Knitting has become an extremely popular pass time and it’s no longer the preserve of the older generation. It doesn’t matter if you take it up to de-stress, enjoy the satisfaction of creating your own clothing or to save money; you will enjoy the experience.
All you need is a pair of knitting needles, one of these knitting yarns and a little experience or a good pattern to follow.
But have you ever wondered what knitting yarn is made from?
What Is Yarn?
Yarn is actually many fibers locked together. They are interlocked to create strength. This can then be used to make virtually any garment or even ropes.
There are several fibers which can be used to make yarn:
- Cotton
This natural substance has been used for hundreds of years; although the specific origins are a little hazy.
This is the most commonly spun fiber in the world, (along with polyester) and is frequently used to make clothes and other textiles.
- Wool
This is the most common fiber used to create yarn. Wool is derived from the coat of sheep and is the most common type of yarn for knitting by hand; commercially or as a hobby. It is soft, warm and relatively easy to work with.
- Alpaca
Alpaca is another animal derived fiber which has risen in popularity over recent years. The alpaca is a camel like creature that is often confused with the llama. Alpaca’s are common to Southern Peru, Eucador and Northern Chile.
- Angora
This is actually rabbit fur. It is similar to mohair and cashmere and very soft. Most people that knit with this will comment on how fluffy it is. It almost feels like you’re knitting with air.
- Cashmere
Cashmere is one of the most well known of the exclusive yarns. It is generally associated with designer clothing. It actually comes from goats in Pakistan and India. It is much finer and softer than sheep’s wool but, although it appears almost like hair; it is not.
Surprisingly it is stronger lighter and warmer than sheep’s wool!
- Silk
Silk is generally collected from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm. It actually refracts light and can appear to be a multitude of different colors.
Less common choices of yarn include camel, yak, cat, dog, buffalo or even possum. In fact you can make yarn from almost any type of anima fiber.
It doesn’t matter which type of yarn you decide to use the procedure is the same. The fine fibers are collected and then interlocked by a machine to create the required thickness. The thicker the yarn the more fibers it has. This makes it stronger and more expensive; but sometimes that’s just what you need to get the garment made perfectly.
Yarn made from sheep’s wool is the most popular and the best one for those new to knitting. However, once you’ve gained the basic skills you can try any type of yarn you like; you may surprise yourself with the results.
