While I love working with natural yarns, it needs to be said that man-made fibres have some advantages over natural fibres, like offering a wider range of colours and textures. They are also more affordable and durable and this is why I tend to use acrylic when designing my toys and knitting the prototypes.
Also, for many people the decision on whether to go with natural yarns or man-made options (or a blend of both) may be of ethical nature. If you’re concerned about animal welfare or environmental issues, man-made fibres can offer a great alternative. Some man-made fibres are even made from recycled materials, which is a more sustainable option. However, it’s important to keep in mind that man-made fibres have their own environmental impacts, like the use of chemicals in their production and the fact that they’re not biodegradable.
It’s important to research and weigh all of these factors when deciding which type of fiber to use for a particular project. Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide what’s most important and to choose your materials accordingly. In my previous articles, I have covered the various natural yarns that you can choose from as well as the most common blends of natural yarns. In this article I’d like to explain the most-commonly used man-made options that you can choose from.
Apart from acrylic – which can be found on its own and as a part of a blend – most other options are blended with natural fibres (or acrylic) to improve the yarn’s durability, softness or drape.
Acrylic
Acrylic yarn has several benefits, including being affordable, lightweight, and easy to care for. It is also resistant to moths, oils, and chemicals, making it a durable choice for a variety of projects. Additionally, acrylic yarn is available in a wide range of colours and textures, making it a versatile option for many different types of knitting and crochet projects.
On the downside, acrylic yarn can be less breathable than natural fibres like cotton or wool, which can make it less comfortable to wear in warm weather. Additionally, some people find that it doesn’t have the same softness or drape as natural fibres.
Blending natural yarns with acrylic can provide the advantages of both materials. The natural fibres offer softness, breathability, and drape, while the acrylic provides durability, affordability, and a wider range of colours and textures.
Lurex
Lurex is a type of yarn that is made by wrapping a metallic thread around a core of man-made fibres. This gives the yarn a shiny, metallic appearance that can add a touch of glamour to knitted or crocheted items.
Lurex yarn is available in a variety of colours and textures, and can be used to create a range of effects, from subtle hints of sparkle to all-over shimmer. It is often used for special occasion garments or accessories, such as evening wear, shawls, and scarves.
However, lurex yarn can be more delicate than other types of yarn, and may require special care when washing and storing. It is also generally more expensive than other types of yarn, due to the cost of the metallic thread used to create it.
It is rare to see lurex used by itself, it is usually added to other yarns (natural and man-made) to add metallic sparkle to the thread.
Microfibre
Microfibre yarns are made from synthetic materials that are finer than silk and very soft. They are often used for knitting or crocheting items that require a lot of drape, such as scarves, shawls, and lightweight blankets. Microfibre yarns are also known for their breathability, and are often used for activewear or other items that require moisture-wicking properties.
Microfibre yarns are often blended with wool yarn to add softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking properties to the resulting yarn. Wool is known for its warmth and durability, but it can sometimes be itchy or scratchy against the skin. Blending wool with microfiber can help to soften the yarn and make it more comfortable to wear. Additionally, microfiber can help to wick moisture away from the skin, which can help to regulate body temperature and keep the wearer dry and comfortable.
Nylon
Nylon yarns are often used for knitting or crocheting items that require strength, durability, and stretch. Nylon is known for its ability to withstand wear and tear, making it a popular choice for socks, gloves, and other items that see a lot of use. Nylon yarns are also resistant to water and mildew, and can be used for outdoor or wet-weather items like raincoats or umbrellas.
Nylon yarns are often blended with other materials, such as wool or acrylic, to add strength and durability to the resulting yarn. The resulting blend can offer the best of both worlds: the softness and warmth of wool or acrylic, combined with the strength and durability of nylon.
On the other hand, nylon yarns can be less breathable than natural fibres, which can make them less comfortable to wear in warm weather. Additionally, some people find that they can be more difficult to work with than natural fibres, as they can be slippery and more prone to splitting. Finally, nylon yarns are not biodegradable, which can be a concern for some environmentally-conscious crafters.
Polyamide
Polyamide yarns are known for their strength, durability, and elasticity, making them a popular choice for knitting or crocheting items that see a lot of wear and tear, such as socks, gloves, and other accessories. Additionally, polyamide yarns are resistant to water and mildew, making them a good choice for outdoor or wet-weather items like raincoats or umbrellas. However, polyamide yarns can be less breathable than natural fibres like cotton or wool, which can make them less comfortable to wear in warm weather. Some people also find them more difficult to work with than natural fibres, as they can be slippery and more prone to splitting. Finally, polyamide yarns are not biodegradable, which can be a concern for some environmentally-conscious crafters.
Polyester
Polyester yarns are known for their durability, strength, and resistance to water and mildew. They are often used for knitting or crocheting items that require these properties, such as outdoor or wet-weather items like raincoats or umbrellas. However, polyester yarns can be less breathable than natural fibres like cotton or wool, which can make them less comfortable to wear in warm weather. Additionally, some people find that they can be more difficult to work with than natural fibres, as they can be slippery and more prone to splitting. Finally, polyester yarns are not biodegradable, which can be a concern for some environmentally-conscious crafters.
Rayon
Rayon yarns are known for their softness and silk-like drape. They can be used for a variety of knitting or crocheting projects, including lightweight clothing, shawls, and scarves. Rayon yarns can also be blended with other materials, such as cotton or silk, to add softness and drape to the resulting yarn. However, rayon yarns can be less durable than other types of yarn, and may require special care when washing and storing. Additionally, some people find that they can be more difficult to work with than natural fibres, as they can be slippery and more prone to splitting.
Viscose
Viscose yarns are known for their softness and drape, making them a popular choice for knitting or crocheting items that require a lot of movement, such as scarves, shawls, and lightweight blankets. Viscose is a form of rayon, and is made from natural materials like wood pulp or cotton linters. This gives viscose yarns a natural, eco-friendly feel that is often compared to silk. Additionally, viscose is often blended with other materials, such as wool or silk, to add softness and drape to the resulting yarn. However, viscose yarns can be less durable than other types of yarn, and may require special care when washing and storing.
