Yarn Composition – Plant Sources
Information on the Source Fibers that Go into Making Yarns
Jan 2, 2008
Yarn is a continuous strand made up of fibers or filaments, used for making fabric or textiles of various kinds. The distinct types of knitting yarn are categorized by their weight, purpose, ply, source fiber(s), texture, color, and pattern. In addition, knitters choosing yarn will want to match yardage and gauge.
Plant sources are just one way to get the material needed to make yarn. Plant fiber yarns are very popular, and knowing their properties will help when choosing among them for a project.
Plant Fibers
Cotton: Cotton is inelastic, heavy, absorbent, non-insulating, and takes dye well. It has a tendency to stretch, although it may also shrink when washed and/or dried. It is usually machine washable and is stronger wet than dry.
Cotton is a natural vegetable yarn made from the soft white fibrous material around the seed of the tropical and subtropical cotton plant. Cotton is almost pure cellulose. In its raw, undyed form, it is pale or dark cream, brown, or green. It is often classified by its geographical region or origin (Egyptian cotton, Indian cotton.)
Linen: Linen is a natural cellulose fiber obtained from the flax plant. Its natural color is ecru or tan and due to its wax content. Linen can be woven in various weight, from very lightweight (suitable for scarves) to heavyweight suit fabrics. It does have a tendency to crease.
Hemp: Hemp is cultivated virtually everywhere in the world except for the United States. Hemp is very strong and easily farmed. Hemp yarn has high cellulose content (about 90%.) The fibers are evenly dispersed within the yarn, and its moisture content is relatively low. It’s an excellent “green,” earth-friendly fiber and its popularity is growing every day. It is very often used in its natural color (beige or tan) but it can be dyed.
Ramie: Ramie is a flowering plant which is native to Asia. It is harvested and processed to yield strong fibers, also called ramie. Pure ramie is very strong, resistant to mold and bacteria, lustrous, and it holds its shape very well. However, ramie is also stiff, is not terribly elastic, and is sometimes difficult to work with because it can be very brittle. In addition, ramie does not take dye very well. Because of these factors, many producers prefer to produce it in blends rather than using it plain.
Bamboo: Bamboo is considered one of the best renewable resources on the planet, since it is a quickly growing grass and can grow in dense conditions. Bamboo is softer than cotton and has a natural sheen. It naturally degrades in soil, and is pollution-free to the environment after decomposing, thereby making it a natural, green and environmental friendly type of textile. It can spin purely, and can also blend with materials like cotton, hemp, silk, natural silk , and Dacron. It is sometimes blended with shrimp, so those with shrimp allergies will probably want to stay away from it. Bamboo has a nice drape, feels cool and soft, and has unique and natural antibiotic qualities. It is odor resistant and ultraviolet resistant.
More Information
Yarndex has been heralded as the ultimate yarn resource, and it features profiles for over 3,500 yarns. It is primarily a reference site that gives the details about yarns before a knitter purchases them. The site is searchable by weight, content, brand, and more. Each yarn’s information, such as yardage, gauge, and care is supplied. Pictures and information of both current and discontinued yarns are included.
Related Articles: Yarn Composition - Animal Sources and Synthetic Yarn.
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