Friday, August 17, 2012

Tips for Finding Yarn for Any Craft Project

By Chloe Gib


People who like to do needlearts, knit or crochet can purchase the supplies they need at a local Asheville yarn shop. These stores specialize in crafting supplies for all kinds of projects and offer yarns made of different materials. Some projects turn out better with natural fibers while others are more suited for synthetic materials.

Among the most popular animal fibers is sheep wool. Individuals who hand knit mittens, hats, sweaters and scarves often use wool for their projects. Angora, silk, alpaca and llama are examples of other types of animal fiber yarns.

Cotton is the most popular plant fiber. It produces fine yarns suitable for knitting or weaving into fabric. Corn, soy and bamboo fibers are plant fibers used as alternatives to cotton.

Many people prefer using animal fibers for knitting items of clothing. These yarns have some stretch to them and they are breathable so they are more comfortable to wear. Most animal fiber yarns are good insulators and help retain body heat. Plant fibers do not have the same insulating properties and do not stretch.

Acrylic is a synthetic material that is more affordable than most of the natural materials it mimics. The weight and texture are similar to other more expensive yarns. Unlike wool, acrylic is washable making it a great material choice for baby items including bonnets, blankets and booties.

Yarns are available in every color imaginable and some contain multiple colors. Manufacturers add color by dying their yarns with several bundles per batch. The dye lot listed on the label refers to the batch and allows the customer to know that two skeins were dyed at the same time. This is important for color consistency when the project requires more than one skein.

In addition to a large inventory of yarns, any knitting supplies store offers different types of knitting needles. Knitters use straight needles for flat knitting projects. They are sold in standard lengths with longer needles needed for larger projects. Circular needles allow the user to knit in a continuous spiral with no need to turn the piece.

Yarns are available in hanks, balls or skeins. Hanks are one continuous thread coiled up and folded. The yarn will tangle if the user does not wind it before beginning a project. Balls are ready to use off the shelf with no advance preparation. Skeins are loosely twisted and are usable as is. Beginning and advanced knitters will find everything they need at a local Asheville yarn store.




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