What is yarn?

We cannot imagine our life without warm, cozy things that warm us during the cold season. When buying in a store, we always choose those that suit us perfectly in color and style. But sometimes it is impossible to find what you would like to wear. At such a moment, yarn comes to the rescue. Her choice is so rich that it can satisfy the needs of the most desperate fashionistas.

What kind of material is this yarn?

Some people order things for themselves and their family from experienced yarn needlewomen, and some enjoy creating them with their own hands. But not everyone knows that there are certain nuances when choosing and purchasing, which you simply must adhere to. Otherwise, instead of a beautiful, comfortable piece of clothing, we will end up with a spoiled mood and disappointment.

First, let's define what yarn is. These are threads twisted in a special way and having different compositions, intended for hand and machine knitting.

How to define quality?

When buying yarn in a store, for many the selection criteria are the color palette and cost. Well, maybe also the composition and weight of the skein. In the huge assortment available in retail outlets, it is worth paying attention to the quality of the product. Given its natural composition, it cannot be cheap.. Read the labels carefully. For example, if it says 100% mohair, keep in mind that such yarn does not exist. Sold only mixed with synthetic threads and its content cannot be more than 80%.

Attention! Read the translation from English, be careful, as it is sometimes far from the original. It is better to first find out the designations that are used on tags in English from reliable sources. Since the sellers themselves have no idea about the composition of the product they are selling.

Tactile sensations also play an important role at the time of purchase. For example, wool feels soft and loose to the touch. Hold it in your hands, it should prick a little.

High-quality thread has the same thickness and uniformity. The absence of the specific smell of artificial dyes, which during washing can ruin the appearance of the product by washing off and making it unattractive, is also desirable.

A little about the types of yarn compositions

All yarn is divided into four types based on fiber composition:

1. Natural – animal or plant origin. Animal “source” threads include wool obtained from the fluff and hair of a goat, llama, sheep, camel, rabbit and even dog. It is quite universal in its purpose, since it can be used to knit any clothes. Silk can be included in this category - a high-strength fiber, elastic, wrinkle-resistant. It is obtained from the cocoon of the silkworm.Plant-derived fiber - sourced from herbaceous plants. These are cotton, flax, linden family, nettle, hemp.
2. Artificial - obtained by chemically processing cellulose. This group includes bamboo fiber and viscose.
3. Synthetic - consists of polymer materials, has high strength and wear resistance. Does not change its shape during wear and care. This class includes acrylic, nylon, polyamide, elastane, and polyester.
4. Blended - a mix of synthetics and natural fibers. Valued for its durability and breathability, obtained by mixing synthetic and natural materials. It withstands numerous washes well, while maintaining color and shape.

What kind of yarn is there?

From the description of the above-mentioned species, we can conclude that it also belongs to the seasons - summer, winter and all-season.

The winter category includes alpaca, angora, cashmere, mohair wool, as well as mixed fibers containing polyester and acrylic. Intended for making warm clothes - sweaters, cardigans, dresses, mittens, socks, scarves and hats. Recently, it has become very stylish to knit suits with trousers and a skirt from it. Quite versatile, warm and beautiful. You can also see tights knitted from any type of wool on sale.

Summer clothing is characterized by cotton, linen, silk, bamboo and viscose threads. Hats, summer gloves, sundresses, tops, and T-shirts look elegant from them. And our needlewomen knit stylish swimsuits and beach bags from them.

The variety of raw materials allows for all-season use of yarn. These are synthetic threads that have texture or are decorated with something: grass, ribbon, ruffle, brushed, voluminous, boucle and many others.

Skein of yarn - characteristics

The yarn in a skein is characterized by the following parameters:

• Release form: skeins and reels. Skeins come in weights of 50 and 100 grams. But each one may have differences in thread length and thickness. Therefore, sometimes when working, very thin yarn is used in two or three folds.
• At the top of the label is the manufacturer's brand, then the composition in percentage and number (for machine knitting). Next, write the footage and weight.
• The thread can be roving, that is, straight, or twisted. Roving in several folds looks more harmonious in knitted fabric, springs well and holds volume.

It is better to choose yarn based on who, where and when will wear the finished items. If it is for a man to work or for active recreation and sports, then it is better to buy artificial or mixed. Since it will be subject to frequent washing. At the same time, the volume of the product will be preserved and the yarn will roll quite slightly. At what temperature and in what mode to wash is indicated on the label. Hand or machine washing is also recommended.

If you plan to order an item from a craftsman, you will be given professional advice on the choice, quantity and cost of yarn.