questions about types of yarn

[christianmomof3]

ok, I keep seeeing people referrring to acrylic yarn as being bad here.
I just started knitting and crocheting though and don't wish to spend lots of money on yarn until I am actually proficient at it.
For those who don't do acrylic yarns, do you do part acrylic?
Do you get any of the yarns at regular craft stores like the Lion Brand or the things at JoAnne Crafts and Michaels or do you only get the expensive yarns online or at local yarn shops?
What are the best types of yarn and is there somewhere that tells what kinds of things are best made with each type?
How much do you typically spend on yarn?

If you buy it online, what are some good sites?
Thank you.

[Sagesgirl]

You don't have to be a yarn snob just because other people are yarn snobs.

I use acrylics almost exclusively. With very few exceptions, there's almost nothing acrylic is not appropriate for, and I'll go so far as to say it's better in a good number of things. Especially projects where washability is a key factor. Simply Soft makes for great clothes and toys, is very soft, very cheap, and damn near indestructable.

I use cotton yarn some, but even the fanciest wools make me itch, so I avoid them. I'd love to be able to buy some bamboo or soy yarn, but I just cannot afford it.

If you like the yarn you're working with now, you're under no impetus to change.

[Twinklefae]

I'll start by saying that I"m still relatively new to knitting, so I may change my opinion as I go along.

That said, I mostly knit with wool (oddly enough I find acrylic kind of itchy...) but it's almost all really really cheap wool from Micheal's (no Joann's here) or even Walmart. Right now I'm knitting DH a hat out of "Sean Sheep" wool from Walmart... it was on sale. ($1.99 a ball...) Also, because I originally started knitting wool soakers, a lot of my "stash" is wool (again, cheap wool!) so when I make a random project, like the socks I just finished it tends to be wool because that's what I have on hand.

I"m not a huge fan of acrylic, as it's plastic. I'm looking to reduce the amount of plastic in my life, and if I keep an eye out, it's not that hard to avoid. Sometimes it's needed, for washability, but superwash wool can go in the washer too. (I havne't yet tried it though!)

I'm just starting to look at blends, and I'm not sure what to make of them... (or with them). Hopefully someone will respond about that and we'll both learn something.

Anyway, knit with stuff you like. Don't put yourself in the poorhouse.

HTH!

[texaspeach]

I don't like some acrylics because they are scratchy and feel yucky on my hands. There are some that are very soft though and I'll work with them for certain things. I don't mind crocheting in acrylic, but I find it isn't stretchy enough for me to knit with. I also don't like to WEAR acrylic because it is really hot, I prefer wool or cotton.

I don't usually use acrylic blends. I hate lion brand wool blends. TBH, I'd rather use a soft acrylic than one of the blends at a discount store.

Acrylic yarns I don't mind: Berocco comfort, my family, red heart soft yarn, and caron simply soft. I recently scored some Bernat Berella "4" for 99 cents a ball and it's alright, it could stand to be softer, but I'm not hating it yet.

Red heart super saver is really scratchy. I avoid it at all costs.

That said, I do prefer to work with wool or other natural fibers (alpaca, angora, bamboo, cotton, etc), they have a better hand (feel). For certain projects though, an acrylic is a good choice. For things that need to be washable and inexpensive, like the afghan I'm making my mom, or toy food, or certain baby things for gifts, acrylic is my fiber of choice.

I shop almost exclusively at my LYS because I prefer to support a local business rather than a big chain or internet company.

[josybear]

i knit with acrylic and cheap wool, and i thought it was ok, but then i got some really nice wool from a clearance bin and i'll never go back. it made knitting a whole other experience. i'm officially a yarn snob, i guess, but i think that yarn really does make a difference to the enjoyment of the knitting and the finished product. i think you get what you pay for (and i only shop in my local yarn store's clearance bin)

[Think of Winter]

I almost never use acrylic. I haven't seen an acrylic that I thought was worth the money in terms of softness and durability. I usually spend $6-8 per 4 oz skein, and I often buy through coops. My favorite wools are Peace Fleece (durability, beautiful colors, not expensive) and PureWool (incredibly soft). Both of these sources are environmentally and socially responsible, too.

[MeepyCat]

I think that your opinion of acrylic is likely to come down to the question of what you're knitting FOR.

I knit as a semi-meditative exercise, a way to help myself stay alert while also relaxing. I occasionally produce a (hand wash only) garment. It's worth it to me to spend money on materials that are more sensually appealing (mmmmMalabrigo...), because yarns and needles that don't feel as nice won't contribute effectively to the zen state I'm trying to achieve. Because my level of actual production is low, I don't spend that much for my very nice yarn.

If, however, you are knitting to produce garments, to clothe yourself and your family, acrylics have a lot going for them. They wash well, they hold up to hard wear, and they look just fine. Nothing wrong with any of that.

[abomgardner417]

I used acrylics almost exclusively when I started out, just because I didn't want to spend a lot of money on a project if I was going to screw it up or end up not finishing it (which I did a lot in the beginning). Now that I'm starting to work on sweaters I use more blends. I love the super nice stuff - alpaca and whatnot but just can't afford them. I still haven't found a website or a shop in my area that has nicer affordable yarns.

Like a pp said, it really depends on what you're knitting. If you're just trying out scarves, hats, or slippers acrylic is probably great. I've managed to find some pretty cheap wools suitable for felting. If you're knitting stuff that's gonna be close to the skin for a long period of time I'd go with something a little nicer.

[MeepyCat]

Gah! Remembered something - if you are knitting outerwear (hats, mittens, scarves, or sweaters for people who plan to wear them hiking or skiing or whatnot), wool will keep you warm even when it is wet. So that's a reason to use it over acrylics, if you're thinking of making serious bad weather gear. Otherwise, see my previous comment.

[lifeguard]

I would love to use natural fibres more often but often the cost plays into my decision. And here in Costa Rica it seems to be next to impossible to find anything but acrylic. I actually bought wool while I was home in Canada specifically to make soakers out of 'cause the only wool I could find here was much heavier & not as soft as I wanted.

[jennlyn]

I love natural fibers, but if I do use an acrylic, I use the Simply Soft by Caron. It holds up well for years and I mainly use it for baby afghans because they need to be washable. It drapes well and isn't stiff at all. It is inexpensive and there are people who are allergic to or dislike wool. Also, those with allergies to dust need items that can be frequently washed. If using any acrylic, look for skeins labelled "soft" - they are much nicer.

[knitting_mama]

acrylic = vegan! thats why i like it (though i do use wool for soakers)