Knitting is an old hobby that does not lose its popularity. For those who want to learn it, you need to get acquainted with all kinds of threads for knitting.
What are popularly called threads for knitting?
The correct name for knitting threads is yarn. It can be based on natural or artificial fibers. It can be homogeneous (one type of fiber) and heterogeneous (several types). Also it can be monophonic or multi-colored (melange).
Types of thread for knitting
There are only 4 categories.
Natural fibers
These are threads made from the wool of domestic or wild animals. Well suited for knitting blankets and sweaters, as products made from them warm up best. It is worth noting that most representatives of such yarn are very expensive.
- Wool. It is made from sheep or camel hair, and is suitable for beginners.
- Merino wool. Fairly expensive thread, but its merits are undeniable. Products from it are light and very warm.
- Alpaca. This material is suitable even for allergy sufferers. It is soft, light and silky. Products from it will last a long time, retaining its original appearance.
- Mohair. In its pure form, it is almost never used in products, because such things will not last long. Various fibers are added to it. The yarn is very warm and fluffy.
- Cashmere. Expensive and moody material, so for beginners it is better not to work with it. The thickness of the coat of cashmere goats is half that of a human hair. Cashmere items must be properly looked after.
- Angora. Threads from fluff of Angora rabbits. To it, in most cases, acrylic or woolen threads are mixed. Products are beautiful, warm, delicate, light and durable.
- Alpaca. Yarn is made from alpaca llama wool. Products from it are pleasant to the touch, light, but at the same time very warm and durable.
Plant fiber
“ Plant” fibers also belong to natural ones. They are less expensive, but equally durable and soft.
- Cotton. Popular material, good for beginners. Things from them “breathe” and withstand washing well. The disadvantages include “burnout” in the light and quick wear.
- Linen. Ideal for making summer clothes, as it passes air well and protects against ultraviolet radiation.
- Silk. Expensive material, but it is smooth and shiny. The heat does not last long, so it is recommended to use it for demi-season things. Such a product will last you a long time.
- Hemp. Environmentally friendly fiber, but is used more for household items (bags, napkins). All because of its rigidity.
- Nettle. In its pure form is not used, due to the difficulty of manufacture and, accordingly, cost. But, in combination with other fibers, it gives the product strength, lightness and hygroscopicity.
- Bamboo. Hypoallergenic and rather rare type of yarn. Products from it feel like cashmere.
Synthetic fibers
Many confuse artificial and synthetic yarn. Synthetic yarn is a natural fiber that has undergone chemical processing. And synthetic yarn does not incorporate natural fibers.
- Viscose is an artificial fiber. Products from this thread are pleasant to the body, do not electrify, but they must be properly looked after.
- Microfiber. Thin thread, which is used for the production of clothing for various household and industrial purposes.
- Acrylic. A material similar in its characteristics to natural fibers of animal origin. A cheap counterpart to yarn for making sweaters.
- Nylon. It is added to another yarn to make the product durable.
- Metallic The thread itself is not used, because such a product is uncomfortable to wear. It is added to other threads to give a spectacular appearance.
Blended fiber
To eliminate the disadvantages of some types of yarn, manufacturers mix them with other fibers.
- A mixture of wool and cotton (wool mixture ). Material with thermal qualities of wool, but not so prickly and more elastic. Its disadvantage may be a non-uniform color, since the fibers absorb the dye in different ways.
- A mixture of artificial and natural fiber . An affordable thread with all the properties of natural fabrics, but at the same time more elastic and durable.
- Synthetic mix. Products from this yarn will not retain heat, but they look very impressive.
Special yarn with textured effect
Experienced knitters can work with a special type of yarn with various decorative effects.
- Chenille. Cotton-synthetic yarn, products from which look presentable and retain their appearance for a long time.
- Pile. From this type of yarn, you can make a thing similar to faux fur.
- Tweed. This is unpainted wool or wool mixture.
- Tape. It can be used for a single element of a product, or some accessory. Very smooth thread.
- Booked. The composition may be wool, giving the product "warmth". The yarn itself looks elegant, because of the small balls attached to the main thread.
- Fantasy. It includes fibers of different thickness, color and quality.
