I am often asked what my thoughts are about acrylic and other man made fibres in comparison to natural fibres when it comes to yarn. I have even chatted about this subject in a panel discussion at the 2023 Crochet Guild Australia Conference with some of my yarny colleagues!
Yarns are the cornerstone of textile creation, woven into everything from the clothes we wear to the blankets that keep us warm. The two primary categories of yarns—man-made (synthetic) and natural fibres—each come with their own sets of benefits and challenges. Understanding these can help us make informed choices based on their needs and values.
In my opinion, and I acknowledge that this may not be shared by everyone, there is a place for both fibres based on a lot of different factors.
Benefits of Man-Made Yarns
1. **Durability and Strength**: Man-made fibers like acrylic, nylon, and polyester are known for their durability and resistance to wear and tear. This makes them ideal for items that will undergo heavy use, such as sportswear, outdoor gear, and household items like rugs and upholstery. They also come in anti-pilling options which is great when you want your creation to last longer and stay looking new with little upkeep.
2. **Consistency and Uniformity**: Synthetic yarns are produced in controlled environments, resulting in a consistent product with uniform thickness, colour, and texture. This uniformity is particularly beneficial for large projects where consistency is key. This often also means having better access to the same dye lots if and when you need them rather than a smaller production run as is often the case with natural fibres.
3. **Cost-Effectiveness**: Generally, man-made yarns are less expensive to produce than their natural counterparts. This affordability makes them accessible for a wide range of people, pockets and projects. Many people create to donate to others, this can mean that there isn't always a lot of money available, better cost effectiveness can often equate to being able to give away more to those who need it.
4. **Versatility**: The variety of synthetic fibres available means that manufacturers can engineer specific properties into the yarn, such as water resistance, elasticity, or antimicrobial qualities. This makes man-made yarns extremely versatile for different applications.
5. **Colour Fastness**: Synthetic yarns often hold dyes better than natural fibres, resulting in vibrant, long-lasting colours that don’t fade easily with washing and exposure to sunlight.
6. **Allergens & Choice**: some people are not able to, or choose not to, use natural fibres that come from animals. This may be due to allergic reactions to certain natural fibres or their individual choice to not use animal products. Man made fibres are a great option when this is the case.
Issues with Man-Made Yarns
1. **Environmental Impact**: The production of synthetic yarns typically involves petrochemicals and energy-intensive processes, contributing to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. Additionally, synthetic fibres can take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to environmental concerns regarding their disposal.
2. **Lack of Breathability**: Man-made fibres often lack the breathability of natural fibres, which can make garments less comfortable in terms of temperature regulation and moisture absorption.
3. **Potential Allergens**: Some people may experience allergic reactions or skin sensitivities to synthetic fibres, limiting their use in items like clothing or bedding that come into direct contact with skin.
4. **Microplastics**: Synthetic fibers can shed microplastics during washing, which then enter water systems and contribute to pollution. This is a growing environmental concern.
Benefits of Natural Fibre Yarns
1. **Eco-Friendliness**: Natural fibres like cotton, wool, silk, and linen are biodegradable and have a lower environmental footprint compared to synthetic fibres. They often come from renewable sources and can decompose naturally, reducing waste.
2. **Breathability and Comfort**: Natural fibres tend to be more breathable and moisture-wicking, which enhances comfort. Wool, for instance, can absorb moisture without feeling wet, making it an excellent choice for garments.
3. **Aesthetic Appeal**: Many natural fibres have a unique texture and sheen that synthetic fibres can’t easily replicate. Silk, with its luxurious lustre, and linen, with its natural drape, add a high-end feel to garments and textiles.
4. **Temperature Regulation**: Natural fibres are often better at regulating temperature. Wool provides excellent insulation, keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer, while cotton is light and breathable for hot weather. This is why wool is recommended for making items for premmie babies rather than man made fibres.
5. **Less Static and Pilling**: Natural fibres are less prone to static electricity and pilling, making them a good choice for items that require a smooth finish. Although this is not always the case with wool.
Issues with Natural Fibre Yarns
1. **Cost**: High-quality natural fibres can be expensive, which might not be feasible for all budgets, especially for large projects.
2. **Durability**: While some natural fibres like wool are quite durable, others like cotton can wear out more quickly, especially when exposed to frequent washing and friction.
3. **Inconsistency**: Natural fibres can vary significantly in texture, thickness, and dye uptake, even within the same batch. This can pose challenges for large projects where consistency is important.
4. **Care Requirements**: Many natural fibres require special care, such as hand washing or dry cleaning, to maintain their appearance and longevity. They can also be more susceptible to pests like moths, particularly wool.
5. **Potential Allergens**: Some people may experience allergic reactions or skin sensitivities to natural fibres, often in more instances than those who react to man made fibres.
6. **Environmental Impact**: the production of fibres such as cotton require a significant amount of water and the use of agrochemicals (especially pesticides) and the runoff from these contaminates rivers, lakes, wetlands, and underground aquifers. These pollutants affect biodiversity directly by immediate toxicity or indirectly through long-term accumulation.
Conclusion
Both man-made and natural fibre yarns have their unique advantages and disadvantages. Man-made yarns offer durability, cost-effectiveness, and versatility, but come with environmental and comfort concerns. Natural fibres, while primarily eco-friendly and comfortable, can be expensive and require more care. The choice between the two often comes down to the specific needs of the project, personal preferences, and environmental considerations. By understanding these factors, you can make more informed decisions and select the best yarn for your next creation.