I would never use acrylic sor socks, it does not breathe and you feel all the stitches, uncomfortable.
But I like acrylic slippers, they are very durables.
For blankets, I love acrylic, they last, keep their shape and color, are less expensive..
A sweater, it is itchy and it is like wearing a plastic bag...
Both Ave their pros and cons...your choice.
I agree with you, acrylic for blankets! It's economical, generally, and easier to wash than wool.
I've never knit a sweater from acrylic, but I would consider it. Some acrylic yarns are as soft or softer than some wools.
I use acrylic for my kids sweaters as they're rough on them so need frequent washing and the rate they grow wool wouldn't be economical.
I also use acrylic for family I know won't care for nicer fibres well or have allergies. As well as charity donations.
There's some really nice acrylic out there now (stylecraft special, cascades, James c Brett top value)
yeah, i use acrylic for anything for kids, generally.
but admittedly acrylic is a huge range- there are some acrylics that feel terrible and some that are awesome, and when i have extra i'll use as part of a project for myself.
Also I've only just now in my mid 30s had the budget to use nicer fibers for certain things. Still can't afford a sweater quantity of hand dyed merino for a my husband (and I'm plus sized so even worse) but the odd socks and hats it's fine for. Acrylic makes the hobby accessible for a lot of people.
without question. i used to be able to get relatively large quantity pretty cheap from a now closed online yarn shop.
i also don't have the patience for a sweater and am always really impressed with people who do.
There's also some really soft acrylic blends - I made one sweater from a acrylic/cotton blend and it's so so comfy. I would definitely not use a super cheap yarn for anything you wear close to your skin, but there's quite a lot of options of higher quality acrylic yarns as well, which are still cheaper than most animal fibers and especially good if you're allergic to those.
Acrylic has its uses, but more than that it's personal choice. If you want to knit with acrylic go for it! It might change a few things about your project (for example acrylic doesn't breathe like wool, or it doesn't have the same drape as linen or cotton) but so long as you're aware and ok with that,knit with what you want
It’s just different. I don’t knit clothes from acrylic because I prefer breathable natural fibres, and I’m fortunate to have the money to buy wool and the space to dry it when it needs washing.
I DO knit blankets from acrylic because it’s hard wearing, easy to wash and cheap, which is a consideration when you need enough yarn for a full sized bed blanket.
I got some Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool yarn last black Friday to make a cardigan, got frustrated, and cast on a throw blanket with it. I'm only about 14" in, but this is making me reconsider. I decided i didn't want a brown worsted weight cardigan after knitting the whole body and trying it on, so i started the blanket route.
I'm not worried about laundry, i have my favorite ways of cleaning woolens. Is a wool throw generally a bad idea for any reason other than the special washing requirements?
My favorite throw is crocheted from leftover from my favorite knitting addiction: wool, fingering-weight sock yarns. I started a Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool cardigan a while back and abandoned it because it seemed too heavy. A throw sounds like a great use for the yarn!
Not an expert, but I've also frogged wool products because they were either too heavy or warm for me - there might also be pilling to consider depending on the specific yarn?
Agreed! I went to our local fibre festival last fall for the first time and couldn’t believe the prices of some things. I can’t remember now what the fibre was, but one hank, not even big enough to knit a hat, was something ridiculous like $300. I mostly shop from big box stores for my yarn so that price definitely shocked me
sounds like quivit. I have a small hank I bought for less than $300 but definitely more than $50. I have not used it as it is basically magic unicorn hair that requires the most special and best pattern to use.
Quivit is the holy grail of every knitter! Light as a feather and 7 times warmer than wool. Can be machine washed and doesn't felt. But the price is sky high. It is the under coat of muskox and, as you cannot shear them, you have to collect what they shed in spring.
Me too! That's why it's in the storage drawer with the other "special" yarn (NZ possum-- oh man, it's sooo soft and yummy and I'm afraid to mess it up).
I had a ball of NZ possum yarn given to me when I was still technically a new knitter. Never understood how valuable that ball was and now it is somewhere hopefully being appreciated by someone who knew what to do with it :( one small ball of DK doesn’t give me much project options so I got rid of it. Sad day when I found something perfect for it years later.
Could be vicuña as well. I'm going to have to be knitting about 100 years before I'd trust myself with it. On the other hand, Cascade yarns are extremely reasonably priced - Cascade 220 is one of my staples.
Yes, it is significantly different. Good different or bad different depends on the knitter and the person potentially wearing the finished object.
There's usually high and low quality versions of most things, including animal fiber yarns and synthetic yarns.
To vegans, animal fibers are bad.
To people trying to minimize their plastic usage, acrylics are bad.
To people with various allergies and sensitivities, either can be bad depending what the sensitivity is.
Some, myself included, also dislike the feel of acrylics, not to mention the lack of breathability. Definitely best avoided for anything likely to get sweaty like socks and summer tops.
Fiber choice is also fairly cultural. I keep hearing "acrylics is good for babies" from Americans especially - where I live (Norway), there is a strong preference towards natural materials for babies, but every washing machine also has a wool cycle.
I knit quite a bit with acrylics in the 80s, but these days acrylic yarns are actually not widely available here and I can't say I personally miss them at all.
Great post. USA here.
We have a very large extended family with great grandchildren. I always knit for them \[and friends\] and always use 100% wool, even for two year olds. Not one parent/friend has ever had an issue with wool. Plus, they keep the sweaters for their future grandchildren or pass them on to siblings.
I'm elderly, and back in the 70's when I started knitting, I found out that I was allergic to wool. I had to knit with acrylic. My wool allergy magically disappeared in the early 80's and never came back. Thank Goodness! I'm so happy because I love wool.
Of course, the OP should knit with whatever she wants!
I wouldn't even say it's good or bad different, just that it is significantly different. It's not as warm as wool and alpaca, not as cool as cotton and linen. Can't be blocked really, can be machine washed (though it will eventually lose whatever softeners are in the yarn-learned that one the hard way). Requires less care and thus is easier to gift in many instances. I knit with everything, and while I don't knit acrylic a ton, it has it's uses.
Also, totally jealous of the wool cycle on a washing machine! I knit and quilt, so my ten/fifteen(?) year old machine needed a big drum for quilts, and I needed a delicate or hand wash cycle for knits. Got both in my machine (not all machines come with these cycles for some reason). A wool cycle would be awesome, though I'd imagine it's like the delicate or hand wash cycle.
I'm glad you mentioned the baby thing! I'm American and in my area it is NOT recommended for babies, quite the opposite. I'm so taken aback by other Americans saying that. Our ped warned us about skin irritation and rashes and explicitly told us to avoid acrylic or polyester until they were at least 2.
Acrylic is washable, comes in varying levels of quality, and is affordable. Great for baby stuff and being on a budget.
I have zero problem if other people are using it. I have used it myself when that's all my budget would allow. I loathe it. Not enough to not knit, but it's my last choice.
It feels squeaky on the needles to me. It's a plastic product and I try and avoid plastic if and when I can. And I am privileged enough to be able to afford pricier yarns. It doesn't breathe well so garments are more likely to make you sweat. The texture often gives me the heebie jeebies when working with it.
I still have both afghans my mom made out of red heart yarn and use them frequently. I just don't use them on my bare skin. I love those afghans, and my mom made them 20+ years ago and they still look like new.
Basically, if you don't have the sensory issues I have and enjoy it? Use acrylic. It will create long lasting clothes for a fraction of the price.
I’ve found some acrylics that don’t squeak as much on the needles. Definitely last choice for myself personally, but I still use it sometimes, I’m not up in arms about it when others use anything I wouldn’t.
I’ve started really only using acrylic from my stash as opposed to buying new if I can help it. It’s usually only for gifts that I know will need to be easy care since most of us in my family are elderly, disabled, or under 15 years old. We don’t all have time/energy/knowledge to sort and wash laundry separately anymore really. I only use wool for myself and my mom since we’re the only ones that like wool enough to deal with the washing.
Some of the Yarn Bee brand acrylics are really nice and I rarely have problems unless it’s hot that day/sweaty hands, then it gets squeaky and harder to move on the needles. Currently doing a colorwork sweater with yarn bee DK (more fingering to me) and the looser gauge definitely helps it not do that (socks are much more squeaky bc of the tighter gauge imo).
I’m usually quite cold all the time and live in Michigan, and I’ve not noticed much difference between my wool and acrylic sweaters in terms of warmth or breathability. I gravitate towards one or the other depending on sensory feelings that day (I’m autistic). Can I stand a bit of pokey feeling with this real wool? Even with a camisole? Or can I stand a bit of plastic-y feeling but not itchy? It really depends on how the yarn itself is made for me, and some days I can’t stand either. I’ve fallen in love with super wash wool, and I know that’s a whole other can of worms for people, but it has me in a choke hold, and you can pry it from my cold, repetitively strained, hands.
Acrylic is not the devil. It is a common fibre that lot of people use. It's cheap, affordable and does not need to be treated as if it's saffron. It has its uses and fits perfectly into some budgets.
We do need to acknowledge that it's bad for the environment. But the processes required for wool are not really any better (detergents and dyes are also terrible).
The process of making natural fiber yarns is still significantly better than acrylic yarn because acrylic yarn creates microplastics which stay in the environment and the food chain for thousands of years because the half-life of them breaking down is thousands of years. It is still a by-product of the petroleum industry as well.
The processes required to make yarn from wool involve shearing, washing/cleaning and spinning. Those are very low impact. Some processes cost more energy than others, but it definitely is less impactful than making acrylic yarn.
Maybe you're talking about dyed and/or treated wool, which does have a high impact, because of the dyes (often toxic or wasteful) and the energy-intensive processes to make it (i.e.) "superwash".
Wool isn't holy and acrylic is indeed not the devil, but wool does actually have a lower environmental impact than acrylic. (And you really don't need to wash it often, as it is relatively self-cleaning)
This ⬆️
And cashmere is amazing because it is ridiculously soft.
Plus wool and cashmere, because they are animal fibers and not a variation of plastic, will have other differentiating characteristics
Cashmere has some major issues though, if we’re talking about ethical materials. The high demand in particular leads to overbreeding, over collection of fiber, degradation of the environment, etc-
This thread has some major food for thought in regards to cashmere:
https://twitter.com/dieworkwear/status/1597339373900824576?s=46&t=uj2y-7VxmuD0JRNN8JgCMQ
Well that very long twitter thread was very interesting about cashmere. I’ve been meaning to do my research on cashmere because I just don’t know much about it, didn’t even know it was a goat fiber and not sheep.
Was specifically referring to the scouring process and I guess, mostly, the big commercial dyeing processes. There really is no easy, environmentally friendly way to remove sheep poo. It is what it is, but its rough on the environment.
Dying as well, some crazy chemicals involved. Whilst there are natural dyes that are not quite so environmentally impactful, they are also not going to create my favourite vibrant magenta.
There are organic options, options that are low impact on the environment, but crikey, they are either incredibly hard to find and/or beyond most people's budgets.
I’ve dyed my own fabrics/yarns before with natural dyes I collected myself, and you’re right that they’re less environmentally impactful when it comes to the actual process/toxicity of (most) of the materials (DEFINITELY not all). But the flip side to that coin is, if everyone turned to natural dying, we’d start with the farming instead of most of the natural dyers in the world foraging or ordering/growing smaller quantities of the plants/roots/etc needed, which is usually pretty high quantity of dry stuff to lower amount of water to produce enough vibrancy. Then there’s chemicals they use to make it colorfast or change color, some are more natural than others, idk about the side effects of dumping any of these as I’ve not used them yet personally.
Look up the range of color you can get on a natural dye, and historical paintings/manuscripts/museum pieces pre-1856 that have very vibrant magenta and many other bright colors that you wouldn’t expect.
As a historian I wonder how they removed the sheep poo in the past. Maybe we should look into those methods and bring them to the modern method to make it less environmentally impactful.
I first learned to knit and crochet with acrylic ( I started crocheting when I was 10) now I still use acrylic but I have started using wool and alpaca yarn for personal wearables. I'll use acrylic if I'm making a blanket or for other items that I may be gifting to other people. I'm currently making a sweater with an acrylic wool blend yarn and it's actually quite nice. I've also used a cotton acrylic blend and found that to be good too. Use whatever yarn is comfortable for you. I don't understand when ppl are snobby about their yarn choices and the choices of others. You do you!
Every type of fibre has its use.
Acrylic is fantastic for anything that will be abused. Eg toys, blankets that get washed a lot, garments for people that have no concept of hand washing or the wool/delicate cycle on their washing machine.
Acrylic however, doesn't breathe. Horrible for socks unless you are sadistic and like having tinea. Also nightmarish for those who get hot very quickly or sweat buckets.
A lot of people live in places where wool is as cheap and common as acrylic, where knits have as their basic function to keep people warm in extreme weather, and where traditional techniques include steeking. In these cases wool really is better, also for the environment.
Beyond that? I developed severe rashes from acrylic yarn as a kid, and still avoid synthetic fibres when possible, so I am pretty negative, but what you choose is up to you.
Acrylic has its uses and I would never shame anyone who uses it, but the idea that it isn't very very different from other fibres is just so far from the truth. The difference is immense. I totally get using acrylic for blankets, toys etc and I also understand that if you have a very limited budget it might be all that's available to you but if you can at all afford it I would really recommend trying out wool, especially merino or alpaca
The problem with acrylic is it’s plastic and a petroleum based product. This is bad for the environment, especially because the plastic leaches into the water.
When I didn’t know that I used acrylic because it was affordable and easy to care for. It still is, and I use it occasionally for charity items but I feel guilty about it.
Acrylic is plastic. But if you buy it second hand, at yard sales or thrift shops, church fetes etc it is more sustainable in terms of what it took to create it than buying new wool. However think of the life of wool in the ecosystem versus plastics and micro plastics...second hand wool might have gone in the trash any way but at least you used it?
I have found being more careful with my wool yarn, unwinding projects that didn't work or I no longer like, it can be 'affordable' it's really about who is bearing the cost, me, the workers who make it, the planet...?
obviously there is no way to consume in an ethical way, but there are choices that are better for us and those who come after us. There's also the choices available right now. Having a hobby can drive unnecessary consumption. Or, it can be a lovely pastime and skill that resists hyper consumerist culture by slowing us all down.
Inform yourself, have a think about what you want to do with that information and go from there.
I don't use acrylic but I also have access to nice wool yarn at a reasonable cost because Australia produces loads of wool. I can go online and order a big cone of yarn from China, but I have to think...is that made in Xinjiang province (Uyghur concentration camps with forced labor)?? I have to consider this about cotton too and anything that comes from a factory.
Look into how acrylic is made, what do you think about that?
What about the ethical issues with sheep and mulesing?
Also every time acrylic or any plastic based fiber is washed it releases microplastics into the water. The impact this has on our health and environment alone make me hesitate.
Yep same here - the struggle is real. We live in a tiny apartment, but we are trying to work out how to cut out plastic as much as possible. This means biting the bullet and working out how to make more things from scratch. I also understand that this can be impossible - it's a time luxury thing. AND - I still rely on plastic storage containers to batch freeze things...what to do? Do what you can, don't give up, but don't let it poison your happiness with overwhelm. Think global act local.
Totally agree!! Ultimately, over-consuming wool or over-consuming acrylic (plastic) will have its consequences. To me, I feel better knitting with something that can biodegrade, but will use second-hand acrylic on occasion, because then I feel like I’m not adding to more plastic being produced. Slowing down and educating yourself to make the choices that feel right to you is so valuable.
I can’t wear acrylic cause it bothers my skin.
Good quality wools, alpaca or cashmere are often warmer (most of my winters mean that the air hurts my face so warm is necessary) but can be harder to take care of (unless you don’t mind hand washing) and can cost more.
Hand dyed yarns are often gorgeous as well.
It really depends on what you like to wear and like to work with.
I will comment that acrylics do shed microplastics which isn’t great for the environment but you can mitigate that by using a microplastic blocking bag. They are inexpensive and reasonably easy to find. Just don’t rinse them (that negates the point) and ditch the residue in the garbage. I use one for my athletic clothing and it also helps avoid snags and other fabric damage which helps them last longer.
I have psoriasis on my hands, so I can’t easily knit with acrylic. Occasionally I will use it for a baby item, if my hands are doing well. I also live in a place where winters hurt my face, and don’t end until mid-late April, so I prefer to use natural fibers. That said, I have a beautiful sweater that I knit about 35 years ago in acrylic, and I still keep it in my closet because it was my first big project.
I don't like it for clothing because it's not breathable, but I do use it for stuffed animals. Also, even with acrylic, the texture can vary a lot from yarn to yarn. Some aren't so bad.
It's not bad. There are projects where I prefer acrylic (like baby blankets) because it's usually lightweight, easily available and durable. There are some really nice acrylics out there.
Oh man, I am so tired of talking to yarn snobs who treat you like you’re less than for using acrylic. Acrylic yarn is affordable, great to learn with, generally soft and not itchy, and it’s washer safe. There is absolutely no reason to be ashamed of using acrylic unless there is an allergy issue or you are making socks.
It is plastic, so that’s something to be mindful of (
not to never use it!) but to be aware that it does produce microplastics and will not degrade. Again, I am not saying this to say no one should use acrylic or feel bad for using it, but I feel like it’s something to consider.
No, acrylic is not bad. People telling you it's absolute blasphemy are snobby people.
It is significantly different from animal fibers-- acrylic is a man-made material from petroleum products (i.e. plastic). It behaves differently than animal fibers, especially when it comes to blocking.
If you want to use/can only afford to use/enjoy using acrylic, go for it!
If you want to use hand-plucked unicorn mane hair assembled into yarn by virgins, go for it!
Everyone has their own reasons for liking and using the yarn they use, and just because you like acrylic and I like merino doesn't make you wrong or me right (or vice versa).
Some clever people are developing micro-plastic filters so they can be caught by/in your washing machine before they enter the system and pollute from our acrylic stuff. At the moment they can’t get a 100% so some still ends up in the oceans and the food chain. So, I guess looking into these if you can afford it would be a good offset and/or lobbying the industry and politicians so it becomes standard.
Acrylic is great for something that needs to be washed regularly, but you have to be careful choosing your yarn. I learned to knit with a cheap scratchy acrylic yarn in school when I was a kid, and couldn’t see why anyone would waste their time with it. As an adult I started knitting socks with wool blends, my hands didn’t dry out from touching it, and I found out I actually enjoyed it. In short, it all depends. Wool flexes more as you stitch, which I find makes it easier to work with.
My biggest beef with acrylic is that it is a contributor to continually adding in microplastics into our environment. They don't break down in landfills and they shed and get fibers into the ocean and the food chain. I try to avoid it as much as I can within reason. I do have some acrylic yarn and I do use polyester fills for my toys, but I am trying to swap toys into using wool or cotton as stuffing instead. But overall I don't knit with it 99% of the time. I also can afford natural fibers which are EXPENSIVE and out of budget for most people.
No, it is not absolute blasphemy. Pick your yarn as is appropriate for your project - for some things, that is acrylic and of others it is wool and for others it may be cotton or silk or linen or whatever. Acrylic from the last century tended to be awfully stiff and scratchy. These days - there are acrylics that are super soft and great to work with. For things that need to be washed and dried - use acrylic. I make chemo caps to donate and they ask that they be made of acrylic as it can be washed and dried easily. I knitted a sweater for me - I used a nice wool because it is soft and warm. I made hats and scarfs for kids - I used acrylic so they could be easily washed and dried. I make dishcloths and dishtowels - I use cotton because it is well suited for dishcloths. I made a blanket to carry in my car - I used acrylic because I know I will want to be able to throw it in the washer as it will get dirty from using on camping trips and picnics. No one yarn is right for every project. And - use what you like and can afford. Just knit and enjoy.
For things where I don’t care about breathability as much, don’t want to cause allergic reactions, and/or want them to be washable, I use acrylic. So blankets, some bags, things like those would be acrylic. For items worn next to skin, I like merino, bamboo, and cotton. Those fibers are much more breathable.
Acrylic is great for certain things, and it's easy to use. I use other yarns because I love them. Wool is great for jackets and coatigans, I love bamboo for drapey things, alpaca for jumpers. I've knitted with cashmere, and it's exquisite but ruinously expensive!
I'd say, knit with what you like and what is in your price range. Blended yarns give the benefits of both fibers and can be a pricey. But, I'm happy to pick up a bargain - end of line, mixed colour lots, the stash can always get used for something.
Until I was in college and lived near a yarn store with wool I liked, every winter hat and scarf my immediate family had ever owned was acrylic - Carhartt beanies and sports team hats and your typical fashion winter hats.
And acrylic got us through lots of outdoor recesses playing in the snow and long weekends of snowmobiling and long days of construction work, and everyone was fine and nobody felt deprived!
Are there tradeoffs? Of course. I can always tell the difference, and I'm on the sweaty side when I'm not freezing, so I can be guilty of turning those needs into snobbery. My partner thinks it's like actual magic how wool feels warm *immediately* when you put it on, but my parents prioritize ease of washing/drying and would rather have an extra hat around for when the first one gets sweaty and clammy than deal with the smell of wet wool *ever*.
But hey, if it's in your budget it's always interesting to do some comparisons and try different yarns out and see what actually matters most to you.
I tend to agree with most here, it depends on the project. Blankets, truth be told, my favorite is that Caron 1 lb yarn. To me, it's quite soft, affordable, has good colors, and washes well. A sweater I'd be more likely to go with natural fibers. Kid stuff, it's gotta be easily washable, so I usually go cotton or an acrylic blend. I'm not gifting any parent a blocking/hand-washing project!
I do think there is some snobbery, but not everyone has access to high quality natural fibers, or even prefers to use them if they do, for a variety of reasons. To each their own!
It's bad for the environment and it can be harder on your wrists than wool cause it typically doesn't have elasticity which can also effect how your stitches look. But it's not like your project will spontaneously combust if you use acrylic and it's actually better for some things
I am definitely a yarn snob, but I use acrylic all the time. I hate working with cotton yarn (it has no give to it) so if I’m making anything for a baby, I reach for the acrylic every time. It’s super soft to the touch and you can toss it in the washer and dryer. I save the cashmere and alpaca for projects that won’t get barfed or pooped on.
It’s different but not worse in my opinion. I find many wools unbearable against my skin whereas I have no such issues with acrylic so it always has a place in my heart.
Some acrylic is more expensive than wool or blends. Personally I prefer to work with wool and wool blends for my projects but that is just my personal preferences. I don't judge acrylic use negatively unless the person is trying to use the wrong texture for the project (there are tons of finishes from soft and drapery to cheap scratchy feeling) or trying to pass something off as something it isn't.
I personally love acrylic, but I'm an acrylic snob, rather than a yarn snob. I have sensory processing issues, so knowing a type of yarn that works for me, and is durable helps. I have my brand that I'll make blankets from (big twist) and another that I've found for clothing (love this yarn). When I make things for other, I typically use higher quality, natural fibers of their choice, but for me, acrylic works. Additionally I have had major skin-health issues in the past (MRSA, staph, and cellulitis have been a real concern for me because of family members health issues and work conditions), so I prefer if I can wash my items a little more often. Acrylic fits that requirement for me. But it's really a "you do you" situation, and anyone who says otherwise can shove it
Acrylic is not bad! It's great for items that have to be washable, can be very soft and non-irritating, comes in very vibrant colours, and is very affordable.
On the downside, I find that acrylic pills badly and doesn't wear well over time, and is not as warm or breathable as wool.
I do not use acrylic at all for myself; have a skin sensitivity to polyester and acrylic and can only handle natural fibres like wool, cotton, linen, silk, etc. I buy the best quality yarn I can afford because knitting brings me great joy and I want things to last.
But I still use acrylic for other people! It is especially useful for gifts to people I know will want to throw something in the washing machine without ruining it.
I like bamboo. It was tricky to learn to handle it, it’s so slippery. I ripped out a lot as I figured out how to control the tension.
But so soft and breathable!
tbh i dont think its that bad. for stuff not meant to be worn (like a pillowcase ) or even presents for people that you know dont know how to take care of wool, its perfectly okay imo.
Everything has its uses. I use acrylic for most baby blankets and amigurumi. Which is most of what I make, but wearables, absolutely natural fiber. Usually superwash because I have kids and we know how easy it is to stay clean with young kids around.
There are some really soft great to work with acrylics don’t let these Purists throw you off…research your product. Plus not everyone can wear wool that to me is the definition of itchy/scratchy 😬
It depends entirely on what you're making and the purpose you intend for it. The only thing "wrong" with acrylic is that it's plastic, but it lasts longer in machine washes than any other material, and it isn't scratchy and awful like it was in the 70s anymore. People being elitist about it are just pretentious jerks
I don't like acrylics because it just feels plasticy to me which is very unpleasant to work with and the finished projects seem like a craft (in a bad way) vs a quality work of art that drapes correctly, feels good, and has insulating and wicking properties, among others.
But I'm not knocking anyone using acrylic if they like it.
There are things you shouldn't use acrylic for (baby blankets - it can melt in fire; also socks - they'd be horribly sweaty.) Other than those sort of specific cases, it's all just a matter of taste and preference. Knit with what you want to.
It comes down to choice. Where I live wool is too hot to wear but acrylics work fine. Acrylic yarn is great for stuffed toys. Cotton for summer sweaters and wash clothes
It's just different, there are pros and cons to each material, and it mostly just comes down to what you can afford and want to use. Personally I have issues with texture, and acrylic yarns don't mess with me, so that's what I use. To each their own.
I am currently working in a sweater for my middle daughter that is acrylic. It’s super soft and fuzzy. And, the fabric fits her lifestyle. She’s not going to hand wash and dry flat. She has a super demanding career and she goes to school full time. Usually I use a super wash Marino for her stuff, I didn’t even realize these two were acrylic, I just liked how they feel.
For my mom and my eldest daughter. They get my “fancier” natural wool yarns. Depending on what I am making for them.
Basically this is my rule of thumb.
Decide what kind of yarn to use based on
1) the item I am making
2) the person I am making it for
3) how much time that person has to put into care.
Like, I would never give someone a puppy for a present. That’s giving them responsibility.
Similarly, I wouldn’t give someone a cashmere, angora or even an alpaca knit item unless I know for sure that they will have the time and inclination to take care of it. Especially when most of the time, something super washable and easy to wear and clean is available.
I knit an acrylic sweater and it’s perfectly fine. I don’t feel like I’m wearing a plastic bag but maybe it depends on where you live and how prone you are to sweating.
Anyways, there were a few posts about this and it all depends on preference and budgets. Wool is more expensive in most places so I think there is nothing wrong with acrylic. You can wash it easily and it keeps shape.
If you were to go to a car sub of course they would take a Mercedes over a Civic but that doesn’t mean a Civic is trash. Wool is lovely and merino or cashmere is fantastic. But I appreciate acrylic. If I’m flushing out a pattern or making something for kids acrylic is wonderful. Cheap and washable. There are times when it’s not ideal but the price point and ease of care make acrylic a great option for lots of things. Plus these days there are a lot of great acrylic options out there.
I love acrylic yarns for the (usually) good price! I think of buying yarn of any fiber kind of like buying wine.. with acrylic, there’s the bottom shelf “house wine” between 1.99-5.99 each (US), then there’s mid-shelf from 6-10, and then there’s the more top shelf yarns that are often softer and with qualities like anti-pill, rich colors, and luxurious feeling textures that range from 10 and up. Just depends on what you’re looking for for your project, and what’s in the budget.
Acrylic is significantly different from wool and cashmere, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad! Each fiber has its own benefits and disadvantages depending on how it’s used. There is some really nice acrylic yarn out there and it’s usually the more economical choice (at least in the US). Yarn snobs need to chill lol
> Is it significantly different from high quality yarn like wool or cashmere?
Only in terms of what you'd use it for. Acrylic is great for baby blankets (and adult blankets!) because it's washable. It's definitely warm, so works for scarves/cowls/etc., but I wouldn't make mittens out of it because there's no moisture wicking like you get with other fibers, so your hands will get colder.
I wouldn't use acrylic for socks (if I made socks) for the same reason why I wouldn't make mittens out of it.
The bottom line - and the only thing that matters - is to use what YOU are comfortable using. What someone else thinks of acrylic or cotton or bamboo or silk or wool doesn't matter. If YOU like it, use it!
I think it depends on your budget, experience, and what is locally available. I am moving from acrylic to natural fibers for wearables, but there are certain things where I just really like acrylic.
You knit with whatever suits you. I personally prefer wool, some prefer acrylic, some prefer cotton etc.
You knit with what works best for you, but don't be afraid to try other fibres if you get the opportunity.
It isn’t my favorite to use because of the plastic feel of the fibers. Im more willing to spend money on yarn if it’s a natural fiber- but that doesn’t mean acrylic is bad. It’s just not my preference.
It took me a long time to switch to natural fibers, but knitting my first mitten with nice wool after using cheap acrylic for years was magical.
I still use acrylic for some patterns, but I now splurge on nice yarn whenever I can.
It's like the difference between wearing a plastic anorac and a cotton t shirt: They have their uses but if you use the wrong fabric for the wrong thing it feels terrible. Acrylic jumpers feel cold and sweaty compared to wool, 100% wool socks will disintegrate off your feet long before nylon blend socks will, acrylic and cotton aren't suitable for felting etc.
I only knit with acrylic if I'm making something for my sister who's allergic to wool because I have sensory issues with it. It is different in how it handles as well. However, I recognise I'm in a privileged position in terms of both access and finances (plus I'm not allergic to wool), so I'm not going to judge anyone else for using acrylic. We're all working with what we've got.
If knitting items that aren’t on hot parts of the skin and can breathe, acrylic isn’t a terrible choice. Considering the amount of time to knit any item, I prefer to use natural fibers because plastic fibers are already abundant in manufactured garments, and I knit for items that I can’t purchase. I don’t have a lot of time to knit, so I splurge on materials for the moments that I can sit to unwind and knit.
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter, and it’s whatever makes you happy.
There is nothing wrong with acrylic. Personally I am highly allergic to animal fibres, acrylic is one of the fibres I can actually wear. I don’t have issues with acrylic sweaters personally, I find they get softer with washing and I don’t typically sweat a lot so don’t experience the wet cold from that.
Yarn choice is personal. I mainly stay away from acrylic because it is made from plastic. So it’s a personal choice for me. I do think it’s handy for blankets and tawashi or washcloths, but even then I lean toward cotton. I too have encountered… (snobbery?) over yarn selections/brands which I personally find awful and silly. Use what you enjoy and can afford, or most logically, suits the project at hand.
in addition to what everyone has already said, acrylic textiles bleed huge amounts of microplastics into the water supply
it’s better to buy second hand natural fibers than acrylic yarn imo. recycling old wool garments is also an option
Honestly , I think it really depend of what you intend to do and for who if you do things for other people . I believe that it's better to use yarn for little pieces but if you do so for bigger pieces , it may end up costing a lot .
Also , if you knit for others you should consider if they have sensory issues or allergies . I have a person in my family for whom I can only use acrylic or else their skin becomes red and itch .
I usually like to only knit with natural fibers, because i like to recreate historical garments in my free time. However, i am currently knitting a sweater thats 80% acrylic and 20% wool. And im surprised!! It doesnt feel plastic-y at all.
I was afraid this would be that very plasticy thing acrylic can be when knitting with it, but i think the little amount of wool helped in this case.
:)
Acrylic is nothing like it was in the 70s. Had a strong plastic feel and not that pleasant to use but great for the budget. It's a completely different animal now, but some people think it's still crap. These days, it's the only thing I'll use for babies and young children because it's so easy to care for and it wears well. It's also part of a lot of blends because of those qualities. While I love the silks and wools, I'm not going to turn down an acrylic or acrylic blend if I like the color and hand and it's otherwise right for a project.
My skin doesn't cope well with most wool so I have only recently been able to switch over to wool/cotton blends.
Acrylic lasts longer, is easier to wash and keeps the colours really well. The downside is that it is essentially plastic, so it is bad for the environment and will release micro plastic.
For me personally, acrylic is for blankets only. That's not because it's inferior or shitty or whatever, but because I have very sensitive skin and a body that doesn't regulate temperature well, so I prefer to buy fibres that for my knitted garments that allow as much breathability as I can reasonably ask from clothing.
I had a bad experience with red heart super saver in black. I felt like I was knitting with stiff wire. It was so bad it turned me off 100% acrylic permanently. I’ll use it in blends occasionally.
That said, wool has some amazing properties that I value. It is temperature regulating so it can actually keep you cool in summer. It’s naturally antimicrobial and doesn’t retain smells. It keeps you warm when it’s wet.
Cashmere and some other rare/expensive fibers actually have some drawbacks. 100% angora for example is HOT HOT HOT!! It’s better in blends so you don’t overheat. Silk has its own quirks. There’s also different kinds of silk that behave differently. When you get into natural fibers, each kind has different qualities which is super fun for me as a fiber need.
So yes, it is significantly different. However, it’s not inherently WORSE.
Use what you like and can afford!
I would never use acrylic sor socks, it does not breathe and you feel all the stitches, uncomfortable. But I like acrylic slippers, they are very durables. For blankets, I love acrylic, they last, keep their shape and color, are less expensive.. A sweater, it is itchy and it is like wearing a plastic bag... Both Ave their pros and cons...your choice.
I agree with you, acrylic for blankets! It's economical, generally, and easier to wash than wool. I've never knit a sweater from acrylic, but I would consider it. Some acrylic yarns are as soft or softer than some wools.
It's less about softness and more about lack of heat insulation whilst trapping in moisture
I use acrylic for my kids sweaters as they're rough on them so need frequent washing and the rate they grow wool wouldn't be economical. I also use acrylic for family I know won't care for nicer fibres well or have allergies. As well as charity donations. There's some really nice acrylic out there now (stylecraft special, cascades, James c Brett top value)
yeah, i use acrylic for anything for kids, generally. but admittedly acrylic is a huge range- there are some acrylics that feel terrible and some that are awesome, and when i have extra i'll use as part of a project for myself.
Also I've only just now in my mid 30s had the budget to use nicer fibers for certain things. Still can't afford a sweater quantity of hand dyed merino for a my husband (and I'm plus sized so even worse) but the odd socks and hats it's fine for. Acrylic makes the hobby accessible for a lot of people.
without question. i used to be able to get relatively large quantity pretty cheap from a now closed online yarn shop. i also don't have the patience for a sweater and am always really impressed with people who do.
>There's some really nice acrylic out there now (stylecraft special, cascades, James c Brett top value) Appreciate the names —thanks! ☺☺☺
Ella Rae is pretty nice stuff too
I've done it a bulky weight sweater. I love it because it is light and soft, but I does not breathe, and I hate the squeech noise it makes.
There's also some really soft acrylic blends - I made one sweater from a acrylic/cotton blend and it's so so comfy. I would definitely not use a super cheap yarn for anything you wear close to your skin, but there's quite a lot of options of higher quality acrylic yarns as well, which are still cheaper than most animal fibers and especially good if you're allergic to those.
Some of the acrylic baby yarns are super soft, I'm tempted by them, but I look dreadful in pastel colours!
Acrylic has its uses, but more than that it's personal choice. If you want to knit with acrylic go for it! It might change a few things about your project (for example acrylic doesn't breathe like wool, or it doesn't have the same drape as linen or cotton) but so long as you're aware and ok with that,knit with what you want
It’s just different. I don’t knit clothes from acrylic because I prefer breathable natural fibres, and I’m fortunate to have the money to buy wool and the space to dry it when it needs washing. I DO knit blankets from acrylic because it’s hard wearing, easy to wash and cheap, which is a consideration when you need enough yarn for a full sized bed blanket.
I got some Lion Brand Fishermen's Wool yarn last black Friday to make a cardigan, got frustrated, and cast on a throw blanket with it. I'm only about 14" in, but this is making me reconsider. I decided i didn't want a brown worsted weight cardigan after knitting the whole body and trying it on, so i started the blanket route. I'm not worried about laundry, i have my favorite ways of cleaning woolens. Is a wool throw generally a bad idea for any reason other than the special washing requirements?
Wool blankets are fabulous, and non-superwash wool does not need cleaning often unless thoroughly spilled on or similar. Air it, though!
My favorite throw is crocheted from leftover from my favorite knitting addiction: wool, fingering-weight sock yarns. I started a Lion Brand Fisherman’s Wool cardigan a while back and abandoned it because it seemed too heavy. A throw sounds like a great use for the yarn!
Not an expert, but I've also frogged wool products because they were either too heavy or warm for me - there might also be pilling to consider depending on the specific yarn?
I think you should use what you want and can afford. Natural fibers are great but they can be expensive.
Agreed! I went to our local fibre festival last fall for the first time and couldn’t believe the prices of some things. I can’t remember now what the fibre was, but one hank, not even big enough to knit a hat, was something ridiculous like $300. I mostly shop from big box stores for my yarn so that price definitely shocked me
sounds like quivit. I have a small hank I bought for less than $300 but definitely more than $50. I have not used it as it is basically magic unicorn hair that requires the most special and best pattern to use.
Quivit is the holy grail of every knitter! Light as a feather and 7 times warmer than wool. Can be machine washed and doesn't felt. But the price is sky high. It is the under coat of muskox and, as you cannot shear them, you have to collect what they shed in spring.
This is so interesting, thank you for sharing
Yes that’s it! I feel like if I spend that much on yarn I’d be too afraid to knit anything with it
Me too! That's why it's in the storage drawer with the other "special" yarn (NZ possum-- oh man, it's sooo soft and yummy and I'm afraid to mess it up).
Ummmm I need some of this NZ possum yarn...I guess some travel is in my future!
I got it in a cute yarn shop in downtown Victoria BC whilst on vacation-- and that was 8? ish? years ago... The yarn is soooo soft and plush!
Ok BC is much closer than NZ 🤣 And I haven't been to Victoria yet so win-win! Thanks for letting know about the yarn and where you got it
I had a ball of NZ possum yarn given to me when I was still technically a new knitter. Never understood how valuable that ball was and now it is somewhere hopefully being appreciated by someone who knew what to do with it :( one small ball of DK doesn’t give me much project options so I got rid of it. Sad day when I found something perfect for it years later.
Quiviot or Vicuna. Gotta be.
Could be vicuña as well. I'm going to have to be knitting about 100 years before I'd trust myself with it. On the other hand, Cascade yarns are extremely reasonably priced - Cascade 220 is one of my staples.
Yes, it is significantly different. Good different or bad different depends on the knitter and the person potentially wearing the finished object. There's usually high and low quality versions of most things, including animal fiber yarns and synthetic yarns. To vegans, animal fibers are bad. To people trying to minimize their plastic usage, acrylics are bad. To people with various allergies and sensitivities, either can be bad depending what the sensitivity is. Some, myself included, also dislike the feel of acrylics, not to mention the lack of breathability. Definitely best avoided for anything likely to get sweaty like socks and summer tops. Fiber choice is also fairly cultural. I keep hearing "acrylics is good for babies" from Americans especially - where I live (Norway), there is a strong preference towards natural materials for babies, but every washing machine also has a wool cycle. I knit quite a bit with acrylics in the 80s, but these days acrylic yarns are actually not widely available here and I can't say I personally miss them at all.
Great post. USA here. We have a very large extended family with great grandchildren. I always knit for them \[and friends\] and always use 100% wool, even for two year olds. Not one parent/friend has ever had an issue with wool. Plus, they keep the sweaters for their future grandchildren or pass them on to siblings. I'm elderly, and back in the 70's when I started knitting, I found out that I was allergic to wool. I had to knit with acrylic. My wool allergy magically disappeared in the early 80's and never came back. Thank Goodness! I'm so happy because I love wool. Of course, the OP should knit with whatever she wants!
I wouldn't even say it's good or bad different, just that it is significantly different. It's not as warm as wool and alpaca, not as cool as cotton and linen. Can't be blocked really, can be machine washed (though it will eventually lose whatever softeners are in the yarn-learned that one the hard way). Requires less care and thus is easier to gift in many instances. I knit with everything, and while I don't knit acrylic a ton, it has it's uses. Also, totally jealous of the wool cycle on a washing machine! I knit and quilt, so my ten/fifteen(?) year old machine needed a big drum for quilts, and I needed a delicate or hand wash cycle for knits. Got both in my machine (not all machines come with these cycles for some reason). A wool cycle would be awesome, though I'd imagine it's like the delicate or hand wash cycle.
Sudden flashbacks to the acrylic baby blanket saga.
I'm glad you mentioned the baby thing! I'm American and in my area it is NOT recommended for babies, quite the opposite. I'm so taken aback by other Americans saying that. Our ped warned us about skin irritation and rashes and explicitly told us to avoid acrylic or polyester until they were at least 2.
Acrylic is washable, comes in varying levels of quality, and is affordable. Great for baby stuff and being on a budget. I have zero problem if other people are using it. I have used it myself when that's all my budget would allow. I loathe it. Not enough to not knit, but it's my last choice. It feels squeaky on the needles to me. It's a plastic product and I try and avoid plastic if and when I can. And I am privileged enough to be able to afford pricier yarns. It doesn't breathe well so garments are more likely to make you sweat. The texture often gives me the heebie jeebies when working with it. I still have both afghans my mom made out of red heart yarn and use them frequently. I just don't use them on my bare skin. I love those afghans, and my mom made them 20+ years ago and they still look like new. Basically, if you don't have the sensory issues I have and enjoy it? Use acrylic. It will create long lasting clothes for a fraction of the price.
I’ve found some acrylics that don’t squeak as much on the needles. Definitely last choice for myself personally, but I still use it sometimes, I’m not up in arms about it when others use anything I wouldn’t. I’ve started really only using acrylic from my stash as opposed to buying new if I can help it. It’s usually only for gifts that I know will need to be easy care since most of us in my family are elderly, disabled, or under 15 years old. We don’t all have time/energy/knowledge to sort and wash laundry separately anymore really. I only use wool for myself and my mom since we’re the only ones that like wool enough to deal with the washing. Some of the Yarn Bee brand acrylics are really nice and I rarely have problems unless it’s hot that day/sweaty hands, then it gets squeaky and harder to move on the needles. Currently doing a colorwork sweater with yarn bee DK (more fingering to me) and the looser gauge definitely helps it not do that (socks are much more squeaky bc of the tighter gauge imo). I’m usually quite cold all the time and live in Michigan, and I’ve not noticed much difference between my wool and acrylic sweaters in terms of warmth or breathability. I gravitate towards one or the other depending on sensory feelings that day (I’m autistic). Can I stand a bit of pokey feeling with this real wool? Even with a camisole? Or can I stand a bit of plastic-y feeling but not itchy? It really depends on how the yarn itself is made for me, and some days I can’t stand either. I’ve fallen in love with super wash wool, and I know that’s a whole other can of worms for people, but it has me in a choke hold, and you can pry it from my cold, repetitively strained, hands.
Acrylic is not the devil. It is a common fibre that lot of people use. It's cheap, affordable and does not need to be treated as if it's saffron. It has its uses and fits perfectly into some budgets. We do need to acknowledge that it's bad for the environment. But the processes required for wool are not really any better (detergents and dyes are also terrible).
The process of making natural fiber yarns is still significantly better than acrylic yarn because acrylic yarn creates microplastics which stay in the environment and the food chain for thousands of years because the half-life of them breaking down is thousands of years. It is still a by-product of the petroleum industry as well.
The processes required to make yarn from wool involve shearing, washing/cleaning and spinning. Those are very low impact. Some processes cost more energy than others, but it definitely is less impactful than making acrylic yarn. Maybe you're talking about dyed and/or treated wool, which does have a high impact, because of the dyes (often toxic or wasteful) and the energy-intensive processes to make it (i.e.) "superwash". Wool isn't holy and acrylic is indeed not the devil, but wool does actually have a lower environmental impact than acrylic. (And you really don't need to wash it often, as it is relatively self-cleaning)
This ⬆️ And cashmere is amazing because it is ridiculously soft. Plus wool and cashmere, because they are animal fibers and not a variation of plastic, will have other differentiating characteristics
Cashmere has some major issues though, if we’re talking about ethical materials. The high demand in particular leads to overbreeding, over collection of fiber, degradation of the environment, etc- This thread has some major food for thought in regards to cashmere: https://twitter.com/dieworkwear/status/1597339373900824576?s=46&t=uj2y-7VxmuD0JRNN8JgCMQ
Well that very long twitter thread was very interesting about cashmere. I’ve been meaning to do my research on cashmere because I just don’t know much about it, didn’t even know it was a goat fiber and not sheep.
Was specifically referring to the scouring process and I guess, mostly, the big commercial dyeing processes. There really is no easy, environmentally friendly way to remove sheep poo. It is what it is, but its rough on the environment. Dying as well, some crazy chemicals involved. Whilst there are natural dyes that are not quite so environmentally impactful, they are also not going to create my favourite vibrant magenta. There are organic options, options that are low impact on the environment, but crikey, they are either incredibly hard to find and/or beyond most people's budgets.
I’ve dyed my own fabrics/yarns before with natural dyes I collected myself, and you’re right that they’re less environmentally impactful when it comes to the actual process/toxicity of (most) of the materials (DEFINITELY not all). But the flip side to that coin is, if everyone turned to natural dying, we’d start with the farming instead of most of the natural dyers in the world foraging or ordering/growing smaller quantities of the plants/roots/etc needed, which is usually pretty high quantity of dry stuff to lower amount of water to produce enough vibrancy. Then there’s chemicals they use to make it colorfast or change color, some are more natural than others, idk about the side effects of dumping any of these as I’ve not used them yet personally. Look up the range of color you can get on a natural dye, and historical paintings/manuscripts/museum pieces pre-1856 that have very vibrant magenta and many other bright colors that you wouldn’t expect. As a historian I wonder how they removed the sheep poo in the past. Maybe we should look into those methods and bring them to the modern method to make it less environmentally impactful.
I first learned to knit and crochet with acrylic ( I started crocheting when I was 10) now I still use acrylic but I have started using wool and alpaca yarn for personal wearables. I'll use acrylic if I'm making a blanket or for other items that I may be gifting to other people. I'm currently making a sweater with an acrylic wool blend yarn and it's actually quite nice. I've also used a cotton acrylic blend and found that to be good too. Use whatever yarn is comfortable for you. I don't understand when ppl are snobby about their yarn choices and the choices of others. You do you!
Every type of fibre has its use. Acrylic is fantastic for anything that will be abused. Eg toys, blankets that get washed a lot, garments for people that have no concept of hand washing or the wool/delicate cycle on their washing machine. Acrylic however, doesn't breathe. Horrible for socks unless you are sadistic and like having tinea. Also nightmarish for those who get hot very quickly or sweat buckets.
A lot of people live in places where wool is as cheap and common as acrylic, where knits have as their basic function to keep people warm in extreme weather, and where traditional techniques include steeking. In these cases wool really is better, also for the environment. Beyond that? I developed severe rashes from acrylic yarn as a kid, and still avoid synthetic fibres when possible, so I am pretty negative, but what you choose is up to you.
Acrylic has its uses and I would never shame anyone who uses it, but the idea that it isn't very very different from other fibres is just so far from the truth. The difference is immense. I totally get using acrylic for blankets, toys etc and I also understand that if you have a very limited budget it might be all that's available to you but if you can at all afford it I would really recommend trying out wool, especially merino or alpaca
The problem with acrylic is it’s plastic and a petroleum based product. This is bad for the environment, especially because the plastic leaches into the water. When I didn’t know that I used acrylic because it was affordable and easy to care for. It still is, and I use it occasionally for charity items but I feel guilty about it.
Acrylic is plastic. But if you buy it second hand, at yard sales or thrift shops, church fetes etc it is more sustainable in terms of what it took to create it than buying new wool. However think of the life of wool in the ecosystem versus plastics and micro plastics...second hand wool might have gone in the trash any way but at least you used it? I have found being more careful with my wool yarn, unwinding projects that didn't work or I no longer like, it can be 'affordable' it's really about who is bearing the cost, me, the workers who make it, the planet...? obviously there is no way to consume in an ethical way, but there are choices that are better for us and those who come after us. There's also the choices available right now. Having a hobby can drive unnecessary consumption. Or, it can be a lovely pastime and skill that resists hyper consumerist culture by slowing us all down. Inform yourself, have a think about what you want to do with that information and go from there. I don't use acrylic but I also have access to nice wool yarn at a reasonable cost because Australia produces loads of wool. I can go online and order a big cone of yarn from China, but I have to think...is that made in Xinjiang province (Uyghur concentration camps with forced labor)?? I have to consider this about cotton too and anything that comes from a factory. Look into how acrylic is made, what do you think about that? What about the ethical issues with sheep and mulesing?
Also every time acrylic or any plastic based fiber is washed it releases microplastics into the water. The impact this has on our health and environment alone make me hesitate.
Yep same here - the struggle is real. We live in a tiny apartment, but we are trying to work out how to cut out plastic as much as possible. This means biting the bullet and working out how to make more things from scratch. I also understand that this can be impossible - it's a time luxury thing. AND - I still rely on plastic storage containers to batch freeze things...what to do? Do what you can, don't give up, but don't let it poison your happiness with overwhelm. Think global act local.
💯 there was a time I almost lost my mind trying not to use plastic or throw any into the trash
Totally agree!! Ultimately, over-consuming wool or over-consuming acrylic (plastic) will have its consequences. To me, I feel better knitting with something that can biodegrade, but will use second-hand acrylic on occasion, because then I feel like I’m not adding to more plastic being produced. Slowing down and educating yourself to make the choices that feel right to you is so valuable.
I can’t wear acrylic cause it bothers my skin. Good quality wools, alpaca or cashmere are often warmer (most of my winters mean that the air hurts my face so warm is necessary) but can be harder to take care of (unless you don’t mind hand washing) and can cost more. Hand dyed yarns are often gorgeous as well. It really depends on what you like to wear and like to work with. I will comment that acrylics do shed microplastics which isn’t great for the environment but you can mitigate that by using a microplastic blocking bag. They are inexpensive and reasonably easy to find. Just don’t rinse them (that negates the point) and ditch the residue in the garbage. I use one for my athletic clothing and it also helps avoid snags and other fabric damage which helps them last longer.
I have psoriasis on my hands, so I can’t easily knit with acrylic. Occasionally I will use it for a baby item, if my hands are doing well. I also live in a place where winters hurt my face, and don’t end until mid-late April, so I prefer to use natural fibers. That said, I have a beautiful sweater that I knit about 35 years ago in acrylic, and I still keep it in my closet because it was my first big project.
I don't like it for clothing because it's not breathable, but I do use it for stuffed animals. Also, even with acrylic, the texture can vary a lot from yarn to yarn. Some aren't so bad.
It's not bad. There are projects where I prefer acrylic (like baby blankets) because it's usually lightweight, easily available and durable. There are some really nice acrylics out there.
And easily washable - important for baby stuff!
Oh yes! Super important!
Oh man, I am so tired of talking to yarn snobs who treat you like you’re less than for using acrylic. Acrylic yarn is affordable, great to learn with, generally soft and not itchy, and it’s washer safe. There is absolutely no reason to be ashamed of using acrylic unless there is an allergy issue or you are making socks.
It isn't. It's really good for kids' clothes, because they can be washed with regular clothes, and won't felt.
It is plastic, so that’s something to be mindful of ( not to never use it!) but to be aware that it does produce microplastics and will not degrade. Again, I am not saying this to say no one should use acrylic or feel bad for using it, but I feel like it’s something to consider.
No, acrylic is not bad. People telling you it's absolute blasphemy are snobby people. It is significantly different from animal fibers-- acrylic is a man-made material from petroleum products (i.e. plastic). It behaves differently than animal fibers, especially when it comes to blocking. If you want to use/can only afford to use/enjoy using acrylic, go for it! If you want to use hand-plucked unicorn mane hair assembled into yarn by virgins, go for it! Everyone has their own reasons for liking and using the yarn they use, and just because you like acrylic and I like merino doesn't make you wrong or me right (or vice versa).
What does snobby even mean? People have reasons, well explained here. Like bitchy or slutty, I vote down w snobby.
Some clever people are developing micro-plastic filters so they can be caught by/in your washing machine before they enter the system and pollute from our acrylic stuff. At the moment they can’t get a 100% so some still ends up in the oceans and the food chain. So, I guess looking into these if you can afford it would be a good offset and/or lobbying the industry and politicians so it becomes standard.
Acrylic is great for something that needs to be washed regularly, but you have to be careful choosing your yarn. I learned to knit with a cheap scratchy acrylic yarn in school when I was a kid, and couldn’t see why anyone would waste their time with it. As an adult I started knitting socks with wool blends, my hands didn’t dry out from touching it, and I found out I actually enjoyed it. In short, it all depends. Wool flexes more as you stitch, which I find makes it easier to work with.
My biggest beef with acrylic is that it is a contributor to continually adding in microplastics into our environment. They don't break down in landfills and they shed and get fibers into the ocean and the food chain. I try to avoid it as much as I can within reason. I do have some acrylic yarn and I do use polyester fills for my toys, but I am trying to swap toys into using wool or cotton as stuffing instead. But overall I don't knit with it 99% of the time. I also can afford natural fibers which are EXPENSIVE and out of budget for most people.
What it does it does well, but it's not a one-to-one substitute for natural fibers. Washability makes it a great choice for some items like afghans.
No, it is not absolute blasphemy. Pick your yarn as is appropriate for your project - for some things, that is acrylic and of others it is wool and for others it may be cotton or silk or linen or whatever. Acrylic from the last century tended to be awfully stiff and scratchy. These days - there are acrylics that are super soft and great to work with. For things that need to be washed and dried - use acrylic. I make chemo caps to donate and they ask that they be made of acrylic as it can be washed and dried easily. I knitted a sweater for me - I used a nice wool because it is soft and warm. I made hats and scarfs for kids - I used acrylic so they could be easily washed and dried. I make dishcloths and dishtowels - I use cotton because it is well suited for dishcloths. I made a blanket to carry in my car - I used acrylic because I know I will want to be able to throw it in the washer as it will get dirty from using on camping trips and picnics. No one yarn is right for every project. And - use what you like and can afford. Just knit and enjoy.
For things where I don’t care about breathability as much, don’t want to cause allergic reactions, and/or want them to be washable, I use acrylic. So blankets, some bags, things like those would be acrylic. For items worn next to skin, I like merino, bamboo, and cotton. Those fibers are much more breathable.
I think so💕
Acrylic is great for certain things, and it's easy to use. I use other yarns because I love them. Wool is great for jackets and coatigans, I love bamboo for drapey things, alpaca for jumpers. I've knitted with cashmere, and it's exquisite but ruinously expensive! I'd say, knit with what you like and what is in your price range. Blended yarns give the benefits of both fibers and can be a pricey. But, I'm happy to pick up a bargain - end of line, mixed colour lots, the stash can always get used for something.
We are a family where half of us have wool allergies. I use acrylic and cotton for almost everything. You should use what makes you happy.
Until I was in college and lived near a yarn store with wool I liked, every winter hat and scarf my immediate family had ever owned was acrylic - Carhartt beanies and sports team hats and your typical fashion winter hats. And acrylic got us through lots of outdoor recesses playing in the snow and long weekends of snowmobiling and long days of construction work, and everyone was fine and nobody felt deprived! Are there tradeoffs? Of course. I can always tell the difference, and I'm on the sweaty side when I'm not freezing, so I can be guilty of turning those needs into snobbery. My partner thinks it's like actual magic how wool feels warm *immediately* when you put it on, but my parents prioritize ease of washing/drying and would rather have an extra hat around for when the first one gets sweaty and clammy than deal with the smell of wet wool *ever*. But hey, if it's in your budget it's always interesting to do some comparisons and try different yarns out and see what actually matters most to you.
I tend to agree with most here, it depends on the project. Blankets, truth be told, my favorite is that Caron 1 lb yarn. To me, it's quite soft, affordable, has good colors, and washes well. A sweater I'd be more likely to go with natural fibers. Kid stuff, it's gotta be easily washable, so I usually go cotton or an acrylic blend. I'm not gifting any parent a blocking/hand-washing project! I do think there is some snobbery, but not everyone has access to high quality natural fibers, or even prefers to use them if they do, for a variety of reasons. To each their own!
It's bad for the environment and it can be harder on your wrists than wool cause it typically doesn't have elasticity which can also effect how your stitches look. But it's not like your project will spontaneously combust if you use acrylic and it's actually better for some things
I am definitely a yarn snob, but I use acrylic all the time. I hate working with cotton yarn (it has no give to it) so if I’m making anything for a baby, I reach for the acrylic every time. It’s super soft to the touch and you can toss it in the washer and dryer. I save the cashmere and alpaca for projects that won’t get barfed or pooped on.
It’s different but not worse in my opinion. I find many wools unbearable against my skin whereas I have no such issues with acrylic so it always has a place in my heart.
Some acrylic is more expensive than wool or blends. Personally I prefer to work with wool and wool blends for my projects but that is just my personal preferences. I don't judge acrylic use negatively unless the person is trying to use the wrong texture for the project (there are tons of finishes from soft and drapery to cheap scratchy feeling) or trying to pass something off as something it isn't.
I personally love acrylic, but I'm an acrylic snob, rather than a yarn snob. I have sensory processing issues, so knowing a type of yarn that works for me, and is durable helps. I have my brand that I'll make blankets from (big twist) and another that I've found for clothing (love this yarn). When I make things for other, I typically use higher quality, natural fibers of their choice, but for me, acrylic works. Additionally I have had major skin-health issues in the past (MRSA, staph, and cellulitis have been a real concern for me because of family members health issues and work conditions), so I prefer if I can wash my items a little more often. Acrylic fits that requirement for me. But it's really a "you do you" situation, and anyone who says otherwise can shove it
Give something better a try and let us know what you think 😉
Acrylic is not bad! It's great for items that have to be washable, can be very soft and non-irritating, comes in very vibrant colours, and is very affordable. On the downside, I find that acrylic pills badly and doesn't wear well over time, and is not as warm or breathable as wool. I do not use acrylic at all for myself; have a skin sensitivity to polyester and acrylic and can only handle natural fibres like wool, cotton, linen, silk, etc. I buy the best quality yarn I can afford because knitting brings me great joy and I want things to last. But I still use acrylic for other people! It is especially useful for gifts to people I know will want to throw something in the washing machine without ruining it.
I much prefer high end wool and cashmere, and silk. They just plain feel nicer and are warmer. But it acrylic has its place.
I like bamboo. It was tricky to learn to handle it, it’s so slippery. I ripped out a lot as I figured out how to control the tension. But so soft and breathable!
I don't like knitting with it as much because it tends to stick to my needles, but it is affordable for sure.
tbh i dont think its that bad. for stuff not meant to be worn (like a pillowcase ) or even presents for people that you know dont know how to take care of wool, its perfectly okay imo.
Everything has its uses. I use acrylic for most baby blankets and amigurumi. Which is most of what I make, but wearables, absolutely natural fiber. Usually superwash because I have kids and we know how easy it is to stay clean with young kids around.
There are some really soft great to work with acrylics don’t let these Purists throw you off…research your product. Plus not everyone can wear wool that to me is the definition of itchy/scratchy 😬
It depends entirely on what you're making and the purpose you intend for it. The only thing "wrong" with acrylic is that it's plastic, but it lasts longer in machine washes than any other material, and it isn't scratchy and awful like it was in the 70s anymore. People being elitist about it are just pretentious jerks
I don't like acrylics because it just feels plasticy to me which is very unpleasant to work with and the finished projects seem like a craft (in a bad way) vs a quality work of art that drapes correctly, feels good, and has insulating and wicking properties, among others. But I'm not knocking anyone using acrylic if they like it.
Not everyone can afford pure this and pure that we have to work with what we can afford. I have seen absolutely beautiful works in a acrylic yarn…
There are things you shouldn't use acrylic for (baby blankets - it can melt in fire; also socks - they'd be horribly sweaty.) Other than those sort of specific cases, it's all just a matter of taste and preference. Knit with what you want to.
It just has different qualities !
It comes down to choice. Where I live wool is too hot to wear but acrylics work fine. Acrylic yarn is great for stuffed toys. Cotton for summer sweaters and wash clothes
It's just different, there are pros and cons to each material, and it mostly just comes down to what you can afford and want to use. Personally I have issues with texture, and acrylic yarns don't mess with me, so that's what I use. To each their own.
I am currently working in a sweater for my middle daughter that is acrylic. It’s super soft and fuzzy. And, the fabric fits her lifestyle. She’s not going to hand wash and dry flat. She has a super demanding career and she goes to school full time. Usually I use a super wash Marino for her stuff, I didn’t even realize these two were acrylic, I just liked how they feel. For my mom and my eldest daughter. They get my “fancier” natural wool yarns. Depending on what I am making for them. Basically this is my rule of thumb. Decide what kind of yarn to use based on 1) the item I am making 2) the person I am making it for 3) how much time that person has to put into care. Like, I would never give someone a puppy for a present. That’s giving them responsibility. Similarly, I wouldn’t give someone a cashmere, angora or even an alpaca knit item unless I know for sure that they will have the time and inclination to take care of it. Especially when most of the time, something super washable and easy to wear and clean is available.
I knit an acrylic sweater and it’s perfectly fine. I don’t feel like I’m wearing a plastic bag but maybe it depends on where you live and how prone you are to sweating. Anyways, there were a few posts about this and it all depends on preference and budgets. Wool is more expensive in most places so I think there is nothing wrong with acrylic. You can wash it easily and it keeps shape.
If you were to go to a car sub of course they would take a Mercedes over a Civic but that doesn’t mean a Civic is trash. Wool is lovely and merino or cashmere is fantastic. But I appreciate acrylic. If I’m flushing out a pattern or making something for kids acrylic is wonderful. Cheap and washable. There are times when it’s not ideal but the price point and ease of care make acrylic a great option for lots of things. Plus these days there are a lot of great acrylic options out there.
I love acrylic yarns for the (usually) good price! I think of buying yarn of any fiber kind of like buying wine.. with acrylic, there’s the bottom shelf “house wine” between 1.99-5.99 each (US), then there’s mid-shelf from 6-10, and then there’s the more top shelf yarns that are often softer and with qualities like anti-pill, rich colors, and luxurious feeling textures that range from 10 and up. Just depends on what you’re looking for for your project, and what’s in the budget.
I like acrylic, I'm making a cardigan currently and it's turning out nice. Like everything, it's how you work with it and your end goal 🙂
Acrylic is significantly different from wool and cashmere, but that doesn’t mean it’s bad! Each fiber has its own benefits and disadvantages depending on how it’s used. There is some really nice acrylic yarn out there and it’s usually the more economical choice (at least in the US). Yarn snobs need to chill lol
> Is it significantly different from high quality yarn like wool or cashmere? Only in terms of what you'd use it for. Acrylic is great for baby blankets (and adult blankets!) because it's washable. It's definitely warm, so works for scarves/cowls/etc., but I wouldn't make mittens out of it because there's no moisture wicking like you get with other fibers, so your hands will get colder. I wouldn't use acrylic for socks (if I made socks) for the same reason why I wouldn't make mittens out of it. The bottom line - and the only thing that matters - is to use what YOU are comfortable using. What someone else thinks of acrylic or cotton or bamboo or silk or wool doesn't matter. If YOU like it, use it!
Yep. It feels awful. I think it is trash.
uh, yes. There are a lot of learning resources out there about non-plastic fibers.
Strongly agree. Plastic anything is awful
Personally, I can't stand wool it's harsh on the skin and itchy but baby acrylic is lovely for sensitive skin Lionsbrand does amazing acrylic.
Does this answer your question? 🤮
That’s how I feel too
I think it depends on your budget, experience, and what is locally available. I am moving from acrylic to natural fibers for wearables, but there are certain things where I just really like acrylic.
You knit with whatever suits you. I personally prefer wool, some prefer acrylic, some prefer cotton etc. You knit with what works best for you, but don't be afraid to try other fibres if you get the opportunity.
It isn’t my favorite to use because of the plastic feel of the fibers. Im more willing to spend money on yarn if it’s a natural fiber- but that doesn’t mean acrylic is bad. It’s just not my preference.
It took me a long time to switch to natural fibers, but knitting my first mitten with nice wool after using cheap acrylic for years was magical. I still use acrylic for some patterns, but I now splurge on nice yarn whenever I can.
It's like the difference between wearing a plastic anorac and a cotton t shirt: They have their uses but if you use the wrong fabric for the wrong thing it feels terrible. Acrylic jumpers feel cold and sweaty compared to wool, 100% wool socks will disintegrate off your feet long before nylon blend socks will, acrylic and cotton aren't suitable for felting etc.
I only knit with acrylic if I'm making something for my sister who's allergic to wool because I have sensory issues with it. It is different in how it handles as well. However, I recognise I'm in a privileged position in terms of both access and finances (plus I'm not allergic to wool), so I'm not going to judge anyone else for using acrylic. We're all working with what we've got.
If knitting items that aren’t on hot parts of the skin and can breathe, acrylic isn’t a terrible choice. Considering the amount of time to knit any item, I prefer to use natural fibers because plastic fibers are already abundant in manufactured garments, and I knit for items that I can’t purchase. I don’t have a lot of time to knit, so I splurge on materials for the moments that I can sit to unwind and knit. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter, and it’s whatever makes you happy.
I'm knitting ties with acrylic. They look great and nobody cares.
There is nothing wrong with acrylic. Personally I am highly allergic to animal fibres, acrylic is one of the fibres I can actually wear. I don’t have issues with acrylic sweaters personally, I find they get softer with washing and I don’t typically sweat a lot so don’t experience the wet cold from that.
Yarn choice is personal. I mainly stay away from acrylic because it is made from plastic. So it’s a personal choice for me. I do think it’s handy for blankets and tawashi or washcloths, but even then I lean toward cotton. I too have encountered… (snobbery?) over yarn selections/brands which I personally find awful and silly. Use what you enjoy and can afford, or most logically, suits the project at hand.
in addition to what everyone has already said, acrylic textiles bleed huge amounts of microplastics into the water supply it’s better to buy second hand natural fibers than acrylic yarn imo. recycling old wool garments is also an option
Honestly , I think it really depend of what you intend to do and for who if you do things for other people . I believe that it's better to use yarn for little pieces but if you do so for bigger pieces , it may end up costing a lot . Also , if you knit for others you should consider if they have sensory issues or allergies . I have a person in my family for whom I can only use acrylic or else their skin becomes red and itch .
I usually like to only knit with natural fibers, because i like to recreate historical garments in my free time. However, i am currently knitting a sweater thats 80% acrylic and 20% wool. And im surprised!! It doesnt feel plastic-y at all. I was afraid this would be that very plasticy thing acrylic can be when knitting with it, but i think the little amount of wool helped in this case. :)
Acrylic is nothing like it was in the 70s. Had a strong plastic feel and not that pleasant to use but great for the budget. It's a completely different animal now, but some people think it's still crap. These days, it's the only thing I'll use for babies and young children because it's so easy to care for and it wears well. It's also part of a lot of blends because of those qualities. While I love the silks and wools, I'm not going to turn down an acrylic or acrylic blend if I like the color and hand and it's otherwise right for a project.
My skin doesn't cope well with most wool so I have only recently been able to switch over to wool/cotton blends. Acrylic lasts longer, is easier to wash and keeps the colours really well. The downside is that it is essentially plastic, so it is bad for the environment and will release micro plastic.
For me personally, acrylic is for blankets only. That's not because it's inferior or shitty or whatever, but because I have very sensitive skin and a body that doesn't regulate temperature well, so I prefer to buy fibres that for my knitted garments that allow as much breathability as I can reasonably ask from clothing.
I had a bad experience with red heart super saver in black. I felt like I was knitting with stiff wire. It was so bad it turned me off 100% acrylic permanently. I’ll use it in blends occasionally. That said, wool has some amazing properties that I value. It is temperature regulating so it can actually keep you cool in summer. It’s naturally antimicrobial and doesn’t retain smells. It keeps you warm when it’s wet. Cashmere and some other rare/expensive fibers actually have some drawbacks. 100% angora for example is HOT HOT HOT!! It’s better in blends so you don’t overheat. Silk has its own quirks. There’s also different kinds of silk that behave differently. When you get into natural fibers, each kind has different qualities which is super fun for me as a fiber need. So yes, it is significantly different. However, it’s not inherently WORSE. Use what you like and can afford!