Elastane
Elastane is a synthetic fiber characterized by its high elasticity. If yarn were made entirely of elastane, it could be stretched to as much as 6 times its original length. However, it’s not practical if your hand-knitted sweater can be stretched to six times its original size. That’s why yarn usually contains only a small percentage of spandex—just enough to give it a little stretch. Yarns containing spandex are therefore ideal for crocheting a summery, sporty top or knitting soft, comfortable pants.
GOTS
GOTS isn’t a material, but it is something you’ll (hopefully) see more often on yarn labels. It’s a certification that means you’re buying yarn that’s organic, sustainable, and fair trade. To qualify, a yarn must meet very strict requirements. For example, the textile fibers must be sourced from organic farming, working conditions must be fair for the people who produce the balls, and production must have as little environmental impact as possible. So with GOTS-certified yarn, you can’t go wrong!
Cashmere wool
Cashmere wool does not come from a sheep, but from a cashmere goat. Also known as Capra hircus. Because the goat must be able to withstand highly variable weather conditions, Mother Nature has ensured that these goats have a thick, soft undercoat. Only the goat’s undercoat is used to make Cashmere textiles, as the outer layer of the coat is very coarse. Cashmere is known for being extremely soft to the touch, providing excellent insulation, and being durable because it retains its shape for a long time. However, demand for cashmere has been increasing in recent years (even though it is a rarer textile fiber), making it one of the more expensive textile fibers you’ll find in yarn.
Merino Wool
Merino Wool isn’t just any sheep’s wool—it comes from the Merino sheep. Regular new wool can be a bit itchy, but with Merino Wool, you don’t have to worry about that. Merino Wool is much softer and more flexible. Other benefits of Merino Wool include its ability to regulate moisture, keeping your skin dry, and the fact that garments made from merino wool yarn are less likely to develop odors. In addition, merino wool is naturally antibacterial, retains its shape well, and is 100% biodegradable.
Mohair
The Angora goat is a remarkable creature. It has long, curly hair that sometimes even hangs completely over its face. The mohair yarn produced by this goat is incredibly soft and comfortable. It also has a beautiful sheen, making it ideal for luxury garments and elegant home decor items. The finest mohair, also known as “mohair kid,” comes from the first shearing of a young goat.
Nylon/Polyamide
Nylon was originally developed as a synthetic substitute for Silk due to shortages during World War II. Among other things, nylon was used to make parachutes. Today, nylon is best known for its use in clothing fabrics. The most important properties of nylon are that it is elastic, water-repellent, and retains its shape. In addition, it does not wrinkle and dries quickly.
Polyester
Polyester is actually a general term for various types of textiles that use polyester yarn. One advantage of polyester yarn is that, compared to many other fibers, it can withstand heat quite well. As a result, you don’t have to worry about polyester yarn fading in the sun. In addition, polyester resists wrinkles well, repels moisture, and is elastic.
Viscose
Viscose is made from a semi-synthetic fiber. This means that it consists partly of a natural fiber (such as Bamboo or Cotton) combined with a synthetic fiber. A major advantage of viscose is that it is both comfortable and has a luxurious look. This material is therefore widely used in the fashion industry. Other properties of viscose include moisture absorption, a cool feel in warm weather, wrinkle resistance, good color retention, and shape retention. Yarns made from this material are therefore ideal for crocheting a chic top or knitting a luxurious Blanket.
Yak
This is a fiber you don’t see very often in yarn. Yak wool is made exclusively from the fine undercoat of this Asian highland cattle. The main characteristics of yak wool are that it’s breathable, insulating, odor-resistant, and very strong. As a result, blankets and clothing made from this type of wool last an exceptionally long time.
