5 Myths about Acrylic Yarn

[@LionBrandYarn]

What's your favorite thing to make with acrylic yarn?

[@michellewohlgemuth8847]

LionBrandYarn Afghans are my favourite items to make with acrylic yarns, but as we all are allergic to wool, cotton and acrylic are I use. Thank you for the video.

[@tracydavis8802]

Hats, mittens, fingerless mitts, blankets and socks

[@leleslie45]

Scrap afghans to donate to vets.

[@SpiralBreeze]

Everything, I have no place to properly wash wool, so everything must be machine washed and dried at the laundromat.

[@LindaTate]

Baby blankets

[@leleslie45]

Thank you for this video. Most places that accept donations of handmade items do not want wools or fancy fibers because of care issues for the recipients. Acrylic doesn't attract moths and way fewer people have skin problems wearing or working with acrylic.

[@PapercraftLady]

That is also why I use acrylic or wool/acrylic blends (Wool Ease) for most of my gifts!

[@JellyFlavoredGerman]

I have super sensitive skin and acrylic makes me want to tear my skin off, whereas even the toughest old wools feel good on me.

[@heatherstewart7131]

Hats. I knit 100 hats a year for the snowsuit charity. This is my 14th. Year. I use a lot of acrylic yarn.

[@saklee1777]

aw how nice. once i start selling on etsy i’m going to crochet 1 of what i want to sell and crochet 1 amigurumi of what to donate to samaritan’s purse. and keep up that pattern.

[@robyn3349]

Haha! Thanks for setting the record straight! You are adorbs!

[@agnescleary2312]

All true, and great info. I also prefer it for blankets, afghans, etc. And for charity knitting, often it's preferred because it's easy to care for. However, for warmth, nothing beats wool.

[@dpreeper]

I had to watch this as a form of therapy...hahaha. I love some yarnie channels on KZbin, but most of them are pretty hard on acrylic, speaking as if it is only for beginners or people who don't know any better. I love acrylic. I have a small budget; most acrylics fit in pretty easily. I have an even smaller home; the right kind of acrylic means I don't have to find space (my bed? my dinner table?) to lay flat to dry. And since it steam blocks beautifully, the dry time is super short, and I can quickly get it out of the way again. And that's only once per project, because it holds the steam block even after laundering. Oh, I also have 5 kids, so the time I save not having to hand wash is invaluable. I have come across some uncomfortable, scratchy acrylic, but not from Lion Brand, so if you are stuck ordering through the mail (like me), do a little research for reviews if you want, or just stick with Lion Brand. And BTW natural fibers can be uncomfortable sometimes, too.

[@YarnThisPodcastShama]

I knit a lot of stuffies and I always use acrylic!! I knit anything for babies, kids, or muggles out of acrylic! Thanks for the myth busting video!!!

[@glennarobinson3801]

I use a felting needle to hide the ends of my yarn that tend to poke out after you weave them in.

[@OG_Beckie_Leigh]

Glenna Robinson Thanks for that tip! The “pokie outies” drive me nuts, and they always appear no matter how carefully I weave them in.

[@pebbles7864]

I love acrylic! I need to make my grandkids items that can easily be thrown in the washer and dryer. Nobody has time for special laundry now days.

[@JellyFlavoredGerman]

I'm just getting into knitting and I'm really shocked at how many knitters defend acrylic. While the fashion community is embracing natural fibres and up-cycling the knitting community is defending plastic yarn. Absolutely nuts. We only have one planet, guys. Let's not pollute it with cheap plastic sweaters.

[@Stettafire]

Agreed

[@StephanieSharp2]

I love Acrylic yarn, especially Lion Brand. And I find that steam blocking is the best way to block, but honestly blocking isn’t always necessary, and that’s one of the pluses Of Acrylic yarn! I make loads of shawls, scarves, ponchos and cardigans with Acrylic. I love using Mandala yarn!

[@christinnascreations9072]

Thank you I love my Red Heart and my Lion Brand😊! My favorite things are blankets, lapghans, prayer shawls & hats. Luv yah💕

[@korinnab.2318]

I always prefer wool because I love natural fibers, but acrylic is so affordable and accessible

[@pauladuggins1006]

thanx for the informative video. i have also found that sometimes acrylic yarns and fibers can be warmer than natural fibers of the same weight.

[@Goldenretriever-k8m]

they pollute water and the environment though. major downside

[@barkingsheep5224]

Fibers from plastic clothing are bringing a bunch of ills to our planet. I was just reading how microplastics are damaging our gut biomes, and plenty of other research links this to autoimmune diseases! Microplastics can cross the blood brain barrier. No one should ever touch acrylic yarn or polyester clothes again!

[@Goldenretriever-k8m]

@@barkingsheep5224 Yeah. They really are bad. I of course have bought tons of acrylic yarn in my day though. It's just so cheap and so easy to use.

[@josetieneoro]

Yeah right... as opposed to the animal exploitation industry behind wool, which of course does not waste tons of water and livestock, doesn't mess up with the biodiversity of land animals and doesn't produce more carbon emissions than motorbikes. Sure.

[@Goldenretriever-k8m]

@@josetieneoro that's a really good point but there is tencel and soy fiber and other alternatives

[@Be-so_fr-]

Me reading this: 👁️👄👁️ im wearing polyester

[@lynnwinter94]

I love acrylic, I use it for most things, it's great if there are any allergy suffers ( like we have). I also love using Aran too.

[@bookrockgoddess]

I use almost only your yarns. I love just about all of them. I have bought the more expensive yarns from our local yarn shops and to tell you the truth my projects have turned out better with your yarns. Also, honestly with the yarns you offer on line, I feel they are just as high of quality as those premier yarns that are at those specialty stores. I love the prices and I am not a big fan of wool items anyways. Thank you for all the great yarns and all the free patterns you offer.

[@pattyfarghaly1821]

Vannas choice is my go to yarn.

[@mrsshazbat805]

I use Acrylic for just about everything. I have a bad allergy to wool (a jumper accidentally worn once put me in the A+E) and I find cotton and linen based yarns too expensive for larger projects. A good quality acrylic item will, with the proper care, last a lifetime...

[@beadyarngal83]

I love acrylic!! I make everything in acrylic. Mostly hat/cowl/mittens/fingerless mitts set. Acrylic is awesome to knit with! Thanks for the awesome video on Acrylic! :)

[@mariepla1370]

I'm allergic to wool, even Marino. I have no choice but to use acrylic, cotton, bamboo or a combo. I love acrylic yarns. Most are machine washable and ok to use dryer. This is important to me, because I make afghans. It is easier to be able to wash and dry them in the machine. I can also use alpaca, but too expensive. Thanks for Sharing this information.

[@triciaslater4783]

Got some recently. Am wondering if I can use it in wet felting as a texture layer?? Since it doesn’t shrink and my merino wool covering it does it should make a good texture? Any advice?

[@LionBrandYarn]

Hi Tricia! 100% acrylic yarn won't wet felt. You can try needle felting with it, though! If your yarn is a blend, you might be able to do a combination of wet and needle felting. Hope that helps!

[@matknit321]

great video to true I love acrylic yarn it knits well and crochet. thank you

[@anavah4yeshua580]

EVERYTHING!! I learned to crochet with acrylic yarn & I’ve used it since (over 40 yrs) I reached my limits on family items long ago, so now I just crochet for fun, therapy, & joy. I crochet & donate so having yarn that is washable & dryable is imperative for me. Raise your 🤚🏻 if you love acrylic yarn!

[@preciousbeautyj6924]

🤚🏾🤚🏾🤚🏾

[@dflork]

Thank you for this video, I'm glad I watched it!!!!!!! Like a myth buster for acrylic yarn!!!!!

[@genelyncuemediycraft3406]

Hello thank you for this information. It helps a lot. Coz I am using acrylic yarn most of the time

[@kimwheeler8414]

Hats and amigurumis, but lionbrand of any kind sweaters, I bought an expensive wool blend yarn online that promised to be soooo soft for a sweater I wanted to make myself "I've never made myself anything" when I got the yarn it's so itchy I wouldn't want it on my skin, I'd rather use the mandala yarn it's already so so so soft I can imagine how much softer it'll be once washed

[@fish8cat]

I have made acrylic hats and they stretch out. One woman I know claimed that if you soak it in hot water right after you knit it, it will set the yarn. Is that true? I have also made acrylic sweaters and put them in the washer and dryer and they still stretch out. Any comments or advice on keeping the shape of acrylic. Will blocking set it or not?

[@zenacarroll5711]

Thanks for is info. I love to make baby blankets as well as afghans with it. Never have a problem., but sometime do use a slightly thicker hook to get a nice soft finished product.

[@lisettebatista8774]

can you make felt balls with acrylic yarn? I thought about brushing out the acrylic yarn and then making the felt balls

[@sargammittal5489]

Can acrylic yarn be used to make summer wraps ?

[@liziking306]

Can I use acrylic yarn for summer tops/blouses? Or does it have to be cotton? Can you please recommend some choices for me? Thank you.

[@howlingwind1937]

I'm a spinner and Weaver and I use my own spun yarn as well as bought yarn including acrylic! The acrylics nowadays are so beautiful they're just as good as natural yarns there is a place and time for all yarns natural or man made, and for some the natural yarns aren't as affordable or cost effective. And yes you can get terrible burns if such an accident like that should happen, but you can also have terrible burns from cotton and silk they burn like paper, like wise with bamboo, you just need to be vigilant with your supervision of little ones if there is a heat source nearby. As far as the environment goes, that's an on going issue and will probably always be so, all each of us can do is be more mindful of how we dispose of our waste products including unwanted yarn, synthetic or natural as it can all end up in the stomach of some creature. Even so given the problems we have with trying to heal the Earth, there is still a place in our lives for some beautiful acrylic yarn, so whilst we enjoy working with this yarn, just be mindful and vigilant of how and where the end product finishes it's journey. So be happy and guilt free whilst crafting. Cheers!

[@byoutifulboutiquebygc]

Is it ok to use acrylic yarn for a shower puff?

[@Pkeats817]

Can I use acrylic for dishcloths?

[@jamjams_9678]

I'm just starting to venture out with other yarns

[@theresehemsley8179]

I agree with all of this but think the bad rap is more to do with environmental concerns.

[@kathyferneau]

I use acrylic yarn for everything I make: afghans, hats, cowls and other things.

[@vishneva2000]

Charity projects because of ease of care. Gifts to vegan friends. LB is my favorite because of the quality of their acrylic yarns.

[@adeleb7753]

can I steek my cotton acrylic sweater?

[@anterrahnharris8591]

Can I bleach black acrylic with Clorox?

[@Harrypotterfan334]

Is it safe to use goo gone on acrylic yarn?

[@DeeDee-fh6wc]

I used the Howntown USA Super Bulky Yarn (Acrylic) for two blankets. One was to be a gift. After washing them, they began to shed all over my clothes, as I attempted to fold them. I have never experienced anything like this before and was terribly disappointed. When I contacted Lion Brand they said, the blanket would eventually stop shedding. I will not be purchasing this brand again and will donate these blankets to the homeless.😞😞

[@sandygrogg1203]

I knit a lot of charity hats, including hats for preemies and newborns.. And Zi am beginning to add baby blankets... Acrylics are perfect for my hats, because of the easy care.. I have Afghans that I crocheted decades ago, and they still look new... And...They are nice and soft. Many podcasters give the impression that “acrylics” is a four letter word.. They parade one expensive yarn after another.. Giving the impression that they are too good to use anything else.. Thd name dropping is endless.. But.. I believe that the ordinary knitter... used a lot of acrylics and thise great acrylic/wool blends.. Modt of us simply cannot..or will nit..spend $30 plus for yarn.. Thsnks for debunking those pesky myths... 💜💜😎

[@knotsnotbots]

Sandy Grogg I agree with this. One of my favorite you tubers used to use acrylic yarn a lot, but once they became more popular they started to only use fancy yarn. That’s just beyond my budget!

[@heatherpagefiberfreak4230]

You don't have to pay $30 for a skein of wool yarn. Some hand dyed indie yarns cost that much but you can get beautiful, soft, wool yarn from many companies for way, way less. You could also do what I do and buy combed wool (and other animal fibers and plant fibers) top or roving by the pound and spin and dye it yourself which ends up being cheaper per skein than most acrylic yarn. It's also fun, relaxing and you get can to make garments and accessories from scratch which is a great feeling.

[@Stettafire]

You can buy a wool skein for £5. Not £30. Stop spreading lies

[@patriciagreen5185]

My favorite is Lion Brand Yarn, I like to make shawl and afghan.

[@lisam7036]

Thanks. Great video.

[@kathleenchamp3764]

GREAT INFO! However, lol acrylic yarn is still scratchy for the most part. And sadly the fibers can cut, embed itself into your skin. I'd like to know how to fix that. Is there a fabric softener or softening procedure that we can use to combat this issue. I'm aware it's only after project is complete so I'll continue to use bandaids etc while I work ;-)

[@dpreeper]

Wow. I've never heard of such a thing. If that was the problem for me, though, I'd most definitely stick to natural fibers. My family and I have no such issues with the acrylic fabrics I knit and crochet up. In fact, my toddler often comes up to me while I'm working away on a project and cuddles with my WIP or my skein... or both.

[@kathleenchamp3764]

Diane Preeper that's So cute! I don't have a problem with acrylic ..most of the time but once and a while I can't stop itching from a particular yarn. Wool ! Can be scratchy. Anyway, enjoy the lil cuddler ;-)

[@knitpurlsquirrelwithgrannydee]

Prayer shawls and baby blankets as you mentioned.

[@crispychaos6768]

After I found out what acrylic yarn is made of I've decided to go with more natural yarns, like cotton and wool. It is more $ and natural yarns might not be as soft but I like to be environmentally friendly.

[@ChimnaecheremIzuorah-gw4vr]

Thanks so much for this video. It is very helpful

[@meganjones1253]

I enjoy using lionbrand yarns.

[@maggiecraig646]

I love to make Afghan with acrylic yarn. I also love lapghans.

[@karenmater3967]

The only thing I have found that is not good with acrylic yarn is Pot holders, which I use cotton for. The heat jumps through acrylic yarn when holding a hot pan! Other than that, I much prefer acrylic over wool.

[@dpreeper]

Good tip!

[@HOrziPEtra]

Acrylic yarn is the best one for braids 🤗 for thicker and thiner braids, incorporated or just flat, for wearing the braids for two months, ... it is colorful, you can get it in almoust any colour combinations, to rainvow and hombre colours... it's a lot cheaper than hair for braiding, easier to work with, much softer more flexible braids, and you can divide strands and count them evenly, which is almoust impossible to do with hair. I love it 😊

[@thingsretiredpeopledo3060]

Thank you for this informative video. However, you did not mention the fact that acrylic yarn is NOT biodegradable or that, when exposed to heat, it melts. It is highly flammable if exposed to open flame (unlike wool which is flame retardant) so acrylic yarn is not anything from which I would want to make baby things! That said, I LOVE to use acrylics for many other things, including slippers, baskets, toys, mats, rugs, etc. I love Lion Brand yarns very much; so soft and lovely to work with. But for garments, I prefer organic fibers like wool, alpaca, cotton, silk, and the like because they just feel so much nicer next to the skin. Superwash wools are excellent for children's garments and the parents will be happy with their washability. My favourite things to make with acrylics are baskets.

[@RaspberryChilay]

Is acrylic yarn good for baby wearables? Like a dress or a romper?

[@LionBrandYarn]

Hi Anna, Projects made with acrylic yarn are usually machine washable (check the label on your yarn for washing instructions) which means they are good for baby garments.

[@hannahis813]

How do you shrink an acrylic sweater?? Someone please help

[@juanitapratt3431]

Thank you for the video. I leaned lots.

[@rhondiaseman6945]

I was told acrylic yard catches fire a lot faster than wool. And cotton. And is not safe. Is this true?

[@SillyOmega]

Yes its more flamible. It's a plastic made from petral. Welders will not wear anything but wool, cotton or any other natrual fiber. You should look at some of the tests on KZbin.

[@dannybonsai7102]

I like it coz I can get a massive selection of vibrant colors on the cheap. The highly elastic ones mess with my gauge tho.

[@tinmy3094]

I only use wool if it’s something I’m making for camping

[@carolcassidy5474]

I use acrylic for a lot of things. Much easier to just throw in the washer.

[@barbaraward9601]

Charity hats and scarves and baby blankets; being able to throw them into the washer and dryer is a great feature.

[@diannacovergirlsmith]

i have made just about everything with acrylic yarn ,socks,shawls,blankets hats cowls scarves

[@shellinearmstrong7177]

Amigurumis and..we’ll..everything! Hats , scarves, mittens, fingerless gloves,baskets,shawls...uhm...yep lots!

[@_year-sb6sy]

If you have a pink 100% acrylic jumper from boohoo or similar ..could you lighten the colour by putting it in a very diluted bleach ( a non chlorine bleach) ... some places online say yes and some say no

[@missbear1976]

I make anything I can with acrylic yarn do to the fact I'm allergic to wool...

[@styrosk880]

I was about to say this seems sponsored by Lion Brand and then I saw the channel name. I feel dumb now

[@monicagarcia8873]

ILOOOVEEE ACRYLIC YARN!! so much easier to take care and there are a huge variety of mix fibres, some have alpaca, some cotton, some other fibres and the final project is a delight, my to go project is a set of hat and cowl or hat and fingerless gloves or shawls, great for presents and keep well in plastic bins!

[@saklee1777]

the first thing i had ever crocheted was a baby beanie for my neurologist. she was gonna take maternity leave so i had to switch doctors but she was very nice and i really like her.

[@BecxyBoo]

I like acrylic only because it is both accessable and affordable, where I live I find it quite difficult to find cotton or woll yarn very easily especially if I am looking for a certain colour. Where as I know at least 4 stores nearby that have acrylic yarn in a wide variety of colours. I could always buy cotton or wool yarns online but with the cost of shipping it can get pretty expensive.

[@grapeape7947]

LB Homespun sweaters and Carom Simp. Sof. blankets. I have Mandalas in Thunderbird for a new my spot on the coach Cardigan / placeholder

[@janeclermon83]

Can acrylic yarn be outside?

[@marilynerwin9243]

I use all acrylic yarn. Nothing better. 💛

[@peggywilliams8229]

If its not itchy is it scratchy

[@joannelenigan690]

My favorite thing to make with acrylic yarn are baby hats! Leftover bits from previous projects can be combined with a background color to make stripes or Fair Isle patterned designs. Or, textured stitch patterns can be used with solid or ombre yarns to create another variety of hats. The possibilities are endless!

[@janeclermon83]

Can acrylic yarn be outside

[@dorapyffer7733]

love to make blankets with my acrylic yarn

[@denisekrupa4343]

The pill remover you pictured, the Gleener, works great! I have used it for 6 months, and it makes all my sweaters and other projects look new!

[@dpreeper]

Thanks for this comment. I've been looking for a good 'fabric refresher' for my homemade and store-bought garments that are beginning to pill. Now I know it's the Gleener.

[@lissac67]

I love it for almost anything. There are so many types of acrylic now and all weights. I also like it combined with natural fibers that make the fibers more versatile and sturdy.

[@jensinejackal2205]

I really like the polyester yarn

[@Purplefrog03]

I can’t work with wool because I’m super sensitive to the itching and I don’t like it.

[@janetmcnutt4994]

My favorite thing is everything.

[@mnbr6884]

My acrylic yarn headbands are super comfortable. I hardly notice they're on most of the time!

[@godcrochetchatter9234]

Thank goodness

[@dollhilton2]

What about the one that feels like waxs

[@barbarajohnson1572]

Just about EVERYTHING... i make a ton of children's sweaters and nothing makes the Mom smile more than telling them "it's machine wash and dry:!!!!!!!!!!!!!:))

[@missioncreekfarm7715]

There are bad things about acrylic yarns and micro fiber yarns. They are basically plastic, they release synthetic fibers into the air and do not naturally biodegrade. Sure, convenient and cheap, but not "better" IMHO. I don't use synthetics for many reasons, but the main one is I don't like wearing or making plastic items.

[@catherinehastings2309]

It's not a myth that acrylic is a 'plastic ' fibre, manufactured by the petrochemical industry. It will never decompose the way natural fibres will in the fullness of time. Acrylic sheds microfibers in the wash, which get into our water systems.

[@tenjou0]

Catherine Hastings If you have city water, those fibers will be screened out in the cleaning process.

[@jasmine-ruff-puff9951]

I think it's great that they can turn waste into yarn, but I'd never thought about how the yarn itself would decompose.

[@reggiesager6640]

It last longer and moths don’t like it as much as wool...I use acrylic yarn and cotton because wool makes me itch. I love making blankets!

[@sfatlithewise1276]

I use acrylic (or recycled wool of dubious material) for everything atm, simply because I can't afford anything else. I love how cotton materials feel though, so I think I'll try that out and see what it's like.

[@88marome]

I have lots acrylic yarn but unfortunately I just realised that I'm allergic to acrylic yarn.😭 I should have realised sooner but I couldn't find the source.

[@descendantgaming5410]

I'm actually slightly allergic to wool products. So acrylic/cotten is better alternative for me.

[@maximumyarnage]

I agree!!!

[@bluebutterflyknitscrochet1035]

I love Mandala Baby!!!!!! The Mandala line is amazing, but Mandala baby has a beautiful “drape” and it’s softer then regular Mandala. I love Mandala (don’t get me wrong), for a baby blanket Madala Baby is amazing!!!!!!! I love Lion Brand!

[@ThatDarlaGirl]

Wrist bands and sweatbands.

[@natbugart92]

Anything and everything is my favorite to use acrylic yarn:-)

[@dianecrumbley90]

I pretty much make all my projects with acrylic yarn! 😊

[@Gigi0990]

Same

[@aislinngraves521]

I love making hats! My grandkids are hard on their clothes so acrylics are better than natural fibers cuz we can just throw it in the washing machine.

[@hazelfurst9208]

I am allergic to animal fibers so acrylic is my go to yarn along with nylon polyester and cotton.