What is Yarn

Yarn is the general name for any fibre, either natural or manmade, which has been twisted into long strands to form a thread which is then used in a variety of ways: e.g. knitting, weaving, sewing or embroidery. The individual strand is known as the 'ply'.

Some people call all hand knitting yarn "wool". This would have been accurate many years ago when there were no man-made fibres, but nowadays wool is just one type of yarn that is available to knitters.

 

Designer Yarns

 

This is the name given to high quality knitting yarns made from 100% natural fibres. Natural fibres are enjoying something of a comeback after giving way to wash n wear and manmade alternatives since around the 1950's.

Novelty Yarns

 

this is the term used for fancy yarns usually from manmade fibres. They are easily recognised for their textures and bright colours. They can be glittery, vibrant, fluffy, furry, spiky. They are not always easy to knit with because of the texture but they do give dramatic results.

 

Baby Yarns

 

This is the name given to the range of yarns particularly suitable for knitting clothes or other items for babies. Baby yarns are generally available in lighter weights (i.e. thicknesses) and in pastel shades.