Before my hiatus I began a series about eco-friendly yarns. The first part of the eco-friendly yarn series covered yarns and yarn types. The series continued with a discussion of synthetic yarns. I thought I’d resurrect that series to discuss wool yarn.
One of the things that I love about crochet is that there are so many yarns to choose from. Every yarn has its own unique characteristics and qualities that make it appropriate for different projects. Wool yarn is a top choice for many crocheters because of its versatility and wide range of options.
Speaking of options, I’m sometimes overwhelmed by the sheer variety of wool yarn which is one reason I wanted to do this series on yarns. Cashmere, Merino, and Alpaca, represent only a handful of the varieties of wool yarn. In order to keep this post a reasonable length, I’ve summarized different types of wool yarn and their special uses in a separate post.
Since Crochet & Twists’ primary niche is baby related crochet, this review will be done through that lens, answering these questions: Is wool safe for babies? Will the baby overheat? Worse, won’t the baby be itchy?
To answer these questions, it’s important to understand wool’s features that make it such a popular yarn choice.
The Benefits of Using Wool Yarn in Crochet Projects
Insulation
Wool is known for its excellent insulation properties, making it perfect for winter wearables such as sweaters and hats. Its natural fibers retain heat, keeping you warm and cozy even in the coldest weather. Wool is breathable, helping regulate temperature, which is important for a baby’s comfort. Wool also has the ability to wick moisture away from the body, keeping the wearer dry and comfortable. It can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling damp, making it suitable for a variety of climates.
Softness
Additionally, many wool yarn varieties are incredibly soft and comfortable against the skin. Certain varieties like Merino, Cormo, Bluefaced Leicester, and Alpaca, particularly Baby Alpaca, are excellent for creating baby wear and other delicate items that require a gentle touch. The softness of wool yarn adds a luxurious feel to your crochet projects and ensures that they are comfortable to wear or use.
Elasticity
Crochet projects made with wool yarn are less likely to stretch or lose their shape over time. The natural elasticity of wool helps the stitches bounce back and retain their structure. This means that your crochet hats, socks, and sweaters will look as good as new even after years of use.
Piling Resistant
Additionally, wool yarn is less prone to pilling. Pilling occurs when fibers rub against each other and create small balls of tangled fibers on the surface of the fabric. Wool yarn has a natural resistance to pilling, which means your crochet projects will stay looking fresh and new for longer.
Flame Resistant
From a safety perspective, wool is considered naturally flame-resistant. It has a higher ignition temperature compared to many synthetic fibers like acrylic yarn, and when it does catch fire, it tends to self-extinguish. This isn’t to suggest that wool will keep one safe during a fire, wool is not flame-proof so it’s essential to follow safety guidelines and precautions.
Stitch Definition
One thing that I’ve discovered about wool yarns – the stitch definition is off the charts! Wool yarn has a unique texture that adds depth and dimension to your crochet creations. The natural crimp of the fibers creates a bouncy and elastic fabric that is both soft and sturdy. Regardless of yarn weight, the stitches are defined and hold well with wool which makes it a perfect choice when doing detailed stitches like cable work.
Another thing I personally love about wool is its outstanding color saturation that results in the most vibrant colors. If you’ve ever seen Malabrigo wool yarns, you understand.
Disadvantages
Despite these benefits of wool yarn, there are some disadvantages:
Allergies
Some babies may be sensitive or allergic to wool, so it’s important to select a hypoallergenic wool like baby alpaca or merino for baby related projects.
Care Instructions
Be sure to check the care instructions of any wool yarn you’re considering buying. Most wool yarn made goods require hand washing then laying the item flat to dry since not all types are machine-washable. This might be a consideration for busy parents looking for easy-care items. The only wool yarns that are machine washable are certain types of Merino Wool and Superwash wool.
Cost
Good quality wool yarn is often more expensive than other fibers, which may impact the cost of handmade baby items. Given the durability of wool yarn, one may consider it making an investment in the item to ensure that it lasts a long time. The thought of making a baby blanket out of yarn so durable that the baby for whom the blanket was made will be able to save it for use by their own children is truly heartwarming. Use caution when selecting varieties such as cashmere, angora, and mohair because these wool types are not only expensive but also more delicate and may not hold up to the frequency of washing often required for babywear.
Sustainability
Similar to mercerized cotton or some bamboo yarns, superwash wool yarn is wool yarn that has been chemically treated to remove the outer fiber and lanolin, both of which contribute to the itchy discomfort people feel when wearing some wool garments. Superwash wool is also machine washable unlike most untreated wool. The issue is that the chemicals involved in the treatment negatively impact our environment, from air to water. Given these facts, superwash wool can’t really be considered sustainable.
Tips for Using Wool Yarn With Babywear
Choose Soft Wool
Select soft wool varieties like merino, cashmere, and alpaca blends, which are known for their softness and are less likely to cause itching. There are different types of alpaca yarn, including baby alpaca, which is known for being particularly soft and fine. Baby alpaca yarn is less likely to have a coarse or hairy texture, making it a good choice for baby items.
Check for Allergies
If making baby items for others, check if the baby or parents have any known wool allergies. Fortunately, alpaca, most merino yarns, and other varieties like cormo are hypoallergenic so a perfect choice for individuals with allergies or sensitive skin.
How to Care for Items Crocheted with Wool
Here are a few tips to keep your woolen crochet projects looking their best:
Hand Wash
Wool yarn is best washed by hand in cool water with a mild laundry detergent. Avoid using hot water or harsh chemicals, as they can damage the fibers. Note that superwash wool yarn is machine washable.
Store Properly
When not in use, store your woolen crochet creations in a cool, dry place. Avoid exposing them to direct sunlight or damp environments, as this can cause the yarn to fade or develop mold.
Lay Flat to Dry
After washing, gently squeeze out any excess water and lay your project flat to dry. Avoid hanging or twisting the fabric, as this can cause it to stretch or lose its shape.
By following these care instructions, you can ensure that your crochet creations made with wool yarn will last for years to come.
Where to Find High-Quality Wool Yarn for Your Crochet Projects
When it comes to finding high-quality wool yarn for your crochet projects, there are several options available. You can find an adequate selection at your local craft store but consider visiting local independent yarn stores that often carry a wide selection of wool yarn in various colors and weights. This will enable you to feel the yarn in person and choose the perfect one for your project.
If you prefer to shop online, there are numerous websites that specialize in selling yarn and a few that specialize in wool yarn. These include:
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Darn Good Yarn – A woman owned and family run business that specializes in yarn and clothing that is always fair trade and sustainably sourced.
Wool & The Gang – A UK based company that specializes in sustainable yarns
The independent yarn sellers below offer a wide wool selection offering the varieties that you won’t find in your local franchise craft stores and are worth checking out:
Fiber of Maine is an independent yarn seller that has a beautiful selection of wool yarns, especially Bluefaced Leceister
These websites are a sample that offer a wide range of wool yarn options and often provide detailed product descriptions and customer reviews. After visiting these sites, you’ll be able to make an informed decision and find the perfect yarn for your crochet projects.
Finally, consider joining a crochet community or attending local fiber festivals. These events often have vendors selling a variety of wool yarns, allowing you to discover new brands and fibers that you may not have come across otherwise. For example, if you’re in the Los Angeles area this May, the LA Country Yarn Crawl will take place May 17 – 19 where participants will visit several local yarn shops, get free patterns, and win prizes. (Opening my Southwest Airlines app now…)
By using wool yarn in your projects, you’ll create beautiful and durable items that will last for years to come.
Happy Crocheting!
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