Lion Brand Notebook ®
When you’re crafting, what fibers are you most likely to reach for? Many crafters have strong feelings about the content of the fibers they choose. Sometimes, this is due to sensitivities or allergies (which can be the case with wool or wool blends), but it may also be a lifestyle choice (i.e. only natural materials). But when it comes to acrylic yarn, there are plenty of myths floating around in the yarniverse! Check out our video below, in which Shira sets the record straight on 5 myths about acrylic yarn.
You may have read a blog or spoken with other crafters who’ve spread these 5 myths about acrylic yarns:
While some of these myths might be based on a grain of truth, they don’t necessarily hold true for today’s acrylic yarns. Many of the issues that gave acrylic yarn a bad rap have changed as better and better yarns are created in response to crafters’ concerns! If you’ve been thinking acrylic yarns are inferior and you’re not sure where you got that idea, check out Shira’s myth-busting new video below and challenge some of those assumptions.
Today’s acrylic yarns are soft to work with and wear, and have very easy care regimens. This makes them perfect for often-worn garments and baby projects! With their dye-ability and wide color palette, you can craft totally unique projects. Lion Brand offers some gorgeous acrylic yarns that are beloved by our crafters. Click here to see which of our yarns fit the bill!
Are you a fan of crafting with acrylics? Do you have a sensitivity that makes it your best choice, or are there specific projects for which you prefer an acrylic fiber? Let us know in the comments below what you’re using acrylics for in your crafting! And if you were a believer in any of these 5 myths, let us know if we busted it for you.
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msFam
I find it difficult to go past the affordability of acrylic! Not to mention ease of care (washing, moths) and allergies …
Charleen Wright
Since I am allergic to wool, I crochet with any acrylic. I have found that polyester does pill.
Carol D
I do not know about Lion Brand Acrylic yarns, but I made a large, rather complicated purse with “another bargain brand” acrylic – and after less than a dozen uses, the bag is pilled so badly, it looks trashy~
I was VERY frustrated, because I had put so much work into the purse – and even lined it with several zip compartments for convenience. Now it is basically unusable because it pilled so badly!
So – not using that “bargain brand” yarn again – turns out not to be much of a bargain after all! All that time, work and even designing the internal compartments – just to end up with an unusable purse! NEVER AGAIN!
Colleen Kaneen
I use lion brand yarns of all kind and have never had a problem all very good yarns
Mary Watkins
Easy to work with, wonderful colors, and most of all wash and dry. I have used acrylic yarn for throws, baby blankets, hats, booties, sweaters along with many sweaters for myself and others. Never found it itchy.
Gen Kazdin
I was asked to only use acrylic yarns for chemo caps I knit for a children’s hospital. I found the colors vibrant, varied, easily coordinating, and easy to create bright, colorful hats for youngsters, The hats are comfortable to knit — they do not make my hands perspire or itch. Some other fibers do. I have found a brand I like and as long as I continue this knitting, I will use it. Oh, I do use other fibers for other projects. The key for me is choosing the right yarn what what I need to accomplish.
Susanne Howard
Wool does make me itch. My biggest complaint about non-wool yarns is that they just never seem to exist in the variety as wool do, at least for making garments.. i seen worsted and thicker, but sports weight or fingering seems to mearly always exist only as baby yarn or some rather plain solids.
Janet McDowell
I prefer acrylic for baby items, hypoallergenic, and easy care. While some yarns may be stiff, scratchy, and garishly colored, the days of most falling into that category are long gone. Acrylic is also a go-to for charity knitting for the same reasons of care and allergies. The only drawback is it can be hot to wear.
Kelle J.
I’m crocheting a throw right now with Mandala and I love it. Most of my projects are made with acrylic yarn. I’ve used Vanna’s Choice for hats, scarves and fingerless gloves. I’ve also used acrylic yarn for afghans, pillows and baby items such as booties and blankets. I would say that 90% of my yarn stash is acrylic!
Mrs K
It’s still plastic, how do you get past that? It’s ultimately not great for the environment and isnt breathable like natural fibres. If you want to choose something hypo allergenic and easy care then you can’t beat cotton, or bamboo for the more ethical shopper. Cotton is also an inexpensive option.
These myths might be busted, but it will never be environamentally sound and therefore 100% acrylic is never a choice for me.
Judy goth
I’ve used acrylics and wool and have found a great percentage of both types to be satisfactory!! Producer seems to be the best designator if quality!!! Take the time to make some small projects with various yarns and get an idea of your finished project!! Stick with the brand’s that you enjoy working with !!! Knityi g is do fun!!! I’ve been doing it for 60 years now!!
Erica Ducca
I mostly crochet with acrylic yarn. Besides being the cheapest option, I feel that most acrylic yarn isn’t as scratchy as its reputation suggests. In fact, I find that many acrylic yarns are beautifully soft.
Aida
I guess I’m in the minority. While some prefer acrylic yarns due to allergies, I am the reverse. I prefer wools, cottons and bamboo blends over acrylic because of my allergies. There are many who when working with acrylic have reactions to the fiber. I am part of a charity group who knit/crochet handmade items with acrylic. At best, the most I can work a pattern is about 15 minutes before my hands begin to swell and itch. I often need to apply hand lotion for sensitive skin before working with acrylic. This helps a little, but it doesn’t remedy my problems. I tend to use super-wash wools for most of my projects. As a retiree on a fixed income, pricing is a factor and so I scour the store-flyers for sales and discounts. The ideal would be to have affordable options for both acrylic and superwash wool.
great for baby!
I like acrylics for baby and small children’s things. Mostly because they wash really nicely and if they get into the dryer they turn out ok. Some acrylics can kind of “melt” in the dryer but I find those to be the least expensive yarns,. I also love to scout out thrift shops and I have often found good Orlon yarn in vintage colors to make sweet projects. It’s a lot of fun. I think all yarns can pill. and most hand knits will fare better if laid flat to air dry but in a child’s garment that can just be too much work for mom. When in doubt, about melt-ability, I dry inside a pillow case to protect from pilling and melting. Acrylics work really well for toys too… the yarn keeps it’s shape and it holds up better to play by both children and pets.
Carol Gedert
For most items I prefer acrylic yarns. Generally, I only use wool
If I plan on felting the piece. For my first major project, a queen size coverlet, I used Vanna’s Choice yarn. I have washed the piece several times and I have not had a problem with pilling. Wool garments are itchy to me, never acrylics.
Rachel
I crochet with acrylic for chemo caps and other items for
Sylvia Becker
I love working with acrylic yarns. Especially the variegated yarns are so great to transform even simple pattern projects in real pieces of art. Also they are usually easy care and really affordable/
Maggie Gibbs
So, acrylic is plastic. I only use natural yarns for my designs. Enough said!
Louise Cote
I knit a lot for kids, so I have an ample supply of acrylics in my storage room. I love that a baby can spit up, go in for a nap, and wake to a clean blankie time and time again.
For me, I like blends. Whether a cardi or socks I want the ease of machine washing on delicate with the warmth of wool.