Top 10 Environmentally Friendly Yarns

There are many ways to be environmentally friendly. You can recycle, reuse and even reduce your consumption. But there is another way – being careful about what you purchase and where it comes from. The production method of many goods is harmful to the environment; so, it's nice to find products that don't harm or at the very least, minimize their impact on the environment when they are produced. Especially when it comes to your hobbies. Here's a list of 10 yarns that are environmentally friendly and great to use!

1. Alpaca Yarn: This yarn comes from the fleece of alpacas, which are similar to llamas, only smaller and more delicate. The fleece is hand shorn, washed and spun into yarn. The resulting yarn is stronger, finer and warmer than most wool. It is also very durable and naturally hypoallergenic.
2. Bamboo Yarn: Made from bamboo, which is a renewable resource, this yarn is naturally antibacterial. It is also strong, soft, cool to the touch and very breathable. Often, only natural dyes are used on bamboo yarn, making it even more environmentally friendly. The only drawback to bamboo yarn is that it can only be hand washed, as it is too delicate to put in a washing machine.
3. Corn Yarn: New to the market, this yarn is made from corn. It's lighter than bamboo and cotton. Best of all, it can go in the washer and dryer. However, it cannot be ironed or have steam applied to it.
4. 100% Hemp: Hemp yarn is another yarn that is made from a renewable resource and does not require chemicals during the growth stage. As well, the hemp is turned into yarn through a chemical-free process and only natural dyes are used to give colour to the yarn. It is three times stronger than cotton and has a natural resistance to mold.
5. Recycled Silk Sari Yarn: This yarn is made in Nepal from scraps of silk thread obtained from clothing mills in India, who would normally throw out the scraps. The threads are sorted out by colour and similar colours are spun together. It is then made into skeins, twisted and then bagged for sale. Not only does this yarn divert material away from landfills, but it also creates well paying, skilled jobs for the local women.
6. 100% Organic Cotton Yarn: When buying organic cotton yarns, look for yarn made from certified organic cotton to ensure that it meets government standards for organic material. It also comes in earthy colour tones since natural dyes are used. Wash in cool water and lay flat to dry in order to prevent the yarn from shrinking.
7. Organic Merino Yarn: This yarn comes from the fleece of certified organic merino sheep. The majority of merino sheep are raised in New Zealand and Australia. They do not receive any chemical or growth hormones and they graze only on pastures that are herbicide and chemical free. As well, the fleece is not exposed to any chemicals when it is spun into yarn, making it a very environmentally friendly yarn from start to finish.
8. Recycled Sarongs Yarn: This yarn is similar to the recycled silk sari yarn listed above. In this case, workers take worn out sarongs and turn them into yarn. In turn, the profits from the sale of the yarn are used to fund the health care, education and shelter of people living in Indonesia and Nepal.
9. SeaSilk Yarn: This yarn is all natural and is made 70% silk and 30% seaweed. It has vibrant, rich colours and a natural sheen to the yarn. It is incredibly soft, making it very pleasurable to work with. It is best to hand wash any garments made from this yarn.
10. Soysilk Yarn: Soysilk yarn is another yarn that is made from natural and renewable resources. It is made from the waste created in the process of manufacturing tofu. The soy protein that is left over is first liquefied before it is squeezed into a long and flat fiber. The resulting yarn is flat and resembles linguini. As well, it is soft and easy to wash.

It's easier than ever to be environmentally friendly. If you would like to try out some of these great environmentally friendly yarns for yourself, please visit our Knitting Yarns webpage. We have a wide variety of types and colours!

Back to Knitting Articles