What yarns (weight & fiber) are the best type of yarn to use for clothing in the Winter?
Saturday, July 17th, 2010 at
5:42 pm
What yarns (weight & fiber) are the best type of yarn to use for clothing for children (5-10), toddlers, newborns and babies in the winter? I’m trying to figure this out, I don’t want my children to be cold for the Winter. Also, what type of yarns should be used for seasons like fall and spring and/or summer? Thanks so much, I appreciate it!
Filed under: Toddler Clothing
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The answer to that question depends entirely on where you live.
If you live in North Dakota or similar climate, use 100% wool or a blend such as wool and alpaca, wool and silk, or other animal fibers blended together. You’d want the warmest outdoor garments you can get. Bulky yarns, Lopi (which is my favorite yarn for outdoor jackets and sweaters), and yarns that are designed to hold in warmth are preferred.
If you live where I live, you’d use cotton, linen, lightweight wool, or synthetic fibers all year–because it’s too warm most of the time for heavy woolens. If it gets cool, we just switch to long sleeves and add a layer. Tightly spun yarn that "breathes" is preferred.
Basically, if you’re comfortable in garments made from the yarn, your kids are going to be comfortable as well.
In general I would say a wool acrylic blend so that it is machine washable and can be put in the dryer. Most patterns will call for a worsted weight, but read the pattern carefully. I have knit lots of sweaters for nieces and nephews using either Lion Brand Woolease Worsted or Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice Yarns.