Types of thread for knitting

How not to get lost in the choice of yarn when visiting outlets? After all, its diversity is so vast that it is difficult for an ignorant person to make the right decision. And sales consultants can not always help with this. How to purchase the goods you need, read on.

What kinds of knitting threads are there?

First, let's figure out how yarn is obtained. This is a whole series of complex processes, from combing and shearing an animal to weaving finished threads. The yarn from them can be homogeneous or mixed, that is, to give some qualities it is supplemented with fibers of different types. For example, wool is diluted with synthetics to give elasticity . In addition, there are threads in one or more additions, there are straight or twisted. And now we learn from what they are made.

Natural

These include yarn of plant and animal origin. The first type is created from natural components, and the second from the fluff and hair of animals. Plant species include:

cotton is a lush soft twisted fiber with a high degree of strength and hygroscopicity;
flax - has excellent heat preservation properties in the winter and gives coolness in the heat;
nettle - yarn is made from it in a rather complicated technological way, resulting in about 30 grams of fiber from 5 kilograms of nettle. Products acquire airiness and moisture resistance;
hemp is a very durable thread that has the ability to reflect ultraviolet rays, protecting it from overheating at high temperatures;
soybean yarn - used in a mixture with other types in the form of a silky fiber, which gives them softness and special smoothness in summer knitwear. Get it from milk and soy protein.
bamboo - environmentally friendly, with antimicrobial properties, material, soft and pleasant to the touch. The pronounced natural shine, natural lightness, antistatic and anti-allergenic features make it unique and in demand.

Threads made from animal hair obtained by shearing or combing are:

from goat hair - have unique properties of heat preservation at low air temperatures, are used in various types of products, including hats, socks, scarves. They give things both a smooth and a raised surface;
from merino sheep - rather delicate, elastic, woven from the cover of fine-fleece sheep. Products from them perfectly tolerate any kind of washing, both manual and machine, without changing the appearance and physical qualities;
cashmere is the most expensive and exquisite of all types of wool, created on the basis of the undercoat of alpine goats. His preference is given to all fashionistas who know a lot about style and luxury . No wonder it is called “royal yarn” and is valued at the diamond level;
mohair - characterized by fluffy long fibers. Things from it look light and airy. Yarn on sale is never in its pure form, its percentage in it is not more than eighty. It looks very nice in openwork, without losing its warming properties. Modern craftswomen create original things out of it with the help of a hook, knitting needles and even a fork;
Angora - from the fluff of rabbits, fluffy, warm, incredibly soft. It has a very delicate pile, which leads to abrasion. It is not subject to any types of washing, only dry cleaning is recommended. It is also worth protecting from getting wet, which will make it possible to use your favorite thing for several years ;
alpaca - llama wool, has unique external qualities: silk sheen, lightness and weightlessness. At the same time, it is quite durable and warm. The absence of the appearance of pellets, creases, allergies during socks gives the most value to this species;
silk - made using silkworm. Gentle, smooth to the touch, does not crumple. Products do not slip, have a beautiful iridescent sheen. The filaments are mixed with other fibers, as they have a very high cost in pure form.

Artificial

Obtained by chemical synthesis. Finished products are characterized by increased strength, wear resistance, durability, perfectly retain their shape during washing and socks . There are also negative properties: the absence of hygroscopicity, heat transfer, and the accumulation of static energy. Consider the types of this yarn:

microfiber - made from polyester, polyamide and other polymers. It is used for clothing, cleaning material, industrial filters;
nylon - strong lightweight fibers. High elasticity allows use in a mixture with other raw materials to prevent rapid wear and increase abrasion resistance;
acrylic - obtained from ethylene, a derivative of oil. Rough to the touch, reliable and absolutely affordable, as it is very inexpensive. It is painted in rich colors, which allows it to be used in the production of children's toys and bright wardrobe items.

Mixed

This is a mixture of fibers of natural, artificial and synthetic origin. The best qualities are possessed by threads when combining 75% natural and 25% synthetic, which gives them softness, plasticity, and durability . At the same time, they get advantages in sock both from one species and from another. These include:

wool mixture - a mixture of cotton and wool eliminates increased scratching and deformation during operation and care;
a mixture of synthetic and natural fibers. Synthetic threads give strength to color and shape, natural make it breathable and moisture resistant;
mixing synthetic fibers with each other is used to give texture to the product. Unfortunately, this does not endow it with heat-saving and moisture-absorbing properties. But it allows you to use even machine wash, while maintaining the shape and color.

Textured yarn

Not so long ago, yarn with a varied textured effect became popular with avid knitters. She helps to create a unique and creative product. Divided by invoice type:

bookmarked - heterogeneous yarn with a looped structure of two threads, folded together. It is used both in basic knitting and for decoration;
ribbon - used for basic and decorative knitting. It looks original in various wardrobe items and accessories;
tweed - from variegated woolen or half-woolen threads. It is used to create an unusual ornament;
pile - twisted from different types of fibers, one of which has a long pile. When finished, the canvas looks like faux fur;
fancy - characterized by bulge, color transition and thickness;
voluminous - used for crocheting or thick knitting. Gives expressiveness to things performed by multi-component patterns and combination with openwork knitting;
chenille is a mixture of acrylic and cotton. The knitted fabric has a texture similar to velveteen. Ideal also for making toys and children's items.

From industrial materials

Recently, household items and home decor created from industrial yarn have gained immense popularity. Some of them can be made by yourself. For example, from plastic bags cut into ribbons of various widths.
Ropes in the form of a bundle or cord will decorate the lampshade or boxes for storing all kinds of little things, giving the interior comfort and warmth.
A wire thread is useful in weaving jewelry from colored or plain beads and accessories. The elements of clothing will add volume and originality using hooks, knitting needles, forks and even the manual method.
Rubber threads are good in the production of three-dimensional sculptures, elements of home decor and fashion accessories.

As you can see, the choice of yarn is huge, and your imagination and skill will help you create something original and unique. That will please you for many years.