Knitting instructions

I admit it: I'm a yarn snob. I make no bones about it; I don't like acrylic yarn and I never will. For all of you acrylic lovers out there, please remember this is only my opinion and flaming isn't nice.

Acrylic is cheap and it looks it. I don't care how many "wonder fiber" brands are out there. It doesn't look like wool, it doesn't look like cotton, it doesn't look like mohair. It just looks cheap. Of course, the inexpensive price is one of this fiber's positives.

It doesn't breathe. It won't keep you warm, it won't keep you cool. It won't absorb your sweat or water if you get caught in the rain. No advantages here.

It pills...you know, those fuzzy little fur balls that appear all over. I'm sure someone will tell me that "xyz" brand has never pilled and maybe that's true. Every experience I've had tells me otherwise. If it doesn't pill, that's not an advantage to the fiber; for a yarn to NOT pill is expected. At least that's my expectation.

Acrylic is not elastic. It doesn't give when you knit with it. Ok, so cotton and silk aren't elastic either. But at least the advantages of those fibers outweigh the disadvantage of no elasticity.

Just like I admitted to being a yarn snob, I'll also admit that acrylic has a big advantage. It's very "wash and wear." Throw it in the washer, throw it in the dryer. This makes it an ideal yarn for baby things and afghans. No person in their right mind would want a dry clean only baby sweater.

by Barbara Breiter

Knitting instructions