In Yarnplaza.com’s new Summer Collection, you’ll find all kinds of cotton yarns in the most beautiful colors! Cotton is a versatile yarn with endless possibilities! From home accessories to baby clothes! But why is cotton cool and wool warm...
Because the cotton plant grows on nearly every continent, it has been used to make textiles for thousands of years. It wasn’t until the late Middle Ages that the white fluff became known here in Northern Europe. Without knowing what the material was related to (other than that it was a plant), people described the white flecks as “sheep born of plants.” In 1350, a Flemish monk wrote the following about the plant: “There (in India) grew a beautiful tree, and little lambs were born from its branches.” This medieval superstition can still be seen in the German word for Cotton, “baumwolle” (tree wool).
The cotton plant belongs to the mallow family “Gossypium.” There are more than 290 species. Two of these are of the highest quality for textiles. They are native to the Americas. There are two other species (including the medieval “tree cotton”) that are native to India and the Arab world. Together, these two species account for less than 3% of total global production. China is the largest producer of cotton, but most of it is used domestically. The United States has been the largest exporter of cotton for many years.
Cotton is the fabric for summer. But why is cotton cool and wool warm? The secret lies in the fiber...
Wool fibers have scales and are highly crimped, meaning they have many waves. Because of this crimp, wool fabrics are very airy. There is a lot of trapped air between the fibers, which makes the fabric feel warm and provides good insulation.
Cotton fibers are much smoother. Under a microscope, the fiber looks like a corkscrew. These twists help the fibers stay firmly attached to one another during spinning. Cotton fibers decrease their ability to trap air and therefore feel much cooler against the skin.
Types of Cotton Yarns
Basic cotton yarns
Basic cotton yarns come in many colors and can be used for a variety of projects, such as knitting and crocheting. Think of cute cuddly toys, Amigurumi, toys, baby clothes, blankets, and home accessories.
Cotton has many other wonderful qualities as well. For example, it’s easier to dye than wool. As a result, the colors of cotton yarns are often brighter and richer. Mercerized cotton means that the fibers have undergone a special treatment. This makes the yarn softer, gives it extra luster, and makes the colors even richer. Many Crochet Cottons are often mercerized, such as Yarn and Colors Must-have.
Blended cotton yarns
There are also various cotton yarns with a color gradient running through the strand. This is called a Gradient Yarn. In addition to color gradients, you’ll also find additions such as a lurex thread, for extra sparkle.
So Cotton is a miracle material—you can really make just about anything out of it! How about a cute crocheted bag, blankets made of Granny Squares, cuddly toys, or pillows! Since Cotton is made up of almost 100% cellulose, it’s very strong. So you don’t have to worry that your crocheted cushion will be completely worn out after just one season.
In short, with this wonderful material, you can really let your creativity run wild this summer! Use your crochet hook or knitting needles to make the most beautiful things while enjoying the fresh air in your garden! We’re already getting ready for the first rays of sunshine—are you? You’ll find everything you need at Yarnplaza.com.
What's your favorite cotton yarn?
