Types of ribbon yarn and products from them. Types of yarn for hand knitting

25.09.2019

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

fibers. Threads are made from fibers. Fibers can be both natural and artificial origin. Before the fiber turns into a 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 mixed with other fibers. For example, various fibers can be added to pure wool yarn for elasticity. A product made from such yarn will elegantly fit the figure and emphasize its dignity. All threads have different properties, so it is very important to choose the right mixture for your product.

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

natural fibers

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

This is wool taken from the withers of a Merino sheep. Merinos are a breed of fine-fleeced sheep. The softest wool, very hygroscopic, retains heat well. Merino threads are very elastic, which allows you to knit things from it that fit the figure. Due to its qualities, it is well washed both in the washing machine with a special mode and with hand washing, without losing its qualities.

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

It is a wool yarn with long fluffy fibers. From mohair, airy warm products are obtained. As a rule, mohair has an uneven thread thickness. Well suited for knitting warm openwork things. Very often used for knitting shawls and stoles. Can be knitted, crocheted or crocheted.

This is the down of angora rabbits. Angora wool is exceptionally soft, very warm and fluffy, with a characteristic soft pile. Among the shortcomings: the unstable fixation of rabbit down in the yarn can cause abrasion; it must be protected from excessive wetting and cleaned only by chemical means. However, products made from high-quality angora wool can last for more than one year.

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

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

Vegetable fiber obtained from herbaceous plants of the genus Cotton.

Possesses high hygroscopicity; good hygienic properties; good heat-shielding characteristics due to the hollow structure of the fiber; comparable in strength to silk, inferior to linen, but superior to wool. The costly mercerization process minimizes the inherent properties of cotton: susceptibility to peeling, abrasion, wrinkling and sensitivity to light.

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

More than a hundred types of thread belong to the genus of flax, 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. Linen fiber has all the properties of natural fiber. Keeps warm in winter and cool in summer. Knitted products have a neater appearance than woven fiber products.

This is cotton that has undergone a process called "mercerization", after the 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 provided by 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 it does not require as many pesticides to grow as it does to grow cotton plantations. Hemp fiber supports normal heat transfer. Ultraviolet radiation is retained by hemp fiber almost completely (95%), while by other tissues it is only 30-50%.

The process of making yarn from nettle fiber is very laborious. The fiber needs to go through many stages of processing. This fiber is not used on its own, because from 4.5 kg of nettle, an average of 20-30 g of thread comes out. Nettle thread is spun into other natural fibres. Products made from such yarn have good hygroscopicity and lightness.

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

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

Synthetic fibers

Microfiber or microfiber - a fiber made from polyester fibers, can also be composed 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. It can be used in clothing, upholstery, industrial filters, cleaning products.

Acrylic fibers are made from ethylene, which is derived from petroleum, and are very cheap to produce. Acrylic yarns are much coarser than those made from other synthetic materials and are often dyed in very bright and light colors 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 threads that are available to knitters. Lurex and other metallic threads will make any finishes and decorations spectacular. If you use the thread by itself, then knitwear will be uncomfortable to wear, so this thread is added to the main thread. The finished product and 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 workwear. As with other man-made fibers, nylon improves abrasion resistance and prevents product shrinkage.

Blended fibers

P boobies

The strength and softness of cotton adds smoothness to pure wool fibers. Increased breathability and stretch when washed disappears, and the fiber acquires a softer structure. Products made from such a 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 lead to uneven dyeing. Wool loses less microfibers than cotton.

Blended fibers in this embodiment acquire both the strength of synthetic fibers and the hygroscopicity and breathability of natural ones. When washing the product, their such yarn does not shrink and does not undergo 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. This combination gives the products a more neat look. For example, if you are trying to avoid the fluffiness of natural mohair or the frizziness of natural wool or cotton.

Special yarn with textured effect

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

This fiber is made up of cotton and synthetics. Chenille products look expensive and are worn for a long time, withstanding a sufficient number of washes, without being covered with spools. Chenille is ideal for hosiery. It is also used to knit women's hats, berets and scarves.

Such yarn is created by twisting several types of yarn. In this configuration, one or more threads with a long pile may be present. The introduction of such threads into the structure of the yarn makes such a product similar to artificial fur. If you add one thread with a long pile, then such products take on the appearance of "in a light haze", especially if the product is connected with a large openwork.

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

Such yarn is characterized by a different combination of the thickness of the threads and the multi-colored color. Cloths from such yarn have a different thickness. This gives the products a somewhat sloppy look 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 wrinkled and restores its original shape. such 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-component bundles and braids, interspersed with light lace.

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

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

As the yarn is spun, small balls are formed on it, firmly attached to the warp thread. They can be at the same or different distance from each other. Yarn can be dyed in one or more colors. Such a looped structure in ordinary hosiery gives the fabric additional volume. If the yarn has a woolen thread in its composition, then the product will have higher thermal conductivity properties. The boucled yarn itself is already elegant, which gives an additional mood to the product. It can be used in finishing elements.

Yarn "Tape"

One of the modern types of yarn. It is used when knitting accessories, separate small things or as part of a large product, as a finish or an independent element. Pretty slippery thread, knits very easily, but that is why you need to constantly monitor the tension of the thread to ensure uniformity in the fabric.

A multi-colored thread, as a rule, of a woolen or less often semi-woolen composition. The first tweed yarn was made from undyed yarn. Since the natural colors of wool are gray, black and white in various shades, the undyed yarn also has a mottled appearance. This gives the products naturalness and visual "warmth". Currently, tweed yarn is used for knitting products with an ornament. This technique gives from the wrong side of the broach in place of the pattern and the product acquires additional density.

original yarn

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

fabrics

Traditionally used fabrics from old clothes and other textiles. Things are cut into strips, sewn into a single "thread" and wound into a ball. Knitted from them, mainly floor mats. But you can come up with a more worthy secondary use for old things. Now the direction of the ecological house is developing quite widely. The most uncreative and most time-consuming process is cutting the fabric. Next - a matter of your imagination. You can knit bedspreads, stands for vases and flower pots, etc. for work, the thickest knitting needles or hooks are taken.

This type of artificial thread can be created by yourself, this is the simplest and cheapest way of production. Simply cut plastic bags into ribbons. The width can be any and even different along the entire length. The use of bags with a pattern will give the products a variegation. But you can buy such a thread and industrial production. It varies in quality and composition - from soft and thin to hard and thick.

Rope

Rope, any harness or cord can be used when tying household items. Such a technique will allow you to create a certain and special style and comfort inherent in you and your home. Try tying such material, for example, boxes for storing small items or lampshades for lamps.

wire thread

Woven thread can be used for knitting jewelry. It is precisely due to the fact that there is enough length in the skein that it is possible to create a three-dimensional product without connecting the threads. When knitting, you can use various techniques - crocheting, knitting, on a fork, hand weaving, shuttle weaving. Another such thread is used for weaving whole products or jewelry elements from beads. 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 three-dimensional sculptures. They are used, for example, for knitting or partial binding of lampshades. Since the yarn can stick to the needles, use a lubricant such as baby oil when working with plastic or metal needles. If the yarn has a hollow core, a wire can be inserted there to keep the product in shape.

ACRYLIC

Yarn is synthetic, artificial, natural and mixed. Acrylic yarn is synthetic. It is made from polyacrylonitrile fibers, which are formed as a result of natural gas processing. In the composition of the yarn, the percentage of these fibers can be 20-100%. If there is 70-100% acrylic in the yarn, then it will be called acrylic, if less than 70%, then acrylic-containing.

The main properties of acrylic yarn: strength, light fastness and thermoplasticity. The advantage of this material is also the volume, due to which it visually resembles wool.

Acrylic yarn is well dyed, which allows you to get a variety of colors. Products made from this type of yarn are very comfortable to wear and retain an attractive appearance for a long time. Acrylic thread is often used for embroidering rugs, tapestries, pillows and other decorative works, however, it is not very suitable for paintings, as the products are rough.

Acrylic holds heat well, so things from it are able to warm well. Due to its synthetic origin, acrylic yarn is light, durable, does not fade or fade, besides, it is hypoallergenic and moth-resistant. You can distinguish acrylic yarn from any other by rubbing wet acrylic. The result is a characteristic creak. If you mix acrylic with wool or mohair, the quality of the yarn will improve significantly. The knitted product will keep its shape well, will not stretch, shrink, and the price of yarn will significantly decrease. Acrylic products are easy to wash, but to extend their life, it is better to use a gentle wash cycle and mild detergents. Despite the fact that the yarn is completely synthetic, not only summer, open and light products are knitted from it, but also autumn, warm things.

On the market, acrylic is known under the names "polyamide", "prelana", "nitron" or "PAN fiber". Blends with more than 30% acrylic are well suited for machine knitting. Among all the advantages, acrylic has one drawback - it is low hygroscopicity, which deprives things from acrylic of hygienic qualities.

ALPACA

Alpaca is an animal from the camel family. These animals live in South America in extreme climatic conditions with sudden changes in temperature. In this regard, their wool is special: thin, soft, light and at the same time very dense, does not let water through.

The younger the animal, the softer and thinner its wool is, therefore, the fibers of young animals are used for warm woolen clothes, denser yarn can be used for carpets. Alpaca wool is seven times warmer and three times stronger than sheep wool. Due to the fact that some fibers are longer, the wool is not subject to pilling and does not fall off. The coat has a silky sheen and is very pleasant to the skin. Alpaca yarn is very dense. The advantages of the wool of this animal are very clearly manifested in mixed yarns. Especially common are blends with merino or ordinary wool, as well as with artificial fibers.

The main advantage of alpaca yarn products is that they do not form pellets. Unlike other types, alpaca wool can regulate its moisture content in a range that is more comfortable for humans. Alpaca yarn and clothing should only be washed in cold water with a small amount of detergent. The main thing is to make sure that the product is completely immersed in water, as wool is able to repel moisture. Dissolve the detergent in water before washing, and then rinse the item thoroughly. After washing, you should not squeeze and hang the thing, you need to dry it only in a smoothed form away from heating appliances. You also need to make sure that direct sunlight does not fall on the thing. Iron the dried product delicately through a damp cloth.

ANGORA

Angora is the down of rabbits, which was once obtained by the Chinese as an analogue of real angora, now called "mohair". Rabbits whose hair is used for yarn are called angora.

Angora wool is very fluffy, warm and soft. But she has one unpleasant property to “peel off”, it is impossible to prevent this, even if the percentage of angora in the yarn is reduced. Therefore, in its pure form, angora wool is practically not used, it is mixed in yarn with merino or ordinary wool, or with acrylic. Products made from high-quality Angora yarn can last a long time.

Angora yarn is light, so 200-250 g of wool is enough for a size 42-22 product. Angora products should be cared for as follows: careful hand wash using special detergents, dry flat on a horizontal surface.

Angora yarn is well suited for knitting warm scarves and hats, outerwear, socks and mittens. The following types of yarn from the Alize trademark are represented: Angora Gold Batik Design, Angora Gold Batik, Angora Real 40 melange, Angora Real 40, Angora Real 40 Motif, Angora Real 40 Batik, Angora Special Batik.

VISCOSE

Viscose is the oldest man-made fiber that was obtained back in the 19th century. This is the most "natural" yarn of all artificial ones. She was able to combine such incompatible concepts because of the substance from which she is obtained. Viscose is made from cellulose, which is natural in nature.

The positive qualities of viscose are that it has good air permeability, does not absorb moisture well, does not accumulate static electricity, has a sheen, is pleasant to the touch and can be dyed in any color. Viscose yarn, from which various products are made, is well suited for people with sensitive skin.
But not everything is as wonderful as it seems at first glance. Viscose attracts with its brilliance and silkiness, but in the finished product it behaves very capriciously. In the process of wearing products made of 100% viscose, they can increase in size by one and a half times. Therefore, when purchasing this yarn, one must be very careful. In order not to be disappointed, it is better to knit a sample first, and then pull it well to see how much the product can increase in length. It is better to choose a drawing that will be dense and less openwork. It is necessary to knit the product with the expectation that after it is ready, it will stretch under its own weight due to such properties of viscose.

The yarn in which viscose is added behaves in the best way. It goes well in yarn with wool, cotton or mohair. Thanks to viscose, the yarn will become softer and gain shine.

RIBBON YARN

Ribbon yarn is a type of yarn that is used for knitting interesting, light and openwork patterns. The yarn itself is peculiar, and it is used for certain types of products. It will not make a warm sweater or thick socks for the winter. This yarn is thin and airy. You need to know how to work with her. It cannot even be called yarn at all, it is more like a ribbon, which has a different width and composition. Things knitted from ribbon yarn are beautiful, airy, light and openwork. But they also need to be taken care of.

This yarn can be used for both crocheting and knitting.
A scarf made of ribbon yarn is a wonderful and practical option. The scarf will look bright, festive and unusual. The color of the scarf depends on your preference. Red, blue, green - make autumn days bright and memorable. The yarn is so airy and light that its skein, weighing 100 grams, is enough to produce a whole scarf. Using ribbon yarn, you can knit a short or long scarf that can also be used to cover your head.

Knitting from ribbon yarn is a wonderful and unusual option for creating original products. Ribbon yarn is used for knitting scarves, tablecloths, children's dresses, beautiful small openwork handbags. Using ribbon yarn, you can think of a lot more and fantasize.

MERINO YARN

Merino yarn 100% is obtained from the wool of Merino sheep. She is sheared only from the withers, where fine wool has the best qualities. Natural merino wool is a pleasant white yarn, very warm and delicate to the touch. Due to the natural curl, 100 merino wool yarn has good elasticity. But in its pure form, merino yarn - it will be quite an expensive pleasure to buy. Therefore, other materials (usually acrylic) are added to it in order to reduce the cost of the finished product and give it greater softness. Things made of merino yarn require the same care as regular wool. However, the more carefully you take care of the product, the longer it will last.

The optimal size of the needles No. 4-4.5; hook number 4.

MICROFIBER

Microfiber yarn is an ultra-thin synthetic yarn, which is obtained from polyamide and polyester using the technology of forcing molten polymers through narrow holes. The fibers of this yarn are very light. To determine their weight, one denier is used - the ratio of length and mass, in which a nine-kilometer-long thread weighs only one gram. The thickness of the microfiber is one six hundredth of a millimeter, which is two times thinner than natural silk thread and 100 times thinner than human hair.

For the first time, attempts to obtain ultra-thin fibers were made back in the 1950s, for some time these developments were carried out even under the heading "secret". But industrial production of microfiber did not begin until 20 years later in Japan, and it became widespread in the 1990s. The very name "microfiber" comes from the technology of manufacturing ultra-thin fibers, in which the diameter is only 0.06 millimeters. It only takes 1 pound (which is 453 grams) of microfiber fiber to wrap the globe around the equator more than 10 times. Microfiber fibers are obtained by carrying out certain technological processes of stratification of artificial (cellulose acetate, viscose, etc.), natural (cotton) or synthetic (polyamide, polypropylene, polyester, etc.) fibers.

Today, polyester microfibers are used in a diverse range of non-woven and woven fabrics for various uses - they are used to make cleaning products for home cleaning, sew clothes, and even produce industrial filters. Microfiber yarn is great for home knitting.

The thinnest microfiber threads have a triangular cross section, which indicates its increased hygroscopicity and good heat-insulating properties. Things knitted from microfiber do not shed, do not stretch or shrink, and also do not become covered with spools. In addition, they are light, keep their shape well, soft, pleasant to the touch, silky, perfectly absorb moisture, while remaining dry. They are cool in summer and warm in winter. Products made of microfiber yarn serve for a long time, do not cause allergies and are unpretentious in care.

Microfiber yarn is perfectly dyed in a variety of rich colors, which is an additional advantage for needlewomen who prefer spectacular and bright things. Another undoubted advantage is that today you can buy pure microfiber in stores, or a variety of blended yarns with the addition of cotton, wool, acrylic and other fibers.

COTTON

Today, products are again becoming fashionable, the main component of the thread in which is cotton yarn. Cotton yarn consists almost entirely of cellulose with a small percentage of wax and resins. Cotton yarn is used mercerized or in natural bleached form. In the first version, cotton fibers, yarn or fabric are treated with a special substance under tension. As a result, the yarn acquires softness, silkiness, strength and shine. Thanks to this process, cotton yarn can be subsequently dyed in various colors.

Cotton yarn in its composition is dense, heavy and not elastic. Cotton is dyed well and practically does not fade. Cotton shrinks a lot and takes a long time to dry. Cotton products can be worn at moderate ambient temperatures. Cotton is often used in mixed yarns with acrylic or wool.

This eco-friendly yarn is made from pesticide-free cotton and dyed with natural dyes only. By the way, woolen yarn is also beautifully dyed with natural dyes. The colors of natural dyes are slightly poorer than chemical ones, but it consists of a full spectrum of natural tones.

100% cotton yarn for knitting has various advantages. Cotton clothing allows the skin to breathe and gives a feeling of comfort and softness. In addition, cotton is thermally conductive, which is very important in a hot period, as it cools the body.

Yarn with cotton is used in the production of hosiery, knitwear, suitable for processing on flat knitting, circular knitting, household machines, as well as for hand knitting. Due to the fact that cotton yarn is not elastic, it has its own requirements for knitted products. Textured patterns and elastic bands do not come out well from this yarn.

SILK

If you love knitted things and at the same time knit them yourself, then, of course, you are interested in yarn, its types, price and everything else related to knitting. And it is not true that knitwear can only be worn in the cold season. There is a yarn from which summer things are knitted. Silk yarn is a great option for threads that are designed for knitting clothing models in the summer. From silk threads, you can knit a top, jacket, dress, as well as various accessories for the holidays. Before you start knitting, you need to moisten such a thread a little, so it would be better to use it for knitting any product you choose. Silk yarn is great for crocheting or knitting.

Silk thread is thin, shiny and very beautiful. But products made of silk thread need special care, otherwise the thing may be deformed if it is not properly cared for. For example, things made of rayon should not be twisted too much when washing, as this can tear the product.
Silk yarn is quite difficult to work with, it will require a lot of knitting experience and skills, but the product that subsequently turns out will be beautiful, sophisticated and elegant.

WOOL

For example, soft yarn wool has long been famous for its warmth, comfort and softness of products made from it. Woolen yarn is made from the wool of various animals - domesticated livestock - such as, for example, sheep, camels, goats. Wool perfectly retains heat and a woolen sweater or dress will always come in handy in the cold season. Woolen items require special care. Woolen clothes cannot be washed in hot water, they tend to stretch. After washing, such a thing cannot be hung up, it must be carefully completely laid out on a flat surface, for example, on a table and wait for it to dry completely.

Wool yarn is perfect for knitting. A dress, a vest, a sweater, warm socks, for yourself, your husband, relatives, a small child - you can knit this and much more from wool in a fairly short time. In addition, a do-it-yourself thing is much better than the same thing bought in a store.

Knitted items have remained in trend for many years due to their originality. The main criterion for high-quality hand-knitted clothes is the yarn chosen by the craftswoman. There are different types of yarn for hand knitting. In order not to make a mistake with the choice, you should know about the characteristics of a particular yarn.

Yarn is a thread twisted from fibers. Fibers can be either natural or artificial. The first group includes fibers of plant and animal origin.

natural origin

The most common vegetable yarns are cotton and linen. In recent years, bamboo fibers have gained popularity.

Vegetable yarns are often used in the manufacture of light items for the warm season.

Clothing made of cotton or linen is considered “breathable”, perfectly absorbs moisture, is highly hypoallergenic, unpretentious in care, and creates comfort when attached to the body.

The properties of vegetable fiber yarn make it possible to use it when knitting wardrobe items not only for adults, but also for children. The relative thinness of the thread is ideal for crocheting patterns. Animal fiber yarns include wool and silk.

Woolen thread is quite capricious in care and requires careful treatment. The most common is sheep wool. This yarn perfectly retains heat, so it is suitable for knitting warm winter things.

But there are other types of wool, depending on the type and breed of the animal.

Angora- yarn from the fur of angora rabbits. Things from angora are soft, light, fluffy. Rabbit down fibers are too delicate, and products made from such yarn are subject to rapid abrasion. Therefore, angora is often used in a mixture with other threads.

Alpaca- yarn from llama wool. A strong, uniform thread with a soft sheen throughout the entire time.

Alpaca items are resistant to abrasion and pilling. Such wool perfectly retains heat and does not cause allergies.

Cashmere- a thread from the fibers of the undercoat of mountain goats living in the regions of Tibet. Goat down is combed out in a certain season and carefully sorted out by fineness.

The yarn is highly valued, and products from it come out beautiful, soft and cozy.

Mohair obtained from the wool of angora goats. The most tender is the down of half-year-old kids (kidmohair). Almost the warmest yarn with a pronounced sheen and long pile.

Mohair is suitable for creating voluminous products. Knitted mohair stoles, shawls look beautiful.

It is not used in its pure form. The highest content of mohair in blended yarn is up to 83%.

Merino wool- the hairy covering of merino sheep. Long thin fibers have high hygroscopicity and elasticity.

The yarn from such raw materials is soft and elastic, which allows you to create adjacent clothing models from it.

Silk is produced by the silkworm. Cocoon fibers are used as raw material for yarn.

Often silk thread is added to mixed yarns to give the latter elasticity and luster.

artificial fibers

Artificial threads are obtained by chemical processing of natural components. In this way, viscose, acetate fiber is produced.

Viscose thread is elastic, and clothes made from it are pleasant to the touch and have the ability to dry quickly.

But the fibers of such yarn are not durable, so things made of viscose require careful care.

Acetate fiber is used as a complement to natural yarns for the ultimate in elasticity and strength.

Synthetic yarn made completely chemically. These threads include: acrylic, nylon, polyester, metallic thread.

All of them are designed to act as additives to natural threads in order to improve their quality characteristics or reduce the cost of natural yarn.

Acrylic can also be found as a standalone yarn, as it is a substitute for more expensive wool.

Blended yarn is based on a combination of natural and artificial threads in different proportions, with the help of which certain characteristics of the yarn are achieved: increasing elasticity, giving active shine, etc.

Textured yarn produced only by chemical means. It is intended to create original things due to the heterogeneity of the thread. Popular among these types of yarn are crepe, boucle, grass, chenille and ribbon yarn.

fancy yarn based on the play of color transitions by twisting different colors of threads or using their non-uniform coloring (mulina, melange, ombre).

Learning to knit by hand begins with getting to know the yarn - because now there are so many varieties of it that beginners just run up their eyes! Don't worry, in 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 roll.

Natural yarn for knitting

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

Wool

A versatile material that can be advised to beginner needlewomen. It is made from sheared wool of sheep and camels.

Whether you need thread for crocheting or knitting, working on socks, scarves or sweaters, wool is the way to go.

The quality of the material can be attributed to the average - over time, the fibers roll down, the color fades, and the product itself stretches. However, it is best for beginner needlewomen to train on this cheap material.

Merino yarn

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

In terms of quality, merino threads are better than ordinary wool - they do not roll and stretch as much. Especially if it is thick yarn, which has been so popular lately, from which voluminous hats and blankets with large braid patterns are knitted.

Alpaca

Alpaca llama wool knitting threads receive only positive feedback from users. This material is very durable, soft to the touch, silky and has a slight sheen due to the smoothness of the fiber.

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

Such wool does not wrinkle, does not roll and does not fall off for a long time. Nevertheless, 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 suitable for anyone who is allergic to ordinary wool. Alpaca sweaters and sweaters will be a great gift for your household.

Angora

Angora rabbit down is considered to be exceptionally soft, warm and pleasant to the touch materials - professional craftswomen love to work with this expensive yarn. Qualitatively made products from good wool can warm the owner for years.

However, these knitting threads have many features and disadvantages. For example, the fluff in the fiber is not very firmly fixed, so over time it climbs out and rolls heavily. For the same reason, ready-made items cannot be washed in the usual way and wetted strongly - only dry cleaning is suitable.

Clothes are mainly made from angora, 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 a human hair. Cashmere products are very expensive (like 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 sheen and a smooth surface, but due to the difficulty of getting it, it is very expensive, so it is often found in combination with other natural or synthetic fibers.

Silk yarn in clothes is worn 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 hold heat very well, winter things are not knitted from it. But you will get excellent demi-season and summer products.

Yarn of plant origin

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

Linen

Linen 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 charm is that it not only gives warmth in winter - it is also not hot in summer. This is used by many craftswomen - when knitting T-shirts and swimsuits, for example.

Linen threads do not roll and keep their shape well - this is another plus.

Cotton

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

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

Cotton T-shirts will be a great solution for summer.

Among domestic manufacturers, many firms produce mercerized material: "Troitskaya Yarn" and "Iris" threads are an excellent confirmation of this.

Nettle and hemp

Materials with similar properties. They are characterized by high strength and good heat dissipation - so in winter you definitely will not freeze.

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

Bamboo

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

Mostly craftswomen speak positively about him. Fun 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 threads and resemble cashmere threads. In addition, they, like alpaca, do not cause allergies. They are used for knitting almost any kind of products.

Recently, a new fiber made from soy milk has appeared on the creative materials market, but you are unlikely to be able to buy soy thread for knitting - 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 threads for knitting. Synthetic yarns are made from natural fibers by chemical processing, while synthetic materials are created from synthetic fibers.

Viscose belongs to the first type - 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 winter voluminous scarves and sweaters from it.

In the market of domestic manufacturers, Semenovskaya Yarn is considered one of the best viscose.

There are a few more synthetic materials.

Acrylic

Acrylic yarn is perfect 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 roll less than natural yarn.

Ideal for making soft toys. It's so cheap that you don't even have to wait for a yarn sale to get it.

The popular name for acrylic is children's yarn: it was called so 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 qualities.

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

microfiber

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

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

This type of yarn is obtained from alpaca wool - a type of llama that lives in South America. The advantages of this yarn are lightness, softness, uniformity, strength, it is also very warm, hypoallergenic and does not form pellets. In addition, alpaca wool comes in 22 natural shades ranging from white, silver, beige, brown to black. As a rule, alpaca yarn is used without impurities of other fibers, so it is quite expensive. Alpaca is ideal for knitting sweaters and jumpers, hats, socks, as well as children's things.

Angora

Angora is the combed or sheared hair of angora rabbits. It is incredibly soft, fluffy, light and very warm. 100% angora is practically not used, because. the fiber is difficult to twist into a thread, and short fibers now and then crawl out when knitting, and the price tag makes itself felt. Usually, silk, sheep's wool or synthetic fibers are added to angora. Since angora is very soft and fluffy, it quickly lends itself to abrasion, so products made from this yarn should be protected from mechanical stress and getting wet, and they can only be cleaned by dry cleaning.

It is believed that among the sheep, the owners of the softest, lightest and thinnest fiber are merino. Merino yarn is very warm, delicate, durable and hypoallergenic. Unlike other sheep's wool, merino wool products can be washed in a washing machine on a special delicate cycle. The threads of this yarn are quite elastic, so it is suitable for knitting tight-fitting things. Also merino yarn is ideal for children's clothing.

As you might guess, this is camel wool yarn. The wool of the Bactrian camel breed, as well as the fluff of small camels under the age of one year, is considered to be of the highest quality and most valuable. Camel wool is light, warm and very durable, it not only warms in the cold, but also saves in the heat. Camel hair is difficult to dye, but this does not mean a lack of colors - there are 14 natural shades of this yarn.

vegetable yarn

Yarn of vegetable origin consists of fibers obtained from plants. Such yarn includes cotton, linen, silk, bamboo, nettle, hemp, etc. As a rule, it is used for knitting summer clothes.

Silk

Some consider this type of yarn to be of animal origin, but most still tend to consider silk as vegetable yarn. Silk is a thread extracted from the cocoon of the silkworm (a caterpillar that feeds on the mulberry tree). Silk is smooth, shiny, delicate to the touch and very expensive. Silk threads are strong and elastic, they absorb moisture well and retain heat. On silk products, pellets do not form, such things do not wrinkle. For yarn, 100% silk is not used, it is mixed with cotton or wool.

Cotton

Cotton fiber is obtained from the fluffy mass around cotton seeds. The yarn consists of thin, short, fluffy and soft fibers twisted around its axis. Cotton yarn is simply made for summer things: it lets air through and perfectly absorbs moisture. Cotton is very durable and wear-resistant, does not undergo chemical attack, does not fade in the light. Cotton products can be washed in a washing machine, but it is worth considering that things made from 100% cotton can shrink.

Marserized cotton

This is the same cotton, but it has undergone a special mechanical and chemical treatment - marserization, when all the fleece is removed and the thread becomes smoother and less fluffy. As a result, the yarn becomes denser, stronger and shinier. It is ideal for knitting strong items that hold their shape well (for example, for elongated cardigans, handbags, etc.).

Linen yarn is a thread of very strong, round fibers. Linen yarn perfectly retains heat in winter and gives a cooling effect in the heat. Most often it is used for knitting summer things. Linen yarn is strong, soft, smooth, breathable, absorbs moisture well and dries quickly. When washing things from flax do not "sit down". The disadvantages of this yarn include a meager color palette: linen is difficult to dye, so the yarn comes only in natural gray and beige shades.

Hemp

Yarn with unique properties. Hemp yarn is 10 times stronger than cotton, creates normal heat transfer for humans, practically does not transmit ultraviolet radiation (95%), environmentally friendly (when growing hemp, pesticides are not used, since insects do not eat it). Among the shortcomings, rigidity can be noted, but over time, hemp products become softer. Due to its high wear resistance, this yarn is ideal for knitting bags and various household accessories.

Nettle

Nettle yarn is strong, light and breathable. Since the production of such yarn is a rather long and laborious process, it is not used in its pure form: nettle fibers are mixed with other natural fibers.

Bamboo

This yarn is made from the elastic fibers of the central part of the bamboo trunk. This is an absolutely environmentally friendly material, as bamboo has natural antimicrobial properties. Bamboo fiber is soft, fluffy, shiny, durable, hypoallergenic and does not electrify. Bamboo yarn is great for knitting light summer things.

SYNTHETIC YARN

Synthetic yarn is obtained by chemical synthesis. This type of yarn includes nylon, acrylic, polyamide, lavsan, lycra, nylon, etc. Things made of synthetics are durable, wear-resistant, resistant to mechanical stress, they can be safely washed, because. they do not "sit down" and do not stretch. Of the minuses, it can be noted that synthetic yarn is less warm than from natural fibers, it does not pass air well and is highly electrified.

Consider some types of synthetic yarn.

Acrylic

Acrylic yarn is made up of fibers derived from ethylene, which is made from petroleum oil. A distinctive feature of this yarn are bright saturated colors, in which it is impossible to dye natural fibers. Acrylic yarn is wear-resistant, inexpensive, but highly electrified. It is ideal for toys and knitting bright patterns.

Microfiber or microfiber

A yarn consisting of fibers of polyester, polyamide and other polymers. It is pleasant, soft and gentle to the touch. As a rule, microfiber is added to the composition of natural yarns for density, strength, weight reduction and, therefore, price.

Lurex or metallic

It is impossible to call Lurex (metallic) a full-fledged yarn, but it can be part of other threads. Metallized yarn is used to decorate and finish products. Things with the addition of Lurex look festive. In addition, metallic allows you to create various patterns and effects.

Nylon

Nylon is an incredibly strong, elastic and lightweight fiber. It is often added to natural fibers to improve resistance to shrinkage after washing. Products containing nylon are easy to wash, do not “sit down” and do not roll.

MIXED YARN

Mixed (mixed) yarn is a mixture of natural, artificial and synthetic fibers. Such yarn combines the advantages of the fibers used. The most optimal quality option is yarn, consisting of 75% natural fibers and 25% synthetic. In this case, things will be comfortable to wear, they will be soft, pleasant to the touch and at the same time they will not accumulate static electricity.

Distinguish:

wool mixture(blend of wool and cotton: cotton adds strength, softness and smoothness to wool fibers; the yarn becomes less scratchy and does not stretch as much when streaking),
blend of natural and synthetic fibers(the strength of synthetic fibers is combined with good hygroscopicity and breathability of natural fibers; when washed, things do not stretch and do not “sit down”, the paint does not fade),
mixture of synthetic fiber and several types of natural fibers(things knitted from such yarn get a neater look, for example, excessive “fluffiness” of mohair and wool rolling can be avoided),
blend of various synthetic fibers(this type of blending is used to create any texture - from boucle yarn to 7-ply yarn; this yarn does not have good thermal insulation properties, but it can be washed and dried in a washing machine, it does not "shrink" at high temperatures and does not stretch when vertical drying).

YARN WITH STRETCH EFFECT

Recently, yarn with various textured effects has become increasingly popular. It is mainly popular with experienced craftswomen who want to create various visual effects on knitwear.

According to the texture of the threads, such yarn happens:
- booked(twisting a smooth thin thread with a decorative thread with loops; in ordinary stocking knitting, such yarn gives the fabric volume, it can also be used in finishing elements),
- tape(a modern type of yarn, used for knitting accessories, as a finish or as an independent element; the thread is very slippery, so you need to monitor the tension so that the fabric is uniform),
- tweed(threads with slight thickening, dyed in bright or pastel colors),
- pile(twisting of several types of yarn, among which one or two threads can be with a long pile),
- fantasy(a thread consisting of fibers of different quality, thickness and color).

Also distinguish bulk yarn(synthetic fiber yarn in one addition, loose twist, it is used when knitting things with thick knitting needles) and chenille(Synthetic/cotton blend, this yarn has a strong warp and short pile; this yarn is not suitable for patterns - it is best used for plain stocking, ideal for hats and scarves).