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What to know about recycled yarns
Recycled yarns are exactly what they sound like-yarns made from recycled materials. This can include old clothing, leftover fabric scraps or even plastic bottles. The idea is to take something that would otherwise end up in a landfill and give it a second life as beautiful, usable yarn.
Reusing
In past generations, frugality, and ‘make do and mend’ was a way of life. Today, there’s a growing awareness of environmental issues. When visiting charity shops, look for well-made, high-quality sweaters in colours and fibres you like from which you can carefully unravel and reuse the yarn.
Why purchase recycled yarn?
– Eco-Friendly: Using recycled yarns is a fantastic way to reduce waste and lower your carbon footprint.
– The Textures: Recycled yarns often have unique textures and colours that you won’t find in traditional yarns.
– Quality: Don’t let the word “recycled” fool you. These yarns can be just as high-quality and durable as their non-recycled alternatives.
Drawbacks of Recycled Yarn
It’s worth noting that recycled yarns can sometimes feel very different, with different textures from their traditional alternatives. If you’re after a softer, more traditional feel to your creation, try knitting kits to experiment with a variety of yarn.
If you’re new to the craft, knitting kits are a fantastic way to learn. They include clear instructions and easy-to-follow patterns, helping you build your skills step by step. Many knitting kits also come with beginner-friendly projects, which are ideal for practising.
Types of Recycled Yarn
Recycled cotton yarn is made from repurposed cotton fabrics. The process involves collecting these materials, cleaning them, shredding them into fibres, and then spinning them into new yarn.
Another common type of recycled yarn is T-shirt yarn. T-shirt yarn is created from repurposed cotton t-shirts, usually by cutting them into thin strips.
On the other hand, ribbon yarn is flatter and wider than traditional yarn and is made from recycled materials, often fabric scraps or remnants of textiles. The texture can vary from soft and silky to a bit more rigid, depending on the source material.
