to chestnut brown. Great for knitting jurabs or soft boots. Warm and wear-resistant.

Yak wool. Even more exotic yarn.

It is produced in Mongolia and China. It is also a very warm and durable thread; when made, the yarn turns out to be quite pleasant to the touch. The most successful ones are outerwear and socks.

Dog's fur . A well-known “sweat warmer” and a remedy for the back and joints.

Very warm. It is practically not used for knitting everyday items for wear. A Newfoundland wool sweater can be worn in winter instead of a jacket. The yarn must be made from combed dog undercoat, otherwise it will turn out very prickly.

Experts confidently classify wool according to breed, describing its different thermal and wear-resistant properties.