Before starting knitting, every craftswoman should know the characteristics of all types of wool. The correct choice of material for felting a particular product is half the success. Natural fibers are the most in demand, but there are other types of wool you should be aware of.
Types and characteristics of wool for felting
Let us describe the main types of wool that are used most often:
- Merino wool – is obtained from a special breed of sheep, which are bred in Australia and New Zealand. This is an expensive material with unique properties. This is the finest wool, the structure of which allows it to maintain normal temperature in both cold and hot weather, it is soft and elastic.
- Kashmir - This is the fluff that is combed out of Kashmiri goat breeds. They are bred in Nepal, Mongolia, Iran and Afghanistan. The key properties of the material are thinness and high density. This wool is one of the warmest in the world, suitable for allergy sufferers.
- Lamais a high-quality wool that combines properties such as softness and density.
- Rovnica – designed for decorating knitted items, which are then rolled in the washing machine. Manufactured using low torsion method.
Plant fibers
This type of yarn includes all materials obtained from plants: linen, cotton, nettle, ramie, etc. Cotton is the most in demand (especially in the summer). The main suppliers are the USA, Russia, India and Egypt. Cotton retains heat well and can absorb up to 20% moisture. It lends itself well to coloring in various ways (mercerization, for example).
Linen is stiffer than cotton. Its thread is strong and can repel dirt. It has good durability, wear resistance and strength. Ideal for summer clothes, as it can provide coolness in the hot months.
Ramie and hemp are almost identical in their characteristics to flax; they are strong and tough. In their pure form, these strands are practically not used; more often they are used as an additive to enhance wear resistance.
Features of yarn made from plant fibers:
· Low elasticity (clothes wrinkle a lot).
· Yarn is slightly heavier than wool yarn for the same size.
· Easy to care for (withstands temperature changes and is not susceptible to the effects of strong cleaning chemicals and bleaches).
Synthetic fibers
Synthetic yarn - these are threads that were completely obtained artificially. The most famous chemical materials are: polyamide, acrylic, nylon, elastane, polyester and many others. The main purpose of using synthetic fibers is to reduce the cost of yarn.
Another purpose of man-made fibers is as a supplement for natural fibers. This is done to improve the general characteristics of the yarn: ductility, shine, strength, etc.Disadvantages include strong electrification and low hygroscopicity. But they wrinkle slightly, are durable and elastic.
Animal fibers
This is wool that is obtained by shearing or combing animals. This material is difficult to care for (should be washed carefully), but has good elasticity, lightness and volume. Animal fibers retain heat well due to their special structure.
Good dirt and water repellency. The outer layer absorbs only water vapor, repelling water and dirt. Wool is not particularly reliable (especially when in contact with moisture), but it practically does not wrinkle. Under normal conditions it is not electrified.
Important! To avoid shrinkage, wool should not be twisted or washed at temperatures above 37 degrees.
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