One of the many joys of being a knitter is having an array of yarn to choose from in multiple colors, textures and patterns to create any project you dream of. Types of yarn fall in two different categories, natural or synthetic.
A synthetic yarn is usually the more inexpensive of the two types and is made up of man made fibers which include nylon, polyester, acrylic or even microfiber. Synthetic yarn holds up really well after multiple washes, but it’s sometimes not the most comfortable. The synthetic fibers can get itchy and irritate sensitive skin, so you may want to refrain from using these types of yarn when knitting clothing. Many yarn companies these days have taken measures to soften synthetic fibers and make yarns that are more flexible and easy to care for.
Yarns that derive from natural elements are the most popular for creating knitting projects that are to be worn. Due to their quality, natural yarns are usually more costly but the texture can make all the difference.
Most knitters prefer using plant derived yarns such as bamboo, cotton, hemp or linen to make items that don’t require structure or stiffness, such as t-shirts. These types of yarn are usually picked because they create a more breathable material and are easy to care for, most being machine washable.Wool is probably the most popular of natural filament yarns which derive from an animals used by knitters to create wearable items, but there are also ones made from alpaca or mohair. These animal hair fibers are preferred because they are strong and hold dye really well.
If you have a little room in your budget and want to create a high quality item, investing in a quality cashmere or angora is the best bet because they are so luxurious and soft to the touch.