Yarn is typically made from cotton, wool or acrylic and it is used in the textile industry for crocheting, knitting and weaving. To make yarn, fibres need to be spun together to make a thread and this can make the yarn vary in texture, thickness and colour. In this blog post, we will explore some yarn facts you need to know which may make it easier to choose the right yarn for your project.
Historical Origins
Archaeological evidence shows that ancient historical civilisations such as the Peruvians and the Egyptians were skilled in using and spinning yarn for many different purposes.
The process of spinning yarn is thought to be around 10,000 years old and it is an ancient tradition that has been passed down the generations. Drop spindles and spinning wheels were used for making yarn before the invention of modern machinery made the process of spinning faster.
Yarn Fibres
Yarn can be created from many different fibres. Popular natural choices include cotton, wool, flax and silk or you can also use synthetic fibres like nylon, acrylic or polyester. Each material gives the yarn a different texture and you may find your yarn is fuzzy, silky or chunky. These changes in texture help the crafter choose the right yarn for their project.
Yarn Weights and Colours
Yarn is categorised in terms of weight by its ply. Ply refers to the number of strands that are twisted together to make up the yarn and common classifications include one ply, two ply or multiple ply.
Yarn also comes in a variety of different colours from subtle pastels to bright, bold hues. You can also get self-striping yarns which create stripes in just the right places for socks, jumpers or scarves. Specialist knitting shops such as Wool Couture offer a wide selection of chunky yarn to get you started.
Sustainable Yarns
Eco-friendly yarn is becoming a popular choice, especially yarn made from recycled fibres, bamboo or organic cotton. By using sustainable yarn, you help to contribute to more environmentally conscious knitting and crafting practices.