A Full Range of Yarns - for Everybody and Their Budget
Choose your yarns according to the project and your budget
Knitting yarns come in many different types, styles - and even thicknesses, and each of them has different qualities. It's good to know about various kinds of yarns if you're interested in knitting for charity.
YARNS: WOOL vs. ACRYLICS
'Wool' is a term often used to refer to ALL yarns - but it really only refers to the natural animal fibers of sheep, alpacas, llamas or goats. Other natural fiber yarns come from plants, like silk.
Yarns that are not 'natural' are any that are 'man-made,' and there are lots of different kinds of man-made yarns. These are called acrylic yarns.
CHARITY PROJECT YARNS
The best yarns to use for most charity projects are the acrylics. For one thing, they are relatively inexpensive compared to many of the natural fibers, but the main reason acrylics are appropriate is because they are very sturdy and durable yarns, yet they are highly washable.
Mostly, the project you are working on, and who it's for, determines the types of yarns to consider. If you want to make a fine lace tablecloth or an heirloom shawl, you won't want to use rag yarn, for example. While some people dislike the 'feel' of acrylics on their skin, others are allergic to wool, or find it 'scratchy.' Some natural fibers are great warmth against the body, but some acrylics are, too.
"WEIGHTS" OF YARNS
The thickness of yarns is referred to as their 'weight', and there is a full range of yarn weights:
Laceweight, or 2-ply/3-ply: Laceweight yarns are very fine, almost threadlike.
Fingering Weight (4-ply): These yarns are used mainly for baby clothes and lacy garments.
Sportweight, or DK (Double Knitting) or 8-ply. These yarns are used for all types of garments, from infancy through adulthood. There are many patterns available for this very popular yarn weight.
Aran, Worsted, or Triple, or 'knitting worsted' weight (12-ply): These yarns are generally used for heavily textured garments involving cables or other 'texture' techniques.
Chunky, or Bulky yarns (14 ply in Australia or New Zealand), are heavy, and they knit up quickly on large needles -- often the beginner's choice since it is easy to handle and fast.. It comes in a wide range of colors, and is popular for oversized sweaters, jackets, and children's wear.
There is a full range of yarns - for every knitter, and every budget!