Yarn is a strand composed of fibres, filaments (individual fibres of extreme length), or other materials,... Yarns are made from both natural and synthetic fibre, in filament or staple form. Filament is fibre of great length, including the natural fibre silk and the synthetic fibres.
Different types of yarn
Yarns are referred to different fibres spun together like strands in 2 ply or more to create a bundle. There are various types of yarns that are available to create various types of garments. Yarns come from 3 origins:
- Animal Origin
- Plant Origin
- Synthetic
Animal Origin yarns include:
Wool:
It is made from the fleece of sheep and is the most popular choice for knitters. It is usually used to make winter wear. It is a natural fibre and is popular for retaining its shape and lasting for a long time. However, it can be a little itchy for a few people.
Cashmere:
This is a very soft type of wool, extracted from Cashmere goats. It is not as strong as the sheep wool though. This is also a very expensive type of wool as the extraction process is quite tedious. As compared to regular sheep wool, which is shorn, Cashmere wool has to be combed and collected. This requires a lot of time and extensive manual work. Also, the amount of fibre collected per animal is quite less making the fabric much more expensive and exclusive.
Merino:
This is also a type of wool and is taken from a special breed of sheep called the Merino Sheep. It is known for its softness and non-allergic properties. A disadvantage of this wool is that sometimes, the threads can collect an create a fuzz/ ball on the fabric called “piling”. However, it is still considered a very popular choice for knitting winter wear.
Silk:
Silk is extracted from silkworms, called Mulberry silkworms. This is again an expensive fabric given the quantity extracted from a single worm is marginal and also a tedious process. This fabric is considered to be regal given its shine and majestic flow. It is a slippery fabric though, thus difficult to knit around. It is also quite strong and in fact the strongest natural fibre.
Plant Origin Yarns Include:
Cotton:
It is extracted from cotton plants, grown widely across the world in warm climates. It is ideal to knit summer wear as it keeps the body cool and is breathable. It comes in various sub-categories as well.
Hemp:
This is quite a new type of natural, plant-based yarn. It is quite soft and is pretty sturdy for stitching. It is thus used in making coats, sweaters and long socks. Hemp is also a cheaper fabric as compared to cotton because each plant of hemp produces more fibre than that of cotton.
Bamboo:
Bamboo fibre is made from a bamboo plant. It is soft and has a good flow; making it excellent for draping. It also has anti-bacterial properties and is quite airy and breathable, which makes it a good choice for summer wear.
Synthetic Yarns include:
Rayon:
It is a manufactured fibre extracted from the pulp of wood; even though wood is a natural substance, the chemical process that is used for processing this pulp, makes rayon a semi-synthetic fibre. It is quite breathable and doesn’t lose shape. It is ideal for summer wear.
Novelty:
These fibres are made in various colours and textures. They add character to any garment and make it more appealing and interesting. They come in various types like Chenille, which is smooth and velvety, Bouclé which is loopy, Faux fur: extra fluffy and railroad ribbon.
Polyester:
It is a popular synthetic fibre made from a blend of plant extract and synthetic chemicals. Polyester is used in making garments and many other products as well, including furniture, mousepads, linen etc. blended with cotton, it makes the fabric stronger, wrinkle-free and also prevents it from shrinking.
You can choose your yarn from Vardhman Yarns, based on your personal requirements and skill expertise. We are the biggest producers of yarn in India and have the best quality of yarns available in India.
