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© Made by Katja

Around the yarn

Where it comes from. How we get it.
How to
25 April 2017

The fiber world is typically divided into four main categories: protein fibers, cellulose fibers, cellulosic fibers, and synthetic fibers.

Before you take this ball of yarn and start knitting, we first need to understand what is actually IN that ball. Each fiber group has a lot of variations, each of which can behave dramatically different from one to the next.

Fiber is a natural or synthetic strand used as a component of composite materials, or, when matted into sheets, used to make products such as paper, papyrus, or felt.

In an ideal world, we would find the perfect yarn and pattern, and they would be easily available for us to knit our dream project without any hassle.

Unfortunately, this is rarely how it works. We often fall in love with a yarn, without giving much thought to what we will make with it. We collect patterns, books, and magazines for projects we may never complete, and struggle to bring the two together.

Some yarns have little or no pattern support from their manufacturer, especially the smaller-scale farms and hand-dyers. But even when the company does provide patterns for its yarns, we may not like them.

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Ply and thickness

All about singles
Ply: the single. Most basic form of yarn

1-ply yarn is a single strand of fiber twisted together to create a thin and delicate yarn. Because of its single-ply construction, this type of yarn can be softer and more flexible than multi-ply yarns, making it ideal for creating lightweight and breathable fabrics. 1-ply yarns are often used for delicate lace patterns, shawls, and lightweight garments. They can also be a great choice for creating texture and visual interest in knitted or crocheted fabrics.

 

Two-ply Yarns. Yarns becomes stronger

2-ply yarn is made of two strands of fiber twisted together to create a slightly thicker and more durable yarn than a 1-ply yarn. The twisting of the two strands together creates a strong and cohesive yarn that is less likely to break or pill than a single-ply yarn. The added strength of 2-ply yarn makes it a great choice for creating high-wear items like socks, mittens, and sweaters that will see a lot of use.

 

Three-ply yarns. The more plies, the better

3-ply yarn is made of three strands of fiber twisted together to create a medium-weight yarn that is thicker and more durable than a single-ply or 2-ply yarn. The added twist and thickness of 3-ply yarn can create a plump and rounded appearance that is great for showing off stitch definition and creating beautiful textures in knitted or crocheted fabrics. Because of its added strength, 3-ply yarn is a great choice for creating garments and accessories that will see a lot of use, such as hats, scarves, and sweaters. 

 

Four-ply and more. The plies do not nest together

4-ply yarn and higher ply yarns refer to the number of strands of fiber that are twisted together to form a single yarn. While 1-ply, 2-ply, and 3-ply yarns are relatively common, 4-ply and higher ply yarns are less common but can offer some unique benefits. The extra strand of fiber can provide additional structure and density, making 4-ply yarn a great choice for creating more substantial projects like sweaters, blankets, or even rugs.

 

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Color in yarn

Making yarn

Natural colours

Yarn can get its color from several methods. First and most obvious, it can be made using a material that has its own natural color. While sheep generally grow different colors of fleece, breeding efforts have often focused on animals that produce a bright white fleece. Shetland sheep are a glorious exception to the rule, with one of the widest color ranges of any sheep breed on the planet. You can find eleven different color variations.

Another type of undyed yarn comes from Cascade Yarns and is called Ecological Wool. It is made of 100% undyed Peruvian wool and currently ships in fifteen shades.

Yarn-dyed color

Naturally occurring colors are nice, but sometimes you want a wider range of colors – and that’s when you need dye. The most common large-scale commercial dye method is the immersion method, in which entire hanks of spun yarn are immersed in large vats of dye. There are many variations of how this is done.

Dyed in the wool

Instead of dyeing the finished product, the raw materials are dyed before they are ever blended and spun into yarn. This technique lends itself to far greater color-depth and intricacy. Instead of using a yarn dyed solid green, you can use a yarn that’s actually made up of yellow and blue fibers.

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The original Spin
Once the fiber has been selected, it’s time for the spinning process to begin. During spinning, the fibers are twisted together to create a long, continuous strand of yarn. This can be done by hand or with a spinning wheel, and the thickness of the yarn can be adjusted by changing the tension of the fibers as they’re spun.
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Plying
After the yarn has been spun, it is often plied to create a thicker, more stable yarn. Plying involves twisting two or more strands of yarn together in the opposite direction of the original spinning process. This helps to create a more balanced yarn that is less likely to twist or kink.
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Finishing
Once the yarn has been spun and plied, it is usually washed and dried to remove any remaining dirt or impurities. It may also be dyed or treated with a special finish to improve its texture, appearance, or durability.
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