Why are Acrylic Yarns Popular in the World?
“Acrylic yarn is not made from natural fibers; it is a synthetic material created from polymer materials.”
The polymer is created as foils and is sliced into long strands like wool, then the strands are spun into yarn that can be purchased from shops. In the 1940s, the first acrylic yarn, named Orlon, was developed.
Acrylic yarn blend well, but it should include between 35% to 85% acrylonitrile monomer to be classifiable as acrylic.
As acrylic yarn is man-made and produced in vast volumes worldwide, it is an inexpensive choice above other alternatives. New craftsmen utilise acrylic yarn because they are of higher quality and work at an economic price. They explore with this skill.
In addition, acrylic yarn is sturdy and simple to handle. The yarn and the clothing that is crochet from the yarns can be machine-wash without a softener at a low pace. A low tumble dryer or in a shade is best for the fibres to dry. Acrylic yarns are not friendly with the ironing mode as the synthetic fibres might melt under the iron heat.
In contrast to other natural yarns, acrylic does not have to undergo repeated laundry procedures during production, making it a cheap alternative.
Advantage of Acrylic Yarns
Arrays of Colors
Acrylic yarn is available in a wide array of colours. These yarns can be chemically formulated into various specifications including colour shades. The options are practically unlimited. If you are a crochet beginner, then you may want to stick to this yarn for your initial projects.
Vast Availability Locally or Online
Acrylic yarn is most commonly available in a local store or one can buy it through online stores. The production is massive worldwide and so the availability is also vast.
Pocket Friendly
Acrylic yarns are cheaper in comparison to natural yarns like wool, cotton or bamboo yarns. When working on a bigger project the option is good as it is a cost saver.
Lifespan of Acrylic Yarns
As these yarns are manmade they have a longer lifespan compared to the other natural fibres. The durability also depends on the manufactures and their use. Overall these yarn have a long life.
Easy to Maintain
One should read the wash care instruction carefully before handling the fibres. Most of these yarns can be washed and cleaned using a machine with a low tumble dryer. These yarns are less sensitive to detergent in comparison to natural fibres.
Good for Beginners
As the yarns are simpler one gets a better stitch definition while working. The yarns tend to be stiff and give a good gauge. Perfect for beginners or DIY crafts.
Non-allergenic
Wool and other yarn fibres may cause an allergic reaction to those who are sensitive to these fibres, however, very few people are allergic to acrylic yarn.
Lighter weight
Knitting or throwing a big blanket and still want it light? For this one, acrylic might be your go-to yarn. There is less density to synthetic polymers from which the yarn is manufactured than natural fibres. Thus, it makes the sensation objects much lighter.
Disadvantages of Acrylic Yarn
Let’s look at some disadvantages of acrylic yarn as well.
Not Eco-Friendly
Acrylic yarn includes chemicals and compounds that affect humans mildly. They are still commonly utilised in the crochet and knitting fields.
Different chemicals are utilised to produce spinning yarns and tissues, these chemicals are not natural and might have harmful and can cause health consequences.
A formaldehyde product is used in the yarn to avoid shrinkage and is permanently trapped in the fibre. In addition, the yarn is also coloured with petrochemical dyes.
The yarns have more chemicals in their composition so that they are resistant to fire, soft, wrinkle-free and stain. Formaldehyde is released from the chemicals used to treat the yarn as flame retardant, which is not very ideal for breathing in.
Insufficient Respiration
Unlike natural wool, 100% acrylic yarn will not let your body respire.
The yarns hold onto your sweat, this also means it’ll retain the smell or odour.
Additionally, the yarns soak water in case you get wet in the rains.
Highly Inflammable
Acrylic yarns under high-temperature melt. Keeping his in mind it is not advisable to use these yarn items in the kitchen or wearing sweaters of these yarns as the yarns are not fire-resistant and can cause terrible burns if in contact with skin.
Can yield low-quality products
Acrylic yarns do not yield uniform texture and in many cases, the product is not as desired. Few reasons for this may be the lumpy, twisted nature of synthetic materials.
To summarise
Light, soft and affordable Acrylic Knitting Yarn is occasionally mistaken for Wool with the most contemporary yarns. It is down to personal preference, of course, but in my view, acrylic yarn is used and ought not to be disregarded.
The acrylic knitting yarn is available in several brands and quality. You can touch, feel, squeeze and tug the yarn – if your fingers aren’t happy, pick an alternative.
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