The Joys Of Wool Knitting Yarn
Wool is a wonderful fiber to use for knitting projects. It has become even more popular in recent years, and now there are many places to buy even the more specialized wool knitting yarn. Check your local craft or fabric store - chances are they have Merino wool and likely even wool made from alpaca fur. Wool has many wonderful qualities that it lends to knitted things, including being warm and durable. It also feels wonderful to work with a natural product. There are many different textures and colors of wool knitting yarn available.
Wool - An Animal Fiber
Wool knitting yarn can be made from many animals' fur or hair, but unless is specifies another species, "wool" refers to yarn that has been spun from a sheep's fur. Other animals whose fur is often used are goats, alpaca, llamas, and rabbits. Alpaca and rabbit wools are particularly soft. Some people who enjoy spinning wool knitting yarn will even use the fur from their pet dog!
Benefits Of Using Wool Knitting Yarn
Wool is a very forgiving yarn. It is a wonderful first yarn to use while learning to knit. Because of the crimps inherent in the wool knitting yarn, it is naturally somewhat elastic. This makes is much easier to have an even tension as you knit. It is also a resilient yarn. That elastic tendency means that when it is stretched out it will tend to spring back to its earlier form. This makes wool a natural choice for projects that need some stretch to fit - things like hats, gloves, etc.
Downside/Upside?
Some people have allergies or sensitivities to wool. There aren't a lot of people who are allergic to wool, but the dust and dander that tends to collect in wool can be another thing to consider. Be sure that the person you are knitting for can tolerate wool, and that it doesn't make them itchy. If sensitivities are not an issue, wool is the perfect yarn for most people.
Wool also requires sensitivity in laundering. When you put the effort into knitting with wool yarn, you don't want to have it shrink unexpectedly! Because of the overlapping scales on the wool fiber, if it is subjected to agitation and hot water, it can easily shrink. When we do it on purpose - for a bag, or pot holder, it is called "felting". If you want to avoid felting, wash items in lukewarm water with very little agitation. Many people prefer to handwash wool items for safety.
If you do want the item to felt, remember that wool from a sheep is great for felting because that the scales overlap and the fur is very kinky. Consequently, when subjected to heat and agitation, the wool felts easily. The kinky fur also makes the wool more bulky. As the wool knitting yarn is used in a project, like a sweater, the bulk of the wool holds more air around it. This characteristic is great in the winter to help one stay warm, but it is also useful for keeping heat out during the summer.
