Types of threads for knitting: overview, selection rules, advantages and disadvantages

2024 Author: Sierra Becker | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-26 03:46

It is difficult for beginner knitters to understand the variety of materials for needlework. About what types of threads for knitting are, what they are made of and how they are marked on the packaging, we will discuss in this material.

Examining the label

When purchasing threads for crochet, knitting or machine, pay attention to the "cover" of the yarn. What is written there will tell a lot:

1. Composition. This paragraph indicates what the yarn is made of. Each type has its own marking.
2. Weight and length. This data will help you calculate how many skeins of yarn you need. For example, a regular sweater takes 10 balls weighing 50 g with a thread length of 160 meters. You will need less thick and heavy fibers, and more light ones.
3. Color and series number. This data will help if you miscalculate the amount of yarn. It is better to buy additional skeins of the same series, otherwise the shades of the threads will differ. And this will spoil the appearance of the product.
4. Hook and knitting needles. Manufacturers often indicate the size of the knitting tool.

In some cases, the label provides yarn care instructions, as well aspreferred knit density.

Reels or skeins?

Threads for knitting are sold in different variations. And each type has its own advantages. Yarn in bobbins is convenient in that products are created from it without additional knots. And needlewomen know how difficult it is to “hide” them. Such threads are treated with special compounds that prevent the fabric from rolling. They are recommended to choose for machine knitting.

But yarn in reels has a significant drawback. It is sold in large quantities, it is not advisable to buy it to create one sweater or cardigan. In addition, before work, you will have to rewind the threads into balls. After all, it is inconvenient to knit from a bobbin. Therefore, if you do not plan to create several products from one thread, then buy hanks.

What animals give

The wool of domestic and wild animals has long been used to make threads from which to sew or knit clothes. Moreover, such fibers are expensive. In terms of "warmth" little can be compared with them. Types of threads for knitting of animal origin:

1. Wool (WO, Lana).
2. Merino wool (WV, Extrafine).
3. Mohair (WM, Mohair).
4. Camel wool (WK, Cammello, Camel).
5. Alpaca (WP, Alpaca).
6. Cashmere (WS, Kashmir).
7. Angora. (WA, Angora, Karin).

Yarn marking is indicated in brackets. Each of these thread types deserves special attention.

Wool

This natural material is made from sheep wool. These fibers are excellentwarmth, breathability and moisture retention. Wool is pleasant to the touch, although some find it "prickly". The fiber is used to create sweaters, warm dresses, scarves and hats.

Merino wool

This delicate yarn comes from the withers of a Merino sheep. The fibers are valued for their unusual softness. Wool retains heat very well. Due to the elasticity of the fiber, tight-fitting things are created from it. In addition, merino wool products can be machine washed without fear, of course, with a special mode. However, they do not lose their shape. The only drawback of good knitting threads is the high price.

Mohair

Yarn is obtained from goat hair. The fibers are warm, fluffy, but short-lived. In addition, their thickness is not uniform. Therefore, 100% mohair is rarely found on sale, more often it is “diluted” with natural and synthetic fibers. These threads are suitable for knitting with thin needles. Mohair is ideal for creating openwork shawls and stoles.

Alpaca

Yarn is obtained from the wool of a special variety of llamas. These threads are suitable for knitting and crocheting. Valued for their lightness, softness and silky sheen, which is not lost after numerous washes. Alpaca products are warm and durable. They don't wrinkle or wrinkle. In addition, they never have spools. Another advantage is that alpaca does not cause allergies. Outerwear is mainly knitted from wool - insulated cardigans, coats, wide scarves.

Cashmere

The material is created from the undercoat of a goat. These are beautiful and warm threads for knitting by hand and on a typewriter. It is not surprising that they are the most expensive and they are called "royal yarn". Soft to the touch fibers are suitable for knitting jumpers, scarves and snoods. Disadvantages - high cost and demanding care. Cashmere items are not recommended for washing, dry cleaning only.

Angora

The material is obtained from the wool of Angora rabbits. In its pure form, angora is practically not used, because the threads are inelastic. Therefore, ordinary wool or acrylic is added to them. Threads are suitable for knitting, crocheting is difficult to work with. The yarn is valued for its lightness, tenderness and characteristic “fluffy” pile.

Angora has a drawback - products wear out over time. They have "spots" on them. In addition, they cannot be washed, only mechanical cleaning is allowed. But with proper care, this rabbit undercoat will last for years.

Camel wool

Threads from camel down 100% natural and environmentally friendly. They are not processed and almost never stained. This is not necessary, because the wool has a beautiful brown color. Moreover, there are both light, beige tones, and dark, almost black shades.

The down of young camels is soft and delicate to the touch. If you come across a hard "prickly" yarn, then it was made from the wool of old animals. The material has many advantages. Products are obtainedextremely warm and durable. They don't roll or lose their shape. In addition, fluff has healing properties. There is only one drawback - the high cost of camel hair. But the price is not surprising, because it is created exclusively by hand.

Vegetable yarn

Yarn made from plants is less expensive. At the same time, it is quite durable, wear-resistant and pleasant to the touch. Types of threads for knitting of vegetable origin:

1. Cotton (Co, Cotone, Cotton).
2. Hemp fiber (CA, Canapa, Hemp).
3. Linen yarn (Li, Lino, Linen).
4. Silk (SE, Seta, Silk).
5. Nettle fiber.
6. Bamboo fiber (Bamboo rayon).

Let's look at each of these types in more detail.

Cotton

Threads for knitting are extracted from the air mass growing near cotton seeds. This is the most common and popular material. A typical representative of this "iris" fiber is knitting threads, on which beginner needlewomen learn.

Yarn has a lot of advantages. The fibers are hygroscopic, perfectly breathable and retain moisture. They are durable, wash well, products made from them will last for decades. But fiber also has disadvantages. It wears out, wrinkles and loses color in the light. Mercerization of yarn helps to fix this. This process is expensive, after which the material increases in price.

"Iris" - more crochet threads than knitting threads. They are suitable for creating light summer dresses, tops, children's items and evenswimwear. In addition, they are used for knitting household items, bags and covers.

Hemp fiber

This inexpensive knitting yarn is not very popular, although it is 100% environmentally friendly. After all, when growing hemp, pesticides are not used, which are used to process cotton fields. But the threads from the plant are tough, although they soften a little over time. The advantages of the material are strength, durability, wear resistance. Therefore, hemp yarn is ideal for making shopping bags and napkins.

Linen

This natural material lays down neatly in the canvas, does not shed, keeps its shape and is worn for a long time. The fiber is soft, smooth and pleasant to the touch. Do not know what threads are needed for knitting summer things? The answer is obvious - linen.

The fiber perfectly retains moisture and lets air through. In addition, the material delays ultraviolet radiation by 95%, while other threads cope with the task by 30-50%. Flax looks spectacular in fantasy patterns. But also garter or stocking knitting from it turns out to be neat and attractive.

Silk

The material is extracted from the cocoon of a silkworm caterpillar. Silk is a very expensive yarn, because the process of its manufacture is laborious and delicate. Products from the material are truly exclusive. Silk fibers are used for knitting wedding and evening dresses. But they have a significant drawback - the high price. To reducethe cost of the product, other natural fibers are often added to this material.

Bamboo fiber

This material is valued for its 100% environmental friendliness and hypoallergenicity. Unlike other fibers, bamboo filaments have natural antimicrobial properties. Therefore, they do not need additional chemical treatment. In addition, the fiber is softer and more delicate than cotton. And the tactile sensations resembles cashmere or silk. These threads are used for crocheting. They are used to create airy, light shawls and capes.

Nettle threads

The production of this material is labor intensive and expensive. And to create 20-30 g of threads, you need 4.5 kg of nettle. Therefore, the material is not used on its own, but is spun into other natural fibers. The result is a lightweight, hygroscopic and durable fabric.

Mixed yarn

Each type of knitting thread has its drawbacks. Therefore, very often manufacturers mix types of yarn with each other. The result is softer, more elastic or cheaper fibers. Blended yarn types:

1. Wool and cotton. This material is also called semi-wool. Thanks to the combination of fibers, the canvas is smooth, breathable and warm. In addition, cotton removes excessive "pricklyness" of wool, so products made of thread are suitable for people with sensitive skin and small children. Wool mixture does not stretch when washed, retains its shape for a long time. It rarely forms spools. The disadvantage of the material is that wool and cotton absorb differentlydye. As a result, the canvas may have a non-uniform color.
2. Mixture of artificial and natural fibres. Such threads acquire the strength and elasticity of synthetic fibers, while maintaining the breathability, warmth and hygroscopicity of natural materials. The cloth does not sit down and is not deformed after washing. The paint does not wash out and does not fade from the sun. Products made of mixed yarn retain their original appearance for a long time. In addition, the material has an affordable price.
3. Synthetic mix. A mixture of artificial fabrics is used to create threads of different textures. This inexpensive knitting yarn looks attractive. But such material is not able to retain heat. Therefore, it is used to create light or demi-season items.

Artificial yarn

Modern technologies make it possible to create yarn from various materials. Such fibers are cheaper, while their beauty and quality are not inferior to natural yarn. Synthetic knitting threads:

1. Microfiber (Micro Fiber). The material is used in the creation of woven and knitted products. The yarn is pleasant to the touch, soft and velvety. Often it is added to natural fibers to increase the elasticity and strength of the threads.
2. Acrylic (PA, Acrylic). This material is extracted from ethylene. It has a lot of advantages. Acrylic threads for knitting are cheap, while they are strong and durable. In addition, the yarn is easily dyed in incredible shades that are difficult to achieve from natural materials. Therefore, it is used to create children's toys or products with drawings. The disadvantage of acrylic knitting threads is their ability to store electricity.
3. Metallic (Me, Metall). Shiny threads (Lurex) are not yarn as such. But these fibers are added to other materials to give them a festive sheen.
4. Nylon (NY, Naylon, Polyamide). This strong and at the same time light fiber is often used to reinforce other materials. The yarn is very elastic, so knitwear is knitted from it.
5. Polypropylene. Use these threads for knitting washcloths, beach bags, accessories. The material is durable, holds its shape well, and is cheap.

Artificial inexpensive knitting threads will be the best choice for a beginner needlewoman. They are durable, wear-resistant, keep their shape and do not lose color after numerous washes.

Unusual types of threads for knitting

Fibers with different textures give products a unique and completely exclusive look. This yarn is suitable for experienced needlewomen and beginner knitters who want to create original products.

Chenille

The yarn is made from a mixture of cotton and acrylic. Products from the material are voluminous, velvety to the touch and with a velvet texture. Threads are suitable for knitting with a simple stocking pattern. Lace or braids cannot be made from chenille, because the details are hard to see due to the texture of the yarn. Fiber products do not pill, but should not be worn underouterwear. Otherwise, the yarn will wear out, and “bald spots” will appear over time. Due to the unusual softness, the threads are suitable for knitting children's things and toys.

Pile yarn

The material is obtained by twisting different types of yarn. Often, fibers with a long pile are added to the composition of the thread, which makes the fabric look like faux fur and down. Such threads are used for knitting scarves, hats, decorating individual parts of products.

Twisted yarn

This fiber consists of several twisted threads, and different colors. Number of strands: from 2 to 6. The threads are dyed in different shades in turn. As a result, the canvas turns out to be colorful, with characteristic “waves”. Because of this combination, the material is also called "plaid" yarn. It is good for knitting a regular stocking pattern, as well as fancy lace, braids. Products made from threads are strong, durable, and wash very well.

Knitted tape

The yarn is created in the form of a flat thin cord. The manufacturing process of this material is complicated, and therefore the cost of the fiber is quite high. But the costs are worth it, because things are original and attractive. Knitted threads for knitting are laid in loops at different angles. Because of this, the products acquire an uneven sheen. In addition, if the thread is knitted into the fabric “sideways”, then the surface will turn out with bumps.

Boucle yarn

Threads are created in a special way, due to which small balls are formed on them. They are located ondifferent or the same distance from each other. When knitting, "boucles" come forward. As a result, the canvas acquires an interesting texture and deceptive density. Boucles will be an excellent choice for beginner needlewomen, as they look spectacular in the simplest hosiery. But intricate patterns cannot be made from threads, because due to the texture of the canvas, details will not be visible. Depending on the thickness of the thread, suitable for knitting summer or warm clothes.

Tweed yarn

This is a monochromatic fiber with multi-colored inclusions. The composition of the material includes natural wool, but sometimes cotton or even synthetic threads are added to it. As a rule, tweed yarn is dyed in natural colors: white, gray or black. But there are skeins with a variety of shades. And the brighter and more unusual the color of the material, the more artificial fibers it contains.

The advantages of the thread are strength, hygroscopicity and the ability to retain heat. They make amazingly beautiful sweaters, skirts, scarves, cardigans and coats. The lack of material is a slight "pricklyness". But this feature is typical for woolen fabrics.

Bulk thread

This synthetic fiber is usually made in one ply. The canvas from it turns out to be light, airy and voluminous. At the same time, the products are well crushed and quickly return to their original shape. The material is used for knitting on thick needles or crochet.

Until recently, coats and scarves made of voluminousthreads. Now the demand for them has decreased. But home accessories made from this type of textile remained relevant. It looks spectacular in multi-component patterns of plaits and braids, interspersed with lace.

Mixed yarn

The composition of the material includes several types of natural fibers and one synthetic thread. Thanks to this combination, the canvas is hygroscopic, warm and breathable. Man-made fiber gives it strength and elasticity.

Products made of mixed fabric fit well on the figure, look elegant and neat. Synthetic thread is inside natural fibers. Therefore, mixed yarn products retain all the positive properties of natural, expensive materials. At the same time, they look better, keep their shape longer and cost less.

Original ideas

Do you want to break the traditional view of knitting clothes, accessories and household items? Use unusual materials. Indeed, in the hands of an experienced needlewoman, even used bags turn into original threads. What can be knitted from:

• Stripes of fabrics. Such "threads" are traditionally used for knitting rugs. But the material can also be used in another way: to create a blanket, a sofa cover or a pot stand. The main thing is to connect the fantasy. To make "fabric thread", cut old clothes or textiles into strips and sew them together. It will take a lot of time, but the result is worth it.
• Wire thread. This material is used for knitting jewelryproducts or home decor with beads. The stores sell metallic threads of any thickness and with a wide range of colors. Therefore, you can easily knit an original necklace or bracelet to your taste.
• Rubber thread. This material is known as "yarn-jelly". Used for knitting accessories, belts and home decorations. Working with a "thread" is not easy. After all, it sticks to metal and plastic knitting needles. Therefore, when knitting, it is recommended to lubricate the tools with oil.

In general, there are a lot of varieties and types of threads for knitting. And each needlewoman will pick up yarn to taste. The main thing is to pay attention to the quality of the material. After all, the beauty and durability of the product largely depends on it.