Benefits of Natural Fibers
Everyone’s knitting or crocheting journey has to start somewhere — for many of us, it began in the aisles of a big box craft store with a skein of acrylic yarn. There’s nothing wrong with these humble beginnings, but as your craft progresses there’s a process of becoming more thoughtful about the supplies you choose and where they come from. Knitters and crocheters are used to spending hours upon hours to complete a single project — this is all the more reason to carefully choose the kind of yarn that will be passing through your hands inch by inch to turn into something that will be cherished for years to come.
Environmental benefits:
Natural fibers like wool, yak, bamboo, cashmere, silk, and cotton are a renewable resources, whereas acrylic yarns are made with man-made plastic-like materials. Natural fibers are biodegradable (yarn scraps can be composted).
Natural fibers are better for beginners:
Wool yarns are especially forgiving because their naturally grabby, fuzzy texture helps stitches hold their shape. Wool yarn will stay put on your needles and the stitches will stay intact if any sort of knitting emergency occurs. Acrylic yarn is very smooth and slick and lacks the natural texture that makes wool so perfect for knitting and crocheting.
Finishing:
One of the most wonderful properties of wool is its ability to hold its shape. Blocking is the essential step of soaking a finished project in water and letting it air dry in the perfect shape. You can block a scarf into a perfect rectangle or block a cable or lace pattern to look wonderfully uniform and relaxed. Acrylic yarns simply don’t respond to blocking the same way natural fibers do.
Flammability:
Wool is naturally flame-resistant. We hate to think of this possibility, but a wool blanket could be tossed onto a small fire to put it out. An acrylic blanket would melt like a marshmallow in this scenario. This little safety measure is all the more reason to use wool in your home decor and for gifts to loved ones.
A better night’s sleep:
A sense of connection to human history:
Working with natural fibers brings us back to the generations before us who depended on natural fibers to stay warm. For thousands of years, handcrafting textiles to wear was an essential skill rather than the hobby it’s become today. Every fiber of wool or other natural fiber has a story and connects us to history. Acrylic yarn just doesn’t carry that same kind of magic.
The cost is worth it:
If you do the math, knitting is an inexpensive form of entertainment. If you divide the cost of a skein of natural fiber yarn by the hours spent enjoying it, the rate probably comes out to between 25 cents and $2 per hour. What other form of entertainment is this cheap? You will invest much more in time than money for a hand knit or crochet project, even if you choose a higher priced yarn.
Natural beauty and feel:
There’s no denying the natural beauty of fibers. These fibers are able to take up dyes in vibrant colors and each has its own unique properties and texture. A handmade item of natural fiber will feel like a luxury in a world of synthetics.
