Let's Talk Plant Fibers: Linen, Cotton, Bamboo, Rayon Yarn for Summer Knitting and Crochet

[@amydebuitleir]

One thing I have noticed working with bamboo and linen yarns is that some variation in stitch size, and even the occasional mistake, can actually look beautiful! There's something about these fibres that makes the garment look a bit "lacy" and sophisticated, and simultaneously a bit "rustic" (the imperfections enhance that). Sounds like a contradiction, but it just works. My first ever knit project was a scarf made with bamboo yarn. Once I realised that some imperfections looked good, I decided to only correct about half of my mistakes. I was very pleased with the result.

[@thriftythreader5998]

This was by far, the most useful knitting video I’ve watched. You confirmed all my gripes and appreciations for plant fiber yarns. I’m currently working on a summer tank with 100% Tencel. My stitches are imperfect and I still love it! I feel like you’ve given me that permission. Thank you!

[@jacinte8906]

Thanks excellent information for vegan knitters like me.

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

Same!

[@breezalicious]

So, I was listening and watching intently! And how interestingly you showed the yarn types and how you described them…FANTASTIC! And then lo-and-behold, you showed one of my own designs, knit by your sister, I think you said? Reverse Psychology…I was blown away. It’s a beauty for sure. And your comments of the yarns and patterns is amazing! Thank you for such details. LOVE YOUR PODCASTS! Binge time!

[@melmakesstuff]

I’m having a fangirl moment, wow! Your designs are SO interesting, and wearable - I’m not a huge shawl wearer normally, but I find it so easy to style the Reverse Psychology and I’m always reaching for it in the spring/summer!

[@breezalicious]

@@melmakesstuff and I don’t normally wear shawls either. Hence, one of the reasons I chose to ‘design’ is because of what I WOULD wear…! You get it! THANK YOU AGAIN.

[@rhayaglover7528]

is this one of the most informative and intelligent knit channels at the moment? Is Mel just straight-up brilliant? just asking....

[@melmakesstuff]

Awwww, thanks Rhaya! What a nice comment, I really appreciate that :-)

[@marieinmexico]

Hugely helpful knitting video. Saved my lots of future grief. Thank you!

[@postulatedspace]

i went back and watch this episode. Can't tell you enough how helpful this is.

[@husnaahashim]

This is an incredibly curated, generous video that I continue to return to. Thank you! Looking forward to returning to plant fiber knits as the weather warms up

[@riittatammi1149]

Huge thanks for an informative overview! At the moment I’m working with 100% linen to knit a summer dress, and I’ve had so many difficulties with the yarn that I’ve been almost ready to forget about the project. But having heard about your experiences of linen yarns and knitting them kind of helped to overcome the annoyance. 😅 It’s just the feature of linen, and nothing wrong with the yarn or me.

[@melmakesstuff]

Yes!! It definitely helps to just accept that the linen is going to feel different, and that’s okay. And also a dress is a hugely ambitious project, that will be incredible once it’s done!

[@coralieofjumpwithnofear]

This is such great info for me as a beginner knitter who wants to stick with plant-based fibres. Thank you! I’m saving this is a playlist to come back to once I start considering making my first garment.

[@natachafrigg3174]

First time experimenting crocheting with 100% cotton and bamboo cotton blends. Your explanation of the different plant fiber yarns is very helpful and lends a lot of comfort in understanding the various characteristics they offer. Really appreciate your videos! 👍❤️

[@johannapfeiffer6676]

Mel, checkout this yarn 100% linen, however 80% recycled. Lana Grossa Solo Lino Linea Pura, softer with a lovely drape. Thanks for this video, it's so helpful to video experience the results of each yarn.

[@brynda2150]

❤ Thank you! ❤ Especially for taking the time to show finished garments and how they drape.

[@mrscraftalot]

I want to like knitting with linen but the biasing drives me nuts and my uneven stitches also bug me. That being said, I have some Lithuanian linen for a top to cast on this spring. After that, I'd like to try some more blends. I have tried a few but nothing that I have fallen in love with. Thanks for such an informative video, Mel! I think for me it's the learning curve that you talked about. I need to be more patient with these fibers and how I knit them.

[@goldwest53]

So much great information, I'm saving this video for future references! Thanks!

[@samanthadreiling5699]

You should try a bamboo cotton blend.

[@rachelkashani]

Thank you for this video I will be presenting it to my Guild for a summer knit meeting

[@kristinm3729]

While I want to be a plant-fibre lover, I do find that most of these yarns are not fun to knit with. I've decided to give my daughter (also a knitter) some DK-weight linen that, seriously, feels like twine. Which has made some room for a new purchase - sport/DK cotton. I'm going to give it a go on a summer tank and see if it's less hurty than linen. Thanks for a great episode.

[@jackhopkins5402]

This has so much great information -Thanks for sharing. Jacki

[@indreklein]

Thank you for informative videos!

[@thriftythreader5998]

Btw, your hair style looks terrific on you!

[@chelseyummali]

Great video. I live in a hot tropical climate so I do tend to be attracted to plant fiber. I appreciate your time spent on this video. Thanks so much.

[@melmakesstuff]

I had you in mind as I was recording this one! I hope this helps with some of your upcoming projects ☺️

[@chelseyummali]

@@melmakesstuff aww thanks! ❤️ yes for sure. Maybe you mentioned this and I didn't catch it, I had to walk away for a minute...I heard that it's not recommended to use plant fibers in the round because it will stretch and sag too much due to the weight. Have you experienced this? Their are so many lovely patterns I want to do and think, whow that would be lovely in a plant fiber, but I hesitate...Guess I just need to do some experimenting for myself kinda how you have done.

[@melmakesstuff]

I have heard people say that they think seams provide structure so the fabric won’t sag, but I personally think that it has more to do with the gauge you are getting. If you have an overly loose gauge, seams will keep it in shape at the sides, but then it will still sag in front and back - not a great look either 🤣. I haven’t had issues with bagging/sagging in my garments that are knit in the round, but I tend to choose patterns knit at an appropriate gauge for the yarn.

[@mindykannon4650]

As usually tons of great info....indispensable episode

[@caddywampus]

Thank you, Mel. I'm looking at knitting a summer top in linen and this was very informative 😁.

[@mataticrafts]

I love how in detail you get with all this informations and you have done a lot of projects with those different fibers, I learn I lot thank you!

[@suzannescott7724]

You are such a great teacher!!! Thank you!

[@mariapartington7910]

Excellent information... THANK YOU !!!!!

[@catb2069]

Thank you for this very comprehensive podcast. So much to soak in. Saved and subscribed!

[@mydigitaldiva]

Wow, this was like getting a Matrix-style download on linen & cotton blends. I have a lot of Berroco Chai in need of a sweater pattern, and this video perfectly informed my search! ❤❤❤

[@annsam8441]

Wow. What an informative video. Answered so many of my questions since I cannot wear wool. Thank you so much.

[@lindas5964]

Lol, I do all the wrong things when it comes to knitting with Linen but honestly, I love knitting with it when I’m feeling tense or anxious. I just pull and tug and yank and before I know it I’m feeling better. But yes, I always have other wool projects going. No way can I knit my linen projects for hours on end. I just do a little here and there and then back to my wool. One time I was knitting a Nutiden project and a linen project at the same time. That was fun haha

[@netty062]

Such an excellent video, shared it with my knit group!!🌸💛

[@sacredsortilege]

This was such an excellent video! Thank you so much.

[@christineosterbuhr3264]

Your videos are always interesting and entertaining! Thanks

[@suemcevoy5510]

Lovely video and very informative; thank you!

[@olive5890]

Excellent content!! 🤩

[@knittysixx5106]

Such a great review. Thanks!

[@sarahb4330]

So helpful and interesting, thank you

[@debrarodriguezestrada2748]

I never before considered knitting with my 10 crochet cotton. I have a ton of it. I think I’m inspired

[@Zendemic42]

I find myself coming back and back and back to this video (like 10 times) since it is so good, calming, and informative. Finally bought the Ginkgophyte pattern and looking forward to making it in 100%linen 😍 Thanks for inspiring me. You are also tricking me into learning lever knitting. I want to master it!

[@elenalarsen5176]

I watched this video because I have had problems with plant based yarns, and I wanted to check your lessons learned. But I am commenting because I was so happy to watch you knitting English style. Almost every other knitting video I watch is continental style, and there seems to be a silent preference to continental.

[@nicoletrost5162]

Mel, this was an awesome video. It covered so many important details of these types of yarns. Thank you for taking the time to educate us. Your channel is very unique in its content. I really enjoy these types of videos.😉

[@tulikas9862]

Damn, the way you show drape by shaking it a bit was sooo useful for me. Thanks for this! I love some of the patterns you showed also. I like how you talked about them in context of how you wear them too. Like, just to dress up an outfit a bit, or whether you need an undershirt or not. That stuff is good to hear from someone who has already knit it and wears it.

[@melmakesstuff]

LOL it felt ridiculous shaking the sweaters but I didn’t know how else to show the drape!! So glad it worked 🥰

[@Diane18]

This is a very informative video. I never knitted plant -based but now am looking forward to it! Thank you!

[@nancyhildebrant9432]

What a great, informative video! Thanks, Mel👍🏻

[@littlebigknits]

This was great Mel! I have to say you have such a great variety of summer garments. It’s always inspiring to see your makes. 😘😘

[@melmakesstuff]

❤️❤️❤️

[@anneserdula1329]

Absolutely amazing work!!!!! Wow!!!! Thank you for lol this information

[@karenlauterwasser7753]

Thank you for the great collection of methods. I am knitting with Fibra Natura Flax, so I am trying the braided join. I would never have thought of that on my own. It does seem very secure, but I guess I will find out when I start wearing and washing my top. It did occur to me that with a multi ply yarn one could just split the plies on both yarns, and reassemble into a single yarn - sort of like knitting with both yarns at once but without extra thickness. I have no idea if this would be crazy fiddly to handle, or how secure it would be. Just a thought.

[@deborahcoyle7612]

This was incredible helpful. Thank you!

[@italythroughmyeyes]

Wow what a master class in natural fibers! All the tops are one more beautiful than the other. Thank you for showing the aspect of draping and sharing all the lines of yarn out there? Bravo thoroughly enjoyed this informative video!

[@matthewtikka5133]

This was nicely informative! I've been crocheting with cotton, and I now know why there are arthritic warnings for working with cotton like this! I have started using an interval timer with 25 minutes of work, and 5 minutes of chinese medicine balls. Changed my life! My hands tend to work the next day when I use these medicine balls! Highly suggested if you suffer from achy hands from working with small stiff fibers!

[@sallyidso182]

Thank you this was very informative I appreciate your time. I love wool but also love plant fibers. My hands get fatigued knitting on them and I do the same thing, have a wool project that I take turns with the cotton or linen. As I watched this I’m knitting a baby blanket in Feza baby yarn and a wool baby sweater. Knitting on wood needles for the cotton. I like ginger from knitters pride, very smooth nice tip not too sharp or blunt. Sometimes a sharp tip is problematic too.

[@melmakesstuff]

That is so true about the sharp tips sometimes being a problem. I know a lot of folks love the Hiya Hiya needles but they are a little too sharp for me, I think!

[@barbc445]

What a wealth of information. Thanks for your expertise. Love your show!

[@sherithurber7847]

So very helpful. Thank you.

[@swethakrishnan6410]

This was really informative and all your makes are so adventurous and droolworthy. And bonus, somehow watching you doesn't make me feel defeated about not being able to knit like this right now. XO

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you, it’s definitely a journey ❤️

[@annabelle7123]

This was so helpful as a new knitter in the first year of summer knitting with plant fibers. I splurged in linen, mercerized cotton, bamboo (gave it away cuz it was too slippery for me) and rayon! Perhaps i could add superwash wool as well. I am loving the diversity of summer knitting. Although we have different kinds of yarn in Korea, they are still same content. Also thank you for sharing so many summer knit designs. You must have made them over decades!!

[@ptty44]

Thank you for another informative video. I always learn something new from your videos that I can apply to my current projects. I have been less enthusiastic about my knitting recently, but maybe this is because I am working with cotton. I think I will take your advise and cast on a wool garment too as a back up. Seeing finished garments with the yarns you used is a really good indication of how certain yarns will knit/crochet up, so thanks for taking the time and energy to share your knowledge with us all.

[@sylviafikiert4825]

Very educational as always 😊 I usually crochet with plant base yarn 🧶 I have not tried to knit with it yet.

[@GrownToCook]

That was wonderfully informative, Mel, and just at the perfect moment as I’m choosing summer garment patterns to knit!

[@tonyalynnd8732]

This was so helpful!

[@paulam.5785]

Mel you are a wealth of information. Wish I had this before I made 2 summer sweaters. One in 100% linen and one in tensel. The tensel grew greatly in length as I wore it. Thanks for sharing your yarn knowledge with us.

[@SilverDraco]

Thank you for your comprehensive video on pure plant fiber yarns and their cousins that are blended with other fibers. You've made some beautiful tops and I loved seeing the drape and flow of the resulting fabrics made from these yarns. Do you happen to have any tips or tricks for joining a new ball for plant fiber yarns? Most of what I've done in the past with wool is not looking very nice with these linen, cotton and /or silk yarns. Thank you again for a great vlog! ❤

[@skeinsofdreamsknits]

Mel, if I haven't said this before - please know that I absolutely LOVE you :D Your videos are so beautifully produced, informative and you are so eloquent! I enjoy all the patterns that you pick and the in-depth review of the yarn/fabric/garment that is included in your videos. Also, you have such an amazing collection of summer garments!!! I need to work on mine and this video is like an encyclopedia. Thanks for more enabling... I will really TRY to not purchase some of the yarns you mentioned before I knit with what I have :D

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you SO much, Megha - your opinion means a lot! With how fast you knit, I bet you could have an entire summer wardrobe before too long :-)

[@this_skipper_knits959]

I love your podcast!!! I always walk away having learned something new, the info on plant fibre was great! I’ve used linen to make a market bag once but really haven’t ventured into garments. You’ve knit so many interesting patterns. Really looking forward to the needle episode! Thanks Melissa 🖐🏽

[@alyssaholland8146]

such an informative video thankyou! And that winter Cardigan you made is just stunning love the color combo 🤩

[@marilys3549]

Such great advice about these natural fibers. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and experience.

[@InTheMoonforLove]

I don't think you created a project page on ravelry for this gorgeous top that you wear in the video 🥰 I looked for it but was not able to find it. I looooove it

[@tricothon]

This video was extremely informative and inspiring 👏! What beautiful garments you made. Thank you so much for recording this 😊

[@diannebuntain7759]

Hi Mel…thank you very much for this podcast. I did go down a size in needles for the Elorie for each of the 4 needle sizes used in the pattern and I do really like the fabric, and, the garment fits well so far. I just bought some Flyss from Hand Maiden which is 65% silk, 35% linen and now just have to find a pattern. Again, thank you for the inspiration and encouragement. Looking forward to your next podcast! Dianne

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you Dianne, and thanks also for your message that gave me some food for thought when I was recording this episode. So glad you were able to get your Elorie sorted out and are enjoying wearing it!

[@genier7829]

This was a great episode. I have done several linen and cotton sweaters, and yours look so smooth and uniform in comparison. I don't know how to crochet, but the Yesteryear is amazing!

[@melmakesstuff]

Thank you!! I’m not super experienced with crochet so I really appreciate the nice compliment on that one 🥰

[@Womenmatter2009]

This is an excellent video, thanks! I've saved it in my folder for future reference. It was interesting finding out you can use those small mercerized crochet balls for knitting garments.

[@crochetingknitter4751]

Thank you for such a comprehensive review. Getting ready to start on some summer patterns and this was very timely. I love, love you Mariposa cardigan-what a showstopper!

[@fopma3465]

Thank you so much Mel. I love your videos because of the very useful, thoughtful information you provide.

[@bernbee1679]

Thank you such a wonderful helpful episode I’ve watched it twice! So many fabulous patterns featured.

[@valturner2151]

This is such a great episode, Lis! So helpful and perfectly timed.

[@staceyh2028]

Excellent video!! Was looking for something that explained how many summer fibers knit/crochet up and behave. Super helpful information. I'd still like to know more about silk and cotton/wool blends and how they behave. Cotton/Merino seems to be a thing this year. Thanks for a fantastic video!

[@jessicatressawell5970]

Thank you for such an interesting and timely overview. I'm currently planning different tops to make for summer and I loved seeing your lovely wardrobe and listening to your smart explanation of the different fibres and how they knit up. It's really helpful to know about the wooden needles too. Great job, Mel! Love your videos!! 😍

[@marybethirwin9684]

Very Informative and perfectly timed for the warmer weather. I admire your ability to match yarn to pattern. It's brilliant!

[@claudiaheyward9458]

Thank you so much for this phenomenal video on plant fibers. I want to use plant fibers and I didn’t know there were so many vendors. 😊

[@cpjrietveld]

5 out 5 stars!! Thank you so much Melissa, what a helpful, informative, inspirational episode.

[@meganolivia6970]

Always love your videos Mel! I really want to try out some linen fibre now :) Can't wait to see you again!

[@masz10676]

Ur poddies r a keeper. Professional AV with great content. Thanks for sharing. Do u have a favorite plant fiber yarn?

[@gabrielacotosck]

This is the knitting/yarn video I’ve been needing all along! I’m knitting my first bamboo/cotton tee and preparing for my first linen summer knitting, so this video is extremely helpful and informative! Thank you so much! 🖤 And I love your choice of patterns in the video! Do you happen to have a ravelry collection folder with them?

[@mistakkesweremade]

Sharing the linen love. I know little about cotton, would love your thoughts on how to accommodate or anticipate possible stretching, and whether some yarn constructions like chainette might possibly be less prone. Or whether it's a straight up urban legend, who knows. Thanks for another lovely video!

[@melmakesstuff]

I’ve only used chainette plant fiber yarns a few times so I don’t have a ton of experience with those, but I’d say that stretching out may have more to do with the gauge than the yarn construction - if the gauge is on the loose side, or a very open stitch pattern like broomstick lace or similar, it would be more likely to stretch. But I’ll keep the chainette yarns in mind for future experimentations on the subject!

[@mataticrafts]

Thank you! I'm an amigurumi maker and my boyfriend wants me to make him a crochet shirt so im doing my research about summer materials. I have always use no mercerized cotton for my amigurumi.

[@edinacole6382]

Great topic. Thank you

[@hsgotwal]

Love your videos! I'm very curious to learn about using hemp. I've heard its extremely long wearing and very eco-friendly. I bought some hemp yarn online recently but it seems stiff. I guess I'll do a swatch and see

[@KerriEverlasting]

I don't even knit. Well done lol Edit: I do crotchet and am frantically looking for a pattern or video of the cotton crotchet top in this video! It's beautiful! ❤

[@amyj9907]

This was such an interesting (and helpful!) episode. I have knit with cotton and linen a little bit, but it’s not my favorite because it’s hard on my hands, as you mentioned. Still, after watching this episode, I feel inspired to give it another try this summer while keeping a wool project to fall back on as needed. Thanks for the time and effort it must have taken to put this episode together!!

[@bethclawson2573]

Such an informative video. I want to cast on practically every one of these garments. Regarding the greenish garnet that you don’t wear…. Have you considered throwing it into a dye bath? Thank you for this educational episode.

[@melmakesstuff]

I hadn’t thought of dyeing it, but that’s definitely something to consider!

[@bonniek.markham1148]

Wow, Mel, this was really helpful!! Thank you so much. My next project is going to be linen so your lessons are perfectly timed for me. I loved that top you were wearing in this one. ❤️

[@melmakesstuff]

Wonderful, hope you enjoy knitting with the linen!

[@robertecaissie4008]

Very interesting .

[@julieedwards6937]

Really interesting thankyou

[@Jennie8684]

Fabulous, thanks

[@jeannievega1639]

Thoroughly enjoyed this episode. I enjoy working with cotton and linen in the summer. All your tops are gorgeous and will definitely be trying out the Katia and Rowan yarns.

[@QueenKas1]

Hi, I was just wondering I have a 70% cotton 30% bamboo just wondering how best to join with another ball with the same fibres in that what is the best way to join them together?

[@SurenderAllawadhi]

Very Nice.

[@quejyaille]

I love your videos! So informative, thank you for sharing your knowledge with us :)

[@StefsEdge]

Love this. I’m currently working on my first linen garment, the Ananke Tee by Quince &Co using Sparrow. I intend to do a lot more experimenting with plant fibers in the future because I noticed a lot of my most favorite and most worn store bought knit garments have a lot of plant fiber content.

[@sylvieboisvert]

very informative, thank you