There are few things as relaxing and comforting as knitting when making something with your own hands. Whether you want to make something for yourself or gift it to friends and family, a hand-knit yarn item always reflects love and warmth. However, how do you know what kind of yarn is best suited for your project? There are various types of yarn you can get from Mary Maxim, and the final product will look different when you change yarns. Here are some things to know about when looking for yarn at CraftOnline.
- Weight of the Yarn
The weight of the yarn is crucial to your knitting project. If you are trying to make something wearable, then it is ideal to choose a light yarn. Or else, the final product might end up bulky and heavy. However, if you deliberately want to make something to keep you very warm for the cold weather, then you could use yarn that provides more insulation without being bulky. If you want to make a blanket, then a chunky and bulky yarn should be ideal. The thickness will affect the look and texture of the final product.
- Ply of the Yarn
The ply of the yarn is how the individual strands are twisted together. So, if a yarn has more plies, then it will have more texture. It will lend more character to your finished product. However, you have to be careful while washing them because you do not want them to become undone. It adds more texture, but if you want something with a soft look, then yarn with fewer plies would be ideal. For beginners, it is best to use yarn with medium plies.
- Availability
It is always good to make something unique. However, if you plan on knitting something large, like a blanket or an overcoat, do not opt for very rare yarns. Just in case you finish your supply midway and you cannot source the same kind again because it is so rare, it could jeopardize the entire project. Hence, it is best to use yarn that you get quickly for large projects. Yarn that is difficult to come by will be naturally more expensive. Yarn derived from exotic animals will also cost more.
- Natural or Synthetic Fibres
Yarns are conventionally derived from natural sources, but it can be artificially manufactured as well. Technology has very well managed to replicate real yarn, and today, both are considered good choices. Natural fibres are derived from plant and animal sources. Unless you are allergic to them, they are excellent choices.
One of the most in-demand yarn types is the alpaca yarn. Derived from the hair of the alpaca, this yarn is incredibly soft. Yarn derived from the Angora rabbit is also a favourite among knitters. One can opt for the acrylic yarn of the human-made varieties that imitates wool and gives you excellent warmth.
Other natural yarn types are cotton, bamboo, merino, mohair, llama, among others. There are polyester and rayon types you can find in the human-made varieties when looking for yarn at CraftOnline and similar stores. .
The right yarn can make or break your project. While knitting your project, consider who is going to use it and in what kind of climate. Since the yarn is thicker than cotton or linen, it would also take longer to dry.
If one lives in a cloudy and misty location most of the time, yarn with more synthetic fibres is ideal because it tends to dry quickly and will dry faster even if there is limited sunlight. It is best to dry yarn naturally as the dryer could affect the fabric adversely. With all these points in mind, you will choose the best yarn for your project.
