Handspun wool has been used throughout history for textiles. Whether you’re making a chunky winter cardigan or a delicate lace shawl, the hours you put in deserve a material that’s going to do justice to your effort. Homespun wool has a solid reputation as a knitting yarn due to its variability in texture and distinctive advantages. In this article, we will discuss the top reasons to use homespun wool for your knitting projects.
Built to last for years
One of the best qualities of homespun wool is its durability. Yarn made with it is resistant to piling and does not lose shape after a season. Fibers in homespun wool naturally lock together, which creates a flexible strand that can handle stretching, pulling, and everyday wear. If you are knitting something like a sweater, socks, or a blanket, durability matters. With homespun wool, your work ages gracefully.
Keeps You Comfortable Year-Round
Homespun wool has this fascinating ability to keep you warm without overheating. The natural crimp in the fibers creates tiny air pockets that help regulate temperature. They trap warmth when it is cold and let heat escape when it’s warmer. That is why wool sweaters, hats, and scarves feel cozy without making you sweaty. Additionally, it also wicks moisture away from your skin.
Water resistant
The homespun wool is naturally water-resistant. The wool fiber is coated with a lanolin and waxy substance found in the wool fibers that repels moisture. Light rain or snow tends to bead up and roll off rather than soaking through immediately. That’s a huge plus for things like hats, mittens, or outer garments. Unlike synthetic water-resistant treatments, you don’t have to worry about it wearing off after a few washes. The handspun wool is water-repellent, not waterproof. This means it can absorb some moisture with prolonged exposure.
Stays Fresher and Cleaner for Longer
Due to the nature of the handcrafting process, the handspun wool stays fresher and cleaner for longer. The fibers are naturally resistant to dirt, static, and even odors. The scaly surface and the texture make an uncivilized environment for dust mites. This means your wool projects tend to stay looking and smelling fresh without constant washing.
The lanolin also plays a role in resisting stains. So, if you spill a bit of coffee or get caught in city smog, you don’t have to worry about stains.
Sustainable
Sustainability is one of the reasons a lot of knitters prefer homespun wool. Unlike synthetic fibers that are made from petroleum-based materials, wool is a renewable source as sheep grow a new fleece every year.
The handspun wool is biodegradable. This means it decomposes naturally without releasing microplastics, which contributes to plastic pollution and waste. Additionally, it can be unravelled and reused.
Conclusion
Choosing homespun wool for your knitting project is not just a practical choice. It is about creating something that will stand the test of time with style, functionality, and sustainability. Knitting with handspun wool is making a piece of craft that could last for generations, telling its story through every stitch.
