Acrylic is a yarn that has become widespread. But not everyone knows about its basic properties, advantages and disadvantages, and the possibility of combination with other fibers. In order to better understand all the intricacies of acrylic threads, you should read this article.
Acrylic yarn is fibers woven into threads of different thicknesses and having different textures. They are obtained exclusively by chemical methods. This determines the main characteristics of this yarn:
This results in the widest range of possible applications. But it’s worth mentioning that it’s still this thread is ideal for creating winter or demi-season items. “Pure” - 100% acrylic will form a product that is smooth in texture, soft and comfortable to wear. If the yarn contains mohair, the product will have a certain fluffiness. Mixed acrylic and wool threads are suitable for a warm winter item that will keep its owner from freezing. Alpaca and angora will have the same effect.
But adding natural bamboo threads to acrylic makes it possible to get a comfortable product for spring or autumn.
If you want to knit an elegant thing, then acrylic will find its application here too. Many manufacturers add sequins, superacrylic, nylon, metallic thread, and lycra to acrylic yarn. These woven threads can create a wide variety of yarn effects, and, accordingly, the finished product.
Blended yarn has absorbed the positive properties of both acrylic and the threads used as an additive.
Important! In order for the yarn to serve as long as possible, you should not wash it in water hotter than 500 C. Otherwise, this may lead to deformation of the product.
Pros of thread
Knitters often choose acrylic yarn. This is due to such positive characteristics, How:
What weather can acrylic clothing be worn in?
It is most optimal to use acrylic in winter and spring-summer.
Pure acrylic may not create a sufficiently comfortable thermal balance at high temperatures. low temperatures . In addition, it is not hygroscopic and does not allow air to pass through. And this contributes to the fact that acrylic sweats more often. Moreover, sweat is not absorbed by acrylic thread. In order to reduce this effect, you can purchase fibers to which natural thread has been added.
What things can be knitted from acrylic?
Acrylic can be used for knitting by adults, children and babies.
You can get a wide variety of products from it:
Features of knitting yarn
When knitting acrylic, you should use knitting needles or a crochet hook, which is recommended on the skein label.. But if you are knitting a pillow, blanket, or even more so a toy, then the knitting density in this case should be greater - it is recommended to take knitting needles or a hook approximately ½ size smaller.
But for children's clothes, it is worth knitting with knitting needles, on the contrary, weaker, so that the item is softer and does not cause discomfort in children. Therefore, you can take a knitting tool, on the contrary, ½ size larger.
Important! If you plan to combine two threads, you should make sure that they do not stain. To do this, soak pieces of these threads in hot water and place them on white fabric to make sure that the finished product does not subsequently fade or stain itself.
In all other respects, standard techniques should be followed.
We have already talked, today we will look at some of its brands. Modern industry offers us a huge assortment, in which it is easy to get confused. And we, sometimes without thinking about what type of knitting the yarn is intended for, choose the model and pattern we like, knit, and... complete disappointment sets in. After all, the quality of the connected product directly depends on the correctness yarn selection. In order not to feel bitterness from wasted work, you need to know some of the properties of yarn. Let me give you an example: viscose is very delicate, pleasant to the touch, allows air to pass through well, but a thing knitted from it stretches 20-30% in length, and this must be taken into account when knitting; or double messerized cotton - has a beautiful shine, is pleasant to the touch, fits well on knitting needles, but is rough for crocheting. Another example, cashmere - you cannot knit coarse patterns from it (such as braids) since it is very delicate, and therefore you need to knit light, flowing patterns from it.
To avoid mistakes later, I strongly recommend knitting a sample of size 10*10 (or better yet 15*15) with the chosen pattern, wash, dry, and then decide.
Today I will tell you about some popular brands of yarn.
Yarn selection (warm types)
Yarn Children's whim 60% merino wool, 40% fiber, 225 m, 50 g, sBrand: Pekhorka
Designed for knitting children's products, suitable for knitting hats, scarves, etc. Merino wool improves the properties of yarn: a product made from it is hygroscopic and retains thermal insulation well. The yarn is silky and has a characteristic vibrant shine. Very economical, does not fade, is easy to knit, the products do not deform or roll up.
Suitable for knitting openwork and dense patterns, Aranian patterns (patterns from different braids) and for combining colors (jacquard). Can be added to "Mohair".
Sock yarn 50% wool, 50% acrylic, 200 m, 100 g, Withcountry of origin: Russia, tBrand: Pekhorka
“Sock” is a new product, made from the ends of combed tape, which received additional “combing”, without being dyed in melange colors.
Yarn PURE WOOL 100% wool, 250 m, 100 g,Brand: VITA
Pure Wool - classic 100% wool with moderate hairiness. The thread is elastic, with a pleasant rich color. After washing it becomes noticeably softer.
Knitted with knitting needles No. 2.5 - 4, crocheted - No. 2.5 - 4, on a class 4 machine - density 2.5 - 4.5.
Purpose: in one thread you can knit items for autumn, vests, jumpers, socks and mittens. In two threads - voluminous scarves, very warm jumpers and hats. Suitable for knitting openwork and Aran patterns (patterns from different braids). Since products made from 100% wool may cause discomfort for people with sensitive skin, then it is better to wear them on the bottom layer of clothing; for hats, make a lining of comfortable fabric (fleece).
YarnLUSTER WOOL 100%wool, 336
m, 100
G,Brand: VITA
Spectacular wool yarn - thin, smooth, absolutely not scratchy. A little slippery to the touch, with a pleasant shine. Soft and comfortable. Knits easily and pleasantly, literally glides on the knitting needles and hook, suitable for knitting on a class 4 machine.
Patterns - elastic bands, weaves based on a combination of front and back loops, braids, press weaves.
Knitting needles No. 2-3.75, hook No. 2-3,
Designed for knitting clothes for adults and children, for autumn and early spring. The yarn is perfect for classic models, has high wear resistance, holds its shape perfectly. The products are soft, pleasant to the touch, with a slight unobtrusive shine. Does not shrink, coloring is permanent.
Yarn Merino De Luxe 50% wool, 50% acrylic, 280 m, 100 g, scountry of origin: Türkiye, brand: YarnArt
Warm, cozy wool yarn for knitting demi-season items. Hand wash recommended, knitting needles No. 3.5.
Yarn CHESTER 100% acrylic, 400 m, 100 g, scountry of origin: England, brand: Wendy
High quality yarn, specially designed for babies
Recommended patterns: front and back stitches, arans (braids), reliefs, intarsia (multicolor knitting technique), openwork patterns.
Suitable for hand and machine knitting, knitting needles No. 2-2.5.
This yarn can be used to knit a variety of children's clothing from a very early age.
Yarn Baby YarnArt 100% acrylic, 150 m, 50 g, scountry of origin: Türkiye, tBrand: YarnArt
Suitable for knitting for children, does not cause allergies. Knitting needles No. 3.5 are recommended.
Yarn BAMBINO SEAM 100% acrylic, 200 m, 50 g, scountry of origin: Italy, tBrand: Seam
High quality yarn, specially designed for babies, very soft, similar to wool. Products made from it are light and warm. Wide color palette.
Recommended patterns: front and back satin stitch, arans, reliefs, intarsia, openwork.
Manual and machine knitting, knitting needles No. 2-2.5.
Care: Delicate machine washable. Dry flat.
Suitable for knitting a variety of items of clothing for very young children.
Yarn Merino Exclusive 50% wool 50% acrylic, 220 m, 100 g,country of origin: Türkiye,brand: YarnArt
Merino Exclusive - voluminous, soft, with an airy twist, very light wool blend in rich colors. Medium thickness, not prickly. It knits easily and quickly, your hands literally rest when knitting with this yarn.
Knitting needles No. 3.5 - 5, hook No. 3 - 5,
Patterns - voluminous braids, both independently and in combination with openwork, various elastic bands, press weaves with large patterns.
Suitable for knitting clothes and accessories for adults and children for autumn and winter.
Country yarn 100% semi-coarse wool, 250 m, 100 g,, TBrand: Pekhorka
Country wool is a very coarse wool, almost similar to that obtained by spinning at home without the use of various processing methods. It consists of 2 strings twisted quite tightly together. Yarn can be used for outerwear and for knitting rugs. It is better not to use for things in contact with the body. Knitting needles No. 3.5 -4.5, hook No. 3.5 - 4.
Yarn CROSBY 60% wool, 40% acrylic, 375 m, 100 g,England, T Brand: Wendy
Very soft, smells nice of wool, doesn’t itch! After washing it does not deform, it becomes softer and fluffy. , sample after. The patterns look very good, structural and pressed. Good quality-price ratio. Suitable for knitting warm sweaters, with large collars, jackets, hats and scarves. Knitting needles No. 3.5 - 4.5, hook No. 4.5 - 5.
Yarn Wool 80% wool, 20% acrylic, 340 m, 100 g
The yarn does not prick and is soft to the touch. Doesn't fade after washing, suitable for children's clothes. Knitting needles No. 3.5.
Sheep yarn 100% wool, 200 m, 100 g,Russia, tBrand: Pekhorka
100% sheep wool natural shades, medium thickness. Moderately twisted, prickly, but very warm. Suitable for those who like to create things in a “rustic” style. Designed for knitting men's sweaters, vests, women's cardigans. For children, it is advisable to add a lining. Knitting needles No. 3.5 - 4.75, hook No. 3-4.
Yarn ALASKA 15% camel hair, 25% wool, 60% acrylic, 204 m, 100 g,Türkiye, tBrand: NAKO
Alaska is a semi-fluffy, very soft and airy yarn containing camel hair. It has a slight shine and exceptional ability to retain heat (a coat knitted with this yarn in 2 folds will warm you at temperatures down to -5). Relatively comfortable, so it is better for people with sensitive skin and children to wear products made from this yarn on the bottom layer of clothing or on a lining. Recommended for knitting light and warm clothes for the cold season.
Patterns: satin stitch, openwork, braids, relief weaves, intarsia, jacquard, aran.
Tools: knitting needles No. 3.5 - 4.75, hook No. 3.
Yarn CRYSTAL 100% acrylic, 275 m, 50 g, brand: VITA
Crystal is a very beautiful crochet yarn with rich colors and shimmery shine. It does not flake or fade, the products do not stretch and turn out to be very elegant and comfortable. Very economical consumption.
Recommended for knitting summer tops, skirts, dresses, capes, scarves, shawls, stoles. Hook No. 1.5 -2.5.
Yarn CANDY 100% sw wool, 178 m, 100 g, brand: VITA
This yarn contains high quality New Zealand wool.Ideal for warm weather winter clothes: autumn cardigans, mittens, scarves and hats.Special treatment allows products to be washed in washing machines. Knitting needles No. 3.5-4, hook No. 3.
Yarn ALPACA WOOL 40% alpaca, 60% wool, 300 m, 100 g, brand: VITA
The combination of alpaca wool and sheep wool in yarn, and special fiber processing, gives the wool softness and a unique ability to retain heat. A very soft and delicate thread with a little hairiness, ideal for knitting jumpers, blouses and children's clothing, the items turn out to be comfortable and somehow homey. The color is stable. Knitting needles No. 3-3.5, hook No. 2.5.
Yarn BAMBINO 25% wool, 75% acrylic, 130 m, 50 g, Türkiye, brand: NAKO
Bambino is a very high quality yarn. Thanks to the wool content, the thread is warm, and due to the acrylic content, it is not scratchy. This makes it suitable for knitting even for children and people with sensitive skin. Has bright colors. Does not roll or stretch. Used for knitting beautiful and practical things: jumpers, sundresses, suits, hats, booties, scarves, socks, jackets. It holds all patterns perfectly, from the simplest elastic bands to complex openwork.
Tools: knitting needles No. 3-4, hook No. 2.5 - 3.5.
Yarn SUPER EXCELLENCE 49% wool, 51% acrylic, 228 m, 100 g, Türkiye, brand:
Magic
Classic soft wool mixture with medium twist. It has all the qualities that we love so much: versatility (knits well with all tools, giving an even fabric), clean, beautiful colors, comfort to wear and durability. Great for knitting for autumn or winter, almost all items of clothing, from mittens to coats, can be knitted in 2 threads. Suitable for any pattern.
Tools: knitting needles No. 3.5-4.5, hook No. 3-4.
HARMONY yarn 45% wool, 55% acrylic, 110 m, 100 g, VITA
Very soft, comfortable yarn with a slight sheen. The thread is twisted from 4 separate roving threads in a spiral, this makes it possible to knit voluminous, but very light things. Suitable for creating clothes and accessories for late autumn or winter: short coats, cardigans, vests, hats, voluminous scarves, ponchos for children and adults.
Suitable patterns: front and back stitch, fancy elastic bands, elongated loops, large openwork, various braids and arans. Patterns for crochet - mesh and shells.
Tools: knitting needles No. 4.5-6, hook No. 4.5.
Yarn BABY 100% acrylic, 400 m, 100 g, VITA
Ideal yarn for knitting products for the little ones, as well as for people with skin problems. Voluminous, soft, non-squeaky yarn with economical yardage and very bright colors. At proper care does not stretch, does not roll, does not fade. This yarn is especially good for knitting for babies and people with sensitive skin, as the products are very soft.
Children's blankets, hats, scarves, booties, blouses, toys, as well as jumpers and cardigans - this is not a complete list of products recommended for knitting from these threads. You can knit in one thread for early autumn or spring, or in 2 threads for the colder season.
patterns - elastic bands, satin stitch, intarsia, jacquard, braids, arans, openwork and semi-openwork, press.
Tools: knitting needles No. 2.5-3.5, hook No. 2.5-4.
Yarn ATLANTIC 40% wool, 60% acrylic, 245 m, 100 g, Türkiye, brand: NAKO
Bulky yarn. The product is light, soft, and requires little yarn. Fits perfectly evenly in fabric of absolutely any weave. Very soft yarn with beautiful colors. Perfect for knitting things for both children and adults, for late autumn or winter. You don't want to part with products made from this yarn.
Patterns: elastic bands, satin stitch, openwork, relief weaves, press, elongated and deflated loops, chains.
Tools - knitting needles No. 3-4.5, hook No. 3.5-4.5.
Yarn selection (cotton)
Yarn COCO 100% mercerized cotton, 240 m, 50 g, VITA cotton
Fine mercerized, gas-opaque cotton. This yarn is a godsend for crochet lovers, ideal for summer clothes for children and adults, can be knitted by machine, long-lasting colors, rich range of colors, does not shrink even after repeated washings. Suitable for knitting shawls and napkins. Manufacturers recommend knitting needles No. 1.5-2 and hook No. 2.
Yarn LILY 100% mercerized cotton, 125 m, 50 g, brand: VITA cotton
Classic yarn made of mercerized cotton with a soft, unobtrusive shine, does not squint in the fabric, not too soft but not coarse, of medium thickness. It knits well with knitting needles and crochet, on a class 4 machine with a density of 3 or more. The purpose of the yarn is spring and summer models for adults and children for the spring-summer period. Knitting needles No. 3.5-4 hook No. 3.5
Yarn COCO PRINT 100% mercerized cotton, 240 m, 50 g, brand: VITA cotton
Fine mercerized, gas-opaque cotton. The yarn is a godsend for crochet lovers, ideal for summer clothes for children and adults, can be knitted by machine, long-lasting colors, rich range of colors, does not shrink even after repeated washings . Perfect for crocheting shawls and napkins. Knitting needles No. 1.5-2 hook No. 2.
Yarn LIRA 60% cotton, 40% acrylic, 150 m, 50 g, brand: VITA cotton
The combination of cotton and acrylic gives a wonderful result - a slightly velvety, moderately thin thread that fits very well when knitting with almost all patterns, both knitting and crocheting. It is not recommended to knit large fabrics of stockinette stitch from Lira, as the fabric skews a little. From this yarn you can safely knit jumpers for autumn, light clothes for spring and airy ones for cool summer evenings, for absolutely everyone - from kids to adults, especially for people with sensitive skin. Knitting needles No. 3-3.5, hook No. 3.
Yarn PELICAN 100% double mercerized cotton, 330 m, 50 g, brand: VITA cotton
Classic mercerized cotton for summer knitting. Very smooth thread, economical consumption, durable coloring, rich color range. Suitable for knitting children's clothes for the summer, napkins, tablecloths, openwork clothes. Knitting needles No. 1-1.5, hook No. 1.5.
Yarn ROSE 100% double mercerized cotton, 150 m, 50 g, brand: VITA cotton
Classic mercerized cotton for summer knitting. For lovers of fine knitting work. Any patterns fit very beautifully, the canvas is smooth and even. rich color range, color stable. Knitting needles No. 2-2.5, hook No. 2.
Yarn SOFT COTTON 100% cotton, 175 m, 50 g, brand: VITA cotton
A very soft, slightly velvety low-twist yarn with rich colors. Comfortable for any skin, even the most sensitive, therefore suitable for knitting for the smallest and allergy sufferers. Excellent for knitting summer items of a casual style - T-shirts, tops, sundresses, blouses, as well as for items for colder periods (2 or more threads).
Patterns - openwork, satin stitch, relief weaves, patterns based on a combination of front and back loops. Knitting needles No. 2.5 - 3.5, hook No. 2.5 - 4. knitted on a class 4 machine simple patterns from density No. 3.
Yarn SHINY 95% mercerized cotton, 5% metallic, 250 m, 50g, VITA cotton
Fine mercerized, gas-colored cotton with lurex. Ideal for crocheting shawls and napkins. Manufacturers recommend knitting needles No. 1.5-2 and hook No. 2.
Yarn BELLA 100% cotton, 180 m, 50 g, Türkiye, Alize
Excellent yarn for knitting summer clothes for children and adults. Soft, does not fade, does not deform, economical thread consumption. Suitable for knitting with satin stitch and openwork.
Yarn BAHAR 100% mercerized cotton, 260 m, 100 g, Türkiye, Alize
Very high quality natural Bahar yarn is a specially processed cotton. Mercerization gives the thread a special shine. Bahar yarn is excellent for both crocheting and knitting, it fits easily into patterns of any complexity, and is intended for knitting light summer clothes. Since the yarn is made from natural, environmentally friendly fiber, this yarn is ideal for children's clothes. When working with Bahar yarn, you can use patterns of varying degrees of complexity - from simple stocking stitch to complex jacquard patterns.
Knitting needles No. 3-3, hook No. 3.
Yarn Canarias 100% mercerized cotton, 203 m, 20 g, Türkiye, YarnArt
Fine mercerized cotton for summer knitting. The thread is very thin, almost like bobbin thread, well suited for knitting thin Irish mesh. Knitting needles No. 2.
Yarn Iris YarnArt 100% double mercerized cotton, 170 m, 25 g, Türkiye, YarnArt
This yarn is popular in Russia. It is made from long-staple, double-mercerized Egyptian cotton. The yarn is intended for knitting napkins, lace and embroidery. The yarn works great for Irish mesh and is a bit thicker than the Canarias yarn. Knitting needles No. 1-1.5, hook No. 1.5.
I haven’t told you about all the brands; it’s simply unrealistic to review the entire range, it’s so large. I hope this article will help you make your own right choice and not be disappointed with the result of your work.
Despite the fact that acrylic is a fairly well-known material in knitting, not everyone knows reliably about its properties, and therefore there are often conflicting opinions about it. So, what is acrylic yarn, what are its advantages and disadvantages, care features and application possibilities, compatibility with other materials? Let's figure it out together.
Items made from acrylic yarn. Photo: surbasev.ru
The world market names acrylic in yarn differently, for example, the label may indicate PAN fiber, Krylor, Orlon, Redon, Nitron, Prelan.
Acrylic fibers are the result of complex chemical reactions in production - in other words, they are obtained synthetically. This leads to both a number of advantages of yarn and its disadvantages.
Pros and cons of acrylic yarn
Knitters often choose acrylic yarn - it is very convenient to work with.
For those who are just starting to try their hand at this type of needlework, such as knitting, acrylic yarn is what they need. It is easily formed into loops and does not get tangled.
Acrylic fibers are stronger than natural fibers (for example, wool), and therefore items made from them last longer. Products made from high-quality acrylic threads hold their shape well. If you take care of such things responsibly, they will not shrink and there will be no pills on them.
Despite the fact that acrylic is synthetic, it is pleasant to the touch and does not cause discomfort when wearing things made from it. In addition, since acrylic yarn is synthetic, moths do not like to feast on it. The advantages of the yarn include its attractive price, especially in comparison with expensive yarn made from natural fibers.
Acrylic fibers are ideal for dyeing - this allows manufacturers to obtain bright and rich threads from them, and consumers - products of a wide variety of rich colors. At the same time, the material is resistant to fading, which means you don’t have to worry about things made from acrylic yarn fading in the sun.
Acrylic yarn. Photo: surovikinointer.ru
The disadvantages of acrylic yarn include low hygroscopicity. In addition, like any synthetic material, acrylic tends to electrify.
Pure and mixed
There is both 100% acrylic yarn and mixed yarn, consisting of acrylic and some other (usually natural) fibers. In the latter case, the ratio of materials can be very different. Acrylic in blended yarn can contain 5% or more.
Most often, acrylic in yarn is mixed with wool, mohair or cotton. The presence of wool and mohair makes the product warmer, and therefore quite acceptable to wear even in winter. Mohair also provides the product with high-quality fluffy pile. The presence of cotton, in turn, allows the skin to breathe better, which means this yarn is also suitable for the warm season.
Loose fit sweater made of yarn with acrylic and wool. Photo: ukrmoda.in.ua
Blouse made of yarn with cotton and acrylic. Photo: happy-hobby.ru
Sweater made of yarn with mohair, acrylic and wool. Photo: muzmaker.ru
When choosing a blended yarn, remember that the properties of the material that is greater in percentage will prevail.
Caring for acrylic items
Taking care of things made from acrylic is easy. You don't have to wash it separately, you can wash it by hand or in a washing machine in delicate wash mode at a water temperature of 30-40 degrees, depending on the recommendations on the label. The powder you should choose is one that does not contain bleaching components. Squeeze better with your hands, not much. You need to dry things in the same way as wool products - on a flat surface on which a cotton cloth (this can be a regular sheet) is first placed. “Acrylic” items dry faster than wool items. They should not be steamed as they may stretch out.
What to knit?
Most often, acrylic yarn is recommended for knitting children's clothes - it is soft and hypoallergenic. In addition, acrylic eliminates the problem of lint getting into the child's nose and eyes (as is the case with wool and mohair), and thus does not cause redness and itching.
Acrylic yarn is very popular in making knitted toys V amigurumi style. You can learn about what these toys are, as well as how to knit a cute teddy bear according to the pattern. “Acrylic” toys can withstand the “onslaught” of even the most energetic child: they are durable and hold their shape well. When a toy gets dirty, all mom needs to do is wash it in the evening, and in the morning it’s as good as new.
Acrylic yarn is ideal for knitting women's accessories: bags, mitts, leg warmers, slippers, decorative belts and more. It makes wonderful decorative bedspreads for furniture.
Children's items made from yarn with acrylic, wool and bamboo. Photo: bet2soccer.ru
Toy in amigurumi style "Losharik". Photo: ru.pinterest.com
Handbag made of acrylic yarn. Photo: madeheart.com
Invention of synthetic fibers- a huge step forward, and for us, needlewomen, this achievement of science has become especially valuable. It's no secret that natural wool, despite all its environmental friendliness, is still not always good, especially if it causes an allergic reaction. Just last week, I tried on boots with natural sheepskin inside. Everything would be fine, but this sheepskin pricked as if I had stood on camel thorns with bare feet. Of course, natural wool should be prickly, but if the legs couldn’t stand its prickliness, then what can we say about the body.... So, in such situations they help out artificial fibers, especially acrylic.
More often acrylic fibers used to make fabrics and yarns. Acrylic softens natural wool fibers, making them softer and more pleasant to wear. In addition, acrylic helps maintain the color of finished products and prevents shrinkage.
Assortment of acrylic yarn very diverse in terms of fluffiness, combinations with other fibers, thickness, curl and color options. If we talk about the percentage of acrylic with other fibers in knitting yarn, you can find both 100% acrylic yarn and a variety of combinations of 30%, 50%, 60% and even 5%. The most popular combinations - acrylic with various types natural wool, like mohair, angora or alpaca.
This percentage ratio provides the finished products with excellent appearance, clarity of shape, long wear.
Acrylic yarn retains its properties keep its shape even if you decide to undo/tie something. If you are a beginner knitter, then choose yarn that contains acrylic; there will be no problems with knitting.
Acrylic is often called "artificial wool" because products made from it retain heat well. Knit acrylic yarn knitting needles (from 2.5 to 3.5) and crochet (2,3,4 and 5) can be equally beautiful, the main thing is to strictly follow the instructions in terms of the thickness of the tools used. In addition, yarn containing acrylic is perfect for machine knitting.
Acrylic does not wrinkle, and travelers will definitely appreciate this property. Products made from acrylic yarn are a guarantee of a fresh and neat look in any situation. Acrylic items are very pleasant to the touch, soft and warm. They perfectly withstand the effects of acids and solvents, dry cleaning, and exposure to adverse weather conditions. They don't absorb moisture well, so even if you accidentally spill juice or coffee on yourself, you can avoid the need to run to the dry cleaner.
In the online store of yarn and handicraft goods "KUDEL" you will find a magnificent assortment of acrylic yarn for every taste.
What can you knit from acrylic yarn?? Any kind - hats, scarves, shirtfronts, sweaters, booties, dresses and sundresses. Knitting in 1 thread - for autumn, in 2-3 threads for cold weather winter days. For such products, yarn with 100% acrylic content called Baby Vita, the thread in the skeins is thin, pleasant to the touch, does not “crunch” at all and the yardage is very favorable, or BAMBINO Nako, which also contains wool.
Turns out great if you choose acrylic yarn as the base material for knitting blankets and bedspreads, decorative pillowcases. With this yarn you can not be afraid to knit large things, since the footage of one skein can be 400 meters per 100 grams.
You also won’t have to limit yourself in patterns, since acrylic can withstand any decorative load in both elastic bands and smooth fabrics, jacquards, arans and openwork.
Very bright colors of yarn can be used with dark ones without fear that they will fade after washing. This simply won't happen.
Items made from acrylic yarn should be washed in water at room temperature by hand or in the “hand wash” mode in the machine. Products should not be twisted after washing, but should be dried flat. Ironing is permissible in steam mode, preferably through gauze or a special ironing net.
Create with pleasure, let acrylic yarn give you many pleasant moments!
Discussion of the article
Acrylic was invented and began to be actively produced in the 20th century. Despite the fact that the material is quite well known and widely used in the textile industry, there are conflicting opinions about it and, perhaps, the properties of the most common acrylic yarn are not familiar to everyone. Let's take a closer look.
First you need to find out what it is. Acrylan, acrylic, dralon, cashmilon, krylor, curtel, nitron, orlon, polyacrylic, polyacrylonitrile fibers, PAN fiber, prelana, redon - this whole long list is nothing more than the names of polymers and copolymers of acrylonitrile, speaking in simple language– acrylic fibers. They are obtained through complex reactions in production, and, therefore, are a synthetic material.
We study the basic properties of acrylic yarn: pros and cons
Advantages of acrylic yarn.Externally, acrylic yarn is quite similar to wool, and it is not surprising that they are sometimes confused. But, despite their visual similarity, they differ in properties. Wool is not as durable as artificial material, which means that items made from the latter will last longer.
Despite the fact that acrylic is synthetic, it is soft and pleasant to the body. Things made from it are warm enough, so you can wear them in cold weather, and they breathe well, which allows you to wear them even when the temperature rises.
Since acrylic is synthetic, you don’t have to worry that products made from it will be eaten by moths.
Acrylic yarn is often used for knitting, as it is very convenient to work with. High-quality acrylic threads allow products to retain their original shape for a long time. Therefore, if you take care of things correctly, you can be sure that they will not shrink or roll away.
A significant advantage of the synthetic yarn described is its low cost, which is very important, since not every craftswoman can afford to buy, for example, cashmere.
There is no need to worry about the safety of acrylic, because the material undergoes mandatory testing before production to ensure compliance with sanitary and hygienic requirements.
It should also be noted that acrylic has such valuable properties as hypoallergenicity, which allows the yarn to be used in products for children. Also, wool or cashmere fibers can get into the child’s sinuses or eyes, and cause itching and irritation, but acrylic does not have this problem.
If your child is not at risk of allergies, then it is better to use a mixture of acrylic threads with wool or cotton. The recommended ratio for children of wool and acrylic is 50 to 50.
Cons of acrylic yarn.Despite the abundance of advantages, acrylic also has disadvantages. The fiber is weakly hygroscopic, and like any synthetic material, acrylic can become highly electrified, so it may sometimes be necessary to treat it with special means. But be careful - study the composition of the solution, or even better - try the substance on the wrong side or a small rough piece of fabric.
Yarn made from a mixture of acrylic and natural fibers.A mixture of several types of yarn combines the properties of all materials; it will be fluffy and soft, at the same time durable, color- and shape-resistant. And all this for an affordable price. Most often, acrylic is used in combination with wool, mohair, and cotton. This is especially true for machine knitting, where synthetic fiber is used in an amount of about 30%.
Adding acrylic to woolen products allows you to eliminate the prickliness that is inherent in wool items. And clothes made from a mixture of acrylic and cotton are not so susceptible to deformation during wear and care.
The main thing to remember is that in a mixture of several types of yarn, the properties of the one whose quantity is greater will prevail.
How to properly care for acrylic products?
Caring for products made from acrylic wool is easy. You can wash it with other items by hand or in a machine on a delicate cycle at a temperature not exceeding 40 °C. The powder must not contain bleach. Twisting is strictly prohibited. It is better to squeeze it manually, without much effort.
Acrylic items dry quite quickly. When drying, you should handle it in the same way as wool products. The item of clothing is wrapped in fabric and carefully wrung out. It should be dried on a flat surface, having previously placed a piece of paper under the item. cotton fabric or a regular sheet. It is forbidden to dry on a radiator and especially over a gas stove.
What are some alternative ways to use yarn?
Acrylic fiber is used not only to produce yarn, but also to create knitwear for outerwear and underwear in combination with natural fiber.
And with acrylic threads you can perfectly decorate the interior, for example, by applying embroidery to a tablecloth, curtains, pillowcase. Acrylic is often added when weaving carpets and tapestries. It is not used in paintings, as the thread gives some clumsiness.
In any case, you will understand all the pros and cons only by working directly with acrylic yarn.
Video on the topic of the article
You can see more details about how synthetic fiber is produced and several reviews of acrylic yarn in the videos below.
