Types of threads for knitting

How not to get lost in choosing yarn when visiting retail outlets? After all, its diversity is so vast that it is difficult for an ignorant person to make the right decision. And sales consultants cannot always help with this. Read on to learn how to purchase the product you need.

What types of knitting threads are there?

First, let's figure out how yarn is made. This is a whole series of complex processes, from combing and cutting the animal to weaving finished threads. The yarn made from them can be homogeneous or mixed, that is, to impart certain qualities it is supplemented with fibers of different types. Eg, wool is diluted with synthetics to impart elasticity properties. In addition, there are threads in one or more folds, some straight or twisted. Now let’s find out what they are made from.

Natural

These include yarn of plant and animal origin.The first type is created from natural ingredients, and the second from animal fluff and hair. Plant species include:

• cotton is a fluffy soft twisted fiber with a high degree of strength and hygroscopicity;
• linen - has excellent properties of retaining heat in winter and gives coolness in hot weather;
• nettle - yarn is made from it using a rather complex technological process, as a result of which about 30 grams of fiber are obtained from 5 kilograms of nettle. Products become airy and moisture resistant;
• hemp is a very strong thread that has the ability to reflect ultraviolet rays, protecting against overheating at high temperatures;
• soy yarn - used in a mixture with other types in the form of a silky fiber, giving them softness and special smoothness in summer knitwear. It is obtained from milk and soy protein.
• bamboo is an environmentally friendly material with antimicrobial properties, soft and pleasant to the touch. Pronounced natural shine, natural lightness, antistatic and anti-allergenic features make it unique and in demand.

Threads made from animal hair obtained by shearing or combing are:

1. from goat wool - have unique properties of retaining heat at low air temperatures, are used in various types of products, including hats, socks, scarves. They give things both a smooth and textured surface;
2. from merino sheep - quite delicate, elastic, woven from the cover of fine fleece sheep. Products made from them can withstand any type of washing, both manual and machine, without changing their appearance or physical properties;
3. cashmere is the most expensive and refined of all types of wool, created from the undercoat of high-mountain goats. It is preferred by all fashionistas who know a lot about style and luxury.. It is not for nothing that it is called “royal yarn” and is valued at the level of a diamond;
4. mohair - characterized by fluffy long fibers. Things made from it look light and airy. Yarn is never on sale in its pure form; its percentage in it is no more than eighty. It looks very beautiful in openwork knitting, without losing its warming properties. Modern craftswomen create original things from it using a hook, knitting needles and even a fork;
5. Angora - made from rabbit fluff, fluffy, warm, incredibly soft. It has a very delicate pile, which leads to abrasion. Cannot be washed by any type, dry cleaning only is recommended. You should also protect it from getting wet, which will make it possible to use your favorite item for several years.;
6. alpaca - llama wool, has unique external qualities: silky shine, lightness and weightlessness. At the same time, it is quite durable and warm. The absence of pellets, creases, and allergies during wear gives the greatest value to this type;
7. Silk - produced with the help of the silkworm. Delicate, smooth to the touch, does not wrinkle. The products do not pill and have a beautiful iridescent shine. The threads are mixed with other fibers, since in their pure form they have a very high cost.

Artificial

Obtained by chemical synthesis. Finished products are characterized by increased strength, wear resistance, durability, and retain their shape perfectly during washing and wear.. At the same time, there are also negative properties: lack of hygroscopicity, heat transfer, accumulation of static energy. Let's look at the types of this yarn:

• microfiber - made from polyester, polyamide and other polymers. Used for clothing, cleaning material, industrial filters;
• nylon is a strong, lightweight fiber. High elasticity allows it to be used in a mixture with other raw materials to prevent rapid wear and increase abrasion resistance;
• acrylic - obtained from ethylene, a petroleum derivative. Rough to the touch, reliable and absolutely accessible, as it is very inexpensive. It is painted in rich colors, which allows it to be used in the production of children's toys and bright wardrobe items.

Mixed

It is a mixture of fibers of natural, artificial and synthetic origin. The best qualities are found in threads that combine 75% natural and 25% synthetic, which gives them softness, ductility, and durability.. At the same time, they receive advantages in wear from both one type and the other. These include:

• half-wool – a mixture of cotton and wool eliminates increased scratchiness and deformation during use and care;
• a mixture of synthetic and natural fibers. Synthetic threads give color strength and shape, natural threads make it breathable and moisture resistant;
• Mixing synthetic fibers together is used to add texture to the product. Unfortunately, this does not give it heat-saving and moisture-absorbing properties. But it can even be machine washed while maintaining shape and color.

Textured yarn

Not long ago, yarn with a variety of textured effects became popular among avid knitters. She helps to create a unique and creative product.Divided by type of invoice:

1. boucle - heterogeneous yarn with a looped structure of two threads folded together. Used both in basic knitting and for finishing;
2. ribbon - used for basic and decorative knitting. Looks original in various wardrobe items and accessories;
3. tweed - made from variegated wool or half-wool threads. Used to create an unusual ornament;
4. pile - twisted from different types of fibers, one of which has a long pile. When finished, the canvas looks like faux fur;
5. fantasy - characterized by convexity, color transition and thickness;
6. voluminous - used for crocheting or thick knitting needles. Gives expressiveness to things in the execution of multi-component patterns and combination with openwork knitting;
7. Chenille is a mixture of acrylic and cotton. The knitted fabric has a texture similar to corduroy. Ideal also for making toys and children's items.

Made from industrial materials

1. Recently, household and home decor items made from industrial yarn have gained immense popularity. Some of them you can make yourself. For example, from plastic bags cut into ribbons of various widths.
2. Ropes in the form of a bundle or cord will decorate a lampshade or boxes for storing all kinds of small items, giving the interior a homely coziness and warmth.
3. Wire thread is useful in weaving jewelry from colored or plain beads and accessories. Add volume and originality to clothing items using hooks, knitting needles, forks and even the manual method.
4. Rubber threads are great for making 3D sculptures, home decor, and fashion accessories.

As you can see, the choice of yarn is huge, and your imagination and skill will help you create something original and unique. Something that will delight you for many years.