Without prior knowledge even researching the ‘ingredients’ isn’t easy. Having tested allergic to everything with fur or feathers, wool and hair included, I can nonetheless wear high quality merino next to my skin. And of course knitting means you can frequently recognize them — they stick out from the twist, right? I’ve spun wool, starting right from the sheep, and the lanolin makes my hands soft; they don’t break out. N.B. It’s also worth noting that merino, like all wools, takes ages to dry, stretches out, is ‘warmer when wet’ when compared to cotton, rather than being truly warm, and wears out quickly, which is why it’s so often blended with synthetics. The knee-jerk reaction to wool can be a reminder of all things itchy, scratchy, uncomfortable, and too warm. I’m so confused what yarn would work best. There are a few reasons why this wool different from the others: Fiber lengthMerino wool has an excellent fiber length. Maybe you’re visiting a quaint yarn store on vacation and don’t have time to purchase a skein and knit a swatch, let alone wear it under your bra all day. Thank you! I use crochet thread sometimes to support heavier yarns. I haven’t distinguished between Superwash and other wool when making sweaters for my partner. Double whammy! However, some of the softest yarns on the market these days are wool yarns and wool blends. When it’s knit looser than suggested gauge it really doesn’t hold the shape of the stitches well, dry or wet. First, try yarns made with Merino wool, particularly fine and ultra-fine. This is partly due to the demand from their customers and friends. Superwash is actually more elastic than acrylic. However, bear in mind that the processing of superwash affects the natural absorbency of wool and may cause more moisture to accumulate on … But I don’t like the softness. Depends on the brand, & the superwash process used, but generally speaking yes, superwash yarns do need to go through a warm dryer. My only guess is that as a breed merino was isolated a long time ago and is just…different. Consider line drying your superwash wool crochet items. would that include colorwork issues? Luckily, that wasn’t my only experience with wool clothing. Is it soft or rough, stiff or drapey? Just my 2 cents worth, but as long as the addition is strong it works for me, ( but you have to remember that I am an improper knitter. Many blends can be machines washed. Like the samples in the article above, you may find that the pattern looks baggy, stretched out, or loses the stitch definition in those projects. So…..as beautiful as the yarn looks, I’m a non-superwash-lover ! I know about O-Wool eco superwash, what brands did you use? And you have options! Sign up now to receive 10% off your next order in the MDK Shop! Take another look at the electron microscope picture from above. The Myth of the Lanolin Allergy. Swish is the superwash of knitters’ dreams! Oh wow how serendipitous this post was!!!! This irritation is undeniable, though the severity varies from person to person. You are not limited to just sheep’s wool when knitting; there are many fibers out there. When they are noticeable enough to remove without ruining the garment, I do. Because more dye makes a deeper color, and altering the scales on the fiber allows for increased absorption of dye. I also seem to have trouble with alpaca. It stretched beyond belief. Yeah, superwash yarn is weird. Only 3 available and it's in 2 people's carts. A fair price but worth it if you can afford them. Thank you! — and pull them as you knit (as I mention in my other post below). In doing this research, I was surprised to find that modern research indicates that wool allergies may not–gasp— even exist! That’s easy: washability (duh), softness and color. I’m surprised because it grows a lot! If you want to knit a sweater with superwash yarn (and – truth be told – sometimes that’s the way to go, especially if itchy yarns bother you), be sure to keep in mind that it’s going to grow in length when you block it. But according to an msnbc.com article, a new wool processing technique claims to eliminate the itch factor. It combines both the fineness and the micron diameter. I am looking for a yarn for a sweater pattern. When I study a yarn, I look and touch first, then I swatch. I'm the Furious Knitter (FK), and I write KNIT FURIOUSLY to share what I've learned from over 15 years of knitting. Color is always what always brings me to superwash yarn. Supposedly the manufacturing process is kinder to the environment. Wow thanks for this article! Ahhh, allergy. They give wonderful drape, but the look of the quintessential snuggly woolen sweater still eludes me. I breakout in a lovely rash. I used Lansinoh religiously when I breastfed my four children. New York, NY: Touchstone. That said, the colors are so bright and alluring! I really want and have wanted to knit with non-superwash wool for years now, but what has stopped me are the colours. A quick trip through the dryer (warm/permapress setting) in a lingerie bag, but along with other regular laundry, & the Rios snapped back to its originally knitted size. The factor that most contributes to itchiness is the diameter of the wool strand. Zallmann, Michaela; Smith, Pete K.; Tang, Mimi L. K.; Spelman, Lynda J.; Cahill, Jennifer L.; Wortmann, Gabriele; Katelaris, Constance H.; Allen, Katrina J.; Su, John C. (2017). Brilliant article, I had no idea there was such a difference, thank you so much!! It doesn’t stretch out any more than any other type of wool yarn as long as you knit it to the proper gauge. I just finished a gorgeous sweater in Rios and after washing and blocking it is much larger than expected. DILLING’s organic range is an example of untreated wool. Sleeves and body lengthened by 4 (!) Silk is another animal-produced fiber, though it has a distinctive look and does not have the same heat-retaining properties. Loosely spun yarn will pill, regardless of fiber. Disclaimer: I will be using "itchy" and "scratchy" interchangeably and incorrectly throughout but I'm doing it intentionally to be gramatically whimsical. I use it for gifts because even those who know better sometimes pitch a scarf or hat into the wash without thinking, although I did knit myself a sweater from superwash because, YES, the COLOR! There is nothing approaching crisp stitch definition unless it is knit tightly. True, they aren’t as enjoyable in the hand as knitting with an animal fiber, but it’s hardly a struggle. Hi! Thank you! However, I knitted a wonderful sweater with Rios and when I blocked it grew like twice the size. Why? the wool itself does not come from China, but because of the rules of international trade its country of origin is listed as China if it has been spun, dyed, or superwash treated there. Baring that, however, there are simple measures that might alleviate itching and enable a person to wear wool. Superwash yarns (mainly merino, but other superwash yarns, too) have properties that make a knitted fabric that is a little different from their non-superwash sisters. ), had a worsted & a dk weight (Luna & Selene) and they both were wonderful. Autocorrected! When the yarn hits the water all of my beautiful knitting goes limp like a tired toddler asked to pick up toys (shrieking, optional). These articles are fascinating; opening up a new world of knowledge for me. It’s coated with plastic. Merino is prized for a low micron count and is one of the softest wool available. As one who uses superwash for a lot of gifts, I have knitted a lot of samples (my word for swatch) to look at the colors and patterns. It is jamieson and smith for me all the way now 🙂. Characteristics of wool also vary greatly among breeds. Anecdotally speaking, I am much more likely to develop a rash (which looks like an allergic reaction) to certain fibers than my husband. However, this is not the best way to determine if the yarn will be itchy. Some wool fabric makers try to do what is called superwash the regular wool to remove the lanolin and to make it more hypoallergenic. How it’s processed makes a big difference in how the skin reacts to it. The defensive line is not as structurally sound. Is there a difference between superwash and “real” in how prone to run a bright yarn is? A person with wool allergies has an allergic response, just like a person with an allergy to cats or pollen would have when they come into contact with those allergens. If you have torn off the offending garment in protest and noticed a rash or red skin, it is most likely due to your skin being irritated by the coarse fibers, not an allergy (Zallmann et al., 2017). Question: why does some yarn pill and others don’t? So far, I have used superwash because minus scales I seem to be okay. And, of course, blends of all these fibers can tone down the itchiness of 100% wool. This article is very informative. I want to make these great slippers I found on YouTube. ), but the recipients would not appreciate hand was or dry clean gifts. Isn’t there a test you can do with yarn samples that will identify plastic coatings on yarn, a burn test? And I personally never want to wear anything itchy. This is why you often see Merino wool used in infant and baby clothing. My biggest complaint about the fibers I can use is that they tend not to have much spring in them. Thanks for this but I am disheartened! Some of us are, unfortunately, sensitive to the structure of the animal hair itself. Same here. I have heard recently that some people in the U.S. are making it using less toxic methods. The list goes on!) It makes me nervous to think of extra drape ‘releasing’ the ends….. Kligman, Albert M. (2007). BTW…can’t get Anny Blatt in Australia any more…. Not all wool yarn is itchy. So if it’s so soft, why don’t we all just knit with 100% Merino all the time? You already put your valuable time into your projects … I haven’t been able to find out much about the processes used though. And another thing: odors stay in the fabric untill they’re washed – with non-superwash it’s enough to air the garment. This is what gives wool it's itchy feel and it's remarkable ability to shed water, body oils, etc. Oh, what a enlightening article! Wool has a reputation for being itchy, primarily due to the make-up of the individual yarn fibers. That acid treatment doesn’t make the fiber any thinner or finer of course. I’ve seen knitters blame themselves for superwash knitting that goes a little awry, but as I always say: it’s not you; it’s the yarn. Superwash yarns remind me of my neighbor’s cat: beautiful, and when you pet her in exactly the right place she happily purrs. Yes, you need to make sure you are picking up the thread as you knit, but it has not seemed a problem. The sensitive skin around your neck may not tolerate scratchier wools, but your arms and forehead may do just fine with a rugged Shetland sweater or hat. If you’re going to put in the money, and more importantly, the time into hand-knitting something, you should be sure that it is actually something that you or the lucky recipient will feel comfortable wearing. (And, as a plant comparison, linen is a general no-no for me for the same reason. I am terribly allergic to non-superwashed wool. Started using super wash wool this past year for baby things and went on to make a crib blanket in it and was generally disappointed. SweetGeorgia Yarns Superwash Worsted **POWER BOOST - 100%** This machine-washable worsted weight yarn is a workhorse and suitable for just about everything. I’ve learned to be extra careful wet blocking superwash garments, and I expect them to take a little longer to dry because of the density of the yarn. I like them for my grand kiddos garments…but I used a Superwash to knit Marie Greene’s Foxtrot KAL. These fibers simply are not as strong and durable as yarns made from thicker, coarser ones. This highly twisted yarn is soft, spongy and has excellent stitch definition. I have to go down a needle size to get the same gauge I get with a similar sized non-superwash yarn that knits to the same gauge. I was loving my Millamia fair isle WIP – so soft! The breed of sheep, as well as living conditions, diet, and age, etc., all contribute to the diameter of the fibers in the fleece and therefore, its itchiness. Asking a superwash yarn to have superior stitch definition is like trying to thread cooked angel hair pasta through the eye of a needle. The stuff is just no longer “wool” as you do well describe. They say you can put superwash in the dryer(gasp) to get it back to size. The takeaway: Come for the color and softness, but arm yourself with a little knowledge about how this yarn likes to be knit. Coarser wools - aran /icelandic type stuff makes lovely outer wear -warm and weather proof but not next to the skin. Not cashmere, soft as it is, not bunny. I’m very pleased with the results, but I will only be wearing the cardigan over a shirt. My favorite yarns are both superwash: malabrigo Rios and malabrigo chunky. Try to find projects that were made with the type of yarn you’ll be using (or similar). In today’s world where we are drowning in our own waste, consumers need to be informed as to what exactly we are buying before making a choice to buy or not. I love super wash yarns – some of the best ones feel like cotton without the stiffness. It would be interesting to include discussion of the chemical process used when creating superwash yarns. I now need a secluded cat free area for blocking!! It would be great if you would publish an article on how to block/resize superwash. If your mom, nephew, or friend says that they find wool itchy, it’s not worth your time and hard work to knit them a beautiful sweater that they won’t wear, even if you think it’s soft. Luckily it is flat stockinette and I can shave those pills off. It is, however also because the fibre absorbs water and dye much more quickly than wool in it’s natural state. It slumps on the body. Debunking the Myth of Wool Allergy: Reviewing the Evidence for Immune and Non-immune Cutaneous Reactions. The hand is how a knitted fabric feels. Wollmeise feels like cotton to me. Remove and smooth the scales, and the fibers have no natural way to grip each other. Oh it’s funny! Another soft option is yarn made from Bluefaced Leicester wool, though it is harder to find than Merino. (You can read about superwash in this blog post.) Plymouth Yarn Worsted Merino Superwash Yarn is available now at Jimmy Beans Wool with Free U.S. Flat Rate shipping for orders over $75, $5 U.S. Flat Rate shipping on all other orders! Your hands are much less sensitive than other parts of your body that may be covered in this finished garment, so they are not the best judge of texture or itchiness. Snippets is the Saturday newsletter full of MDK news, specials, and first look at new offerings. YES!! I crochet. You can often find her on the couch, eating snacks and knitting furiously (in both senses of the word). A process called “scouring” removes some but not all of this waxy coating before the wool is made into yarn. But then, so will untreated wool. I blamed the design, but this was unfair I realize. In general, sheep’s wool has a specific reputation for being itchy, so we’ll start with that. Thanks! I usually knit hats and scarves with them. Are there other great fibers that would work for me besides wearing a turtleneck under all my projects? But people frequently comment they can’t wear wool because it’s itchy, or uncomfortable or they think they’re allergic to it. To Be or Not To Be a Hypocrite: American Superwash Wool https://www.pigeonroofstudios.com/from-the-studio/2017/9/5/superwash Maybe your “local shepherdess” ought to learn something about her industry before she mouths off. Up to this point, after looking and touching, I am deeply in love with superwash yarn, but what happens in the swatching and knitting is what makes me a cautious superwash lover. Merino wool is the finest fiber, with a diameter of 10-15 microns, and many consider it to be the softest. This method of testing seems like a lot of hassle, but just imagine how much worse it is to buy all the yarn, knit the entire sweater, and then hate how it feels. These yarns are much closer to non-SW wool in my experience – bouncier, less dense, feel more wooly. Merino generally feels soft and stays together, whereas I find Mohair/Angora is generally itchy and sheds a lot so I breathe it in. This machine-washable and dryable yarn offers you a selection of solid and heathered colors that will compliment any project. I’m talking less about sock yarns and sock knitting, and more about using superwash yarns for knitting garments or accessories. I like them a lot. Even though some researchers still consider wool an unlikely allergen, recent data has identified a specific component of lanolin that may … The scales on fiber are what help yarns hold together when they are spun and plied. Knitted gauge according to pattern, but gauge must have looser than called for by the band! What is the best option? (This is why superwash yarns are great for socks.). No more superwash for me! I am a knitting newbie…..with a wool allergy. I avoid Superwash if I’m knitting for myself or for somebody that I know I can trust to hand wash. I’d much rather use some lovely Shetland, Blue Face Leicester or alpaca yarn that mellows with age. It will instantly soften whatever it’s blended with, as well. I get inchiness rashes, hives, sore throat, coughing and wheezing. She wrote the book Yarnitecture: A Knitter’s Guide to Spinning: Building Exactly the Yarn You Want so she could use all of the fiber words. Unsurprisingly, the hairs are finer. In fact, wool very rarely causes allergic reactions and does not promote growth of bacteria, which is part of its secret to remaining fresh and clean through many wears. Tania Fiber Arts have a non-superwash washable yarn and so do Rosy Green Wool. I do not care about washability, but it is more likely to be next to skin soft. Cheap wool will likely be itchy. I have heard people complain that cotton is stiff or hurts their hands, but the ones I’ve used don’t really bother me. Due to the coating and/or removal of scales, superwash wool can feel smoother or softer than other yarns. I can run a skein of wool across my neck and red blotches/itching begin. As it happens I have made only one in Superwash and I simply hate the way this cardigan has turned out: it stretches, fanning out at the hem. Thank you for this insight into super wash wool. And it’s slippery somehow; installing the zipper was a nightmare. I think O-Wool is one of them . From shawls and scarves to lightweight sweaters, this family-friendly yarn … I made a second sweater “Roger”, but this time a little tighter tension and have not blocked yet. (Superwash yarns therefore are not candidates for gauge shifting.). You have the warmth of wool, plenty of yardage and the added benefit of machine washability! And pill. I think for those of us who mostly buy online, that’s especially potent — it’s hard to appreciate subtle colors online. My next sweater is going to have colorwork and all three skeins are superwash. I have learned the hard way, how it can react in a garment if not knit to a tight gauge, but I love it for shawls, accessories, and baby gifts. Wool & Softness. This website (knitfuriously.com) is owned and operated by the Furious Knitter (FK) and is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. but it is plasticated! You may have more luck with baby alpaca (suri) than just “alpaca”. Knit it too loosely, & yes, it will stretch. link to All about Knitting Needle Sizes (Hooray! Our Valley Yarns Valley Superwash is made from 100% extra fine Merino wool, and it's machine-washable in cold water with a mild detergent or Eucalan. Most medical experts, while not discounting the discomfort caused by wool sensitivity, say that true wool allergies are rare. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Can you wear itchy wool, or do you opt for soft yarns only? I’m not a sock knitter but might consider using SW for that. I know there’s a lot of debate back and forth on Superwash to begin with, but this completely gives me a different sense of perspective to consider in the future. Plymouth Yarn Worsted Merino Superwash Yarn - Worsted Merino Superwash from Plymouth is a fabulous yarn. Linda. Great blogpost. I made a Boxy Pullover out of Superwash Malabrigo Rios and it seems to pill. I too fell to the color and washability. I also suggest that you investigate different breeds of sheep and keep experimenting with touching wool. Reply Anne February 12, 2015 at 1:41 am. Lambswool is a multi-purpose natural fiber that is a favorite among knitters and spinners. Alpaca is supposed to be hypoallergenic as compared to sheep’s wool as it doesn’t have the lanolin sheep’s wool has. We commonly wear merino shirts as daily pieces, but they’re also our articles of choice for long-distance activities like backpacking or marathon running. Looking forward to it! Because the fibers aren’t hanging on to each other, superwash yarns work best if knit tightly to help give them some of the structure that they are missing. These altered scales can make the yarn and its resulting fabric  a little tricky. It's perfect for your favorite shawl pattern. Look for superwash wool. Superfine and ultrafine Merino wool do not activate sufficient c-fibres to cause itch, are … Do superwash yarns pill any differently than regular wool? What makes superwash yarns both super and washable is the removal and/or suppression of the tiny scales that cover each individual fiber. The hand of the fabric and stitch definition are often the spots where love either blooms or dies on the vine for the knitter considering superwash yarn for projects that are not socks. Lambswool is quite literally wool from lambs. The structural information all makes sense now. Is that a good combination? But that doesn’t necessarily follow! I’ll just have to throw it in the machine and not treat it like he heirloom I was hoping. Knit a Norwegian sweater for son 2 years ago. ? Together with woo/acrylic blends, they’re hard to beat for children’s & young adult gifts. I am looking forward to more info on how the “de-scaling” is achieved. I’d like to make them in something soft but wont stretch out. Other factors that may contribute to itchiness include: The diameter of wool is measured in microns, typically ranging from 8 to 70 microns (Hemmons Hiatt, 2012). A single facility was built for the superwash process to ensure military requirements are met. Cutaneous irritation from wool relates to high fibre diameters (≥ 30-32 µm). I am sure some of you out there have chemistry backgrounds and can share suggestions that would make reading yarn labels easier. When you're knitting something that needs to stretch, you need the right stretchy cast-on to match. I am fading away from the “superwash”. I also feel bad about using it – that the yarn has been destroyed, effectively, to make it easier to clean. Imagine a game of Red Rover where the defending team stands shoulder to shoulder, but doesn’t hold hands. There are so very many different yarns available from which to choose, that I bet you’ll be able to find some that are just right for you. Are there other great fibers that would work for me besides wearing a turtleneck under all my projects? Again, making it a great option for conveniences’ sake. But there is something so nice about throwing it in wash and dryer. I don’t use wool for things I knit for my grandchildren due to allergic-type reactions + the machine-washing issue, but have never used superwash because I’d read about the non-elastic problem and the stretching. I haven’t used superwash yarns before, but now I can since I understand what it means….thanks again. I’ve knit all kinds of things out of superwash yarn in a variety of gauges, and the knitting and the resulting fabric are never quite what I expect. It is important to remember that the softness of finer wools comes with a trade-off. I hope pattern designers make an effort to indicate if super wash is appropriate for a given pattern. Thread did not seem to change the gauge, but supported the weight. I use superwash when making things for my granddaughter, because my daughter won’t handwash. All about Knitting Needle Sizes (Hooray!). I’d appreciate a piece clarifying and comparing the environmental costs of non-fuzzy animal choices (superwash, synthetics) and maybe others as well (cotton, bamboo, linen must go through some processing as well). In addition, it was itchy. Of course, you will. I know my stash is stuffed with colorful superwash yarns of all sizes. You can definitely be allergic any any animal proteins. I love the feel & drape of superwash yarns for shawls & scarves, not to mention the intensity of the colors. Sign up for our weekly newsletter full of MDK fun, and you'll save 10% on your next order. That is one flat cable. 100% Superwash Merino Wool 4.5-5 sts/inch (US 7-9) 200 yards / 4 oz Machine Wash Cold. The color of superwash yarn can be concentrated and much brighter than the same color on a non-superwash yarn of the same breed/blend. However, bear in mind that the processing of superwash affects the natural absorbency of wool and may cause more moisture to accumulate on your skin, leading to other discomfort and irritation. That’s why it behaves more like acrylic and not like wool anymore; it’s essentially a mixed fiber. Forest floor - 20g mini skein - 4ply platinum sock yarn - 75/25 BFL (Blue-faced Leicester) superwash wool and nylon - green, brown, gold sillylittlesheep. I usually knit my scarves a little bit shorter because after blocking it becomes longer. I know my shepherdess and her sheep, and I like buying yarn from her because I like supporting local farmers. And of course there are many alternatives to wool too. It may be coated, but it still is a protein fiber at heart and retains many of the inherent properties of protein fibers. It squeaks! I was thinking to switch to malabrigo worsted because it is not superwash but I heard that it pills a lot. Jill thank you for a great lesson. Pictured above are three superwash merino yarns, from the top: Neighborhood Fiber Company Studio Sock (shade: Hampden), Malabrigo Rios (shade: Apple Green), and Fiberstory Core Bulky (shade: Flutter). I always put a towel or two in with it. Due to the coating and/or removal of scales, superwash wool can feel smoother or softer than other yarns. Stay tuned for more info on superwash than could fit in this article, which focuses on how these yarns behave. Thank you for the info on the coating process. Should say Tanis Fiber Arts. Merino wool isn’t itchy _for you_, but it’s itchy for plenty of people. At the same time, we can buy non-s/w wool that has been raised locally or at least in the US. The colour, lovely in the skein, just doesn’t satisfy me knitted up. But the bad news: wool can be prickly. You also have trouble with alpaca? So, you can blame the itchiness of your least favorite sweater on the thickness of the wool strand. As someone who suffered with scratchy wool socks & clothing as a child, all in the name of warmth, you can keep the so-called natural stuff for anything but carpets & outerwear that will never come within 5 yards of bare skin. (2012). Did NOT realize all this was true about Superwash. Fleeces that are coarse, thick, or scraggly typically end up in carpets, not in garments and or the skeins that you see at your local yarn store (LYS). Under this process, there is no need to coat the yarn with resin. It does become very soft though but I usually knit with it for that drape. Superwash yarn feels delightful; it’s smooth and supple. If you find it’s itchy, you might be having an issue with the staple length and you would need to find a longer staple yarn.” So they may be better for accessories than a hard-wearing sweater. Acta Dermato-Venereologica, 97, 906-915. https://doi.org/10.2340/00015555-2655. The one on the right is knit to the gauge suggested by the ballband (4.5 stitches to the inch) and the one on the left just slightly looser (4.25 stitches to the inch). The original poster brought up the extremely useful point that you should not waste your time knitting wool garments for people who think wool is too itchy. The yarn compresses since some of the structure is missing. However if the garment is likely to be machine-washed (mainly for babies and children with very busy parents), I use a yarn that will stand up reasonably to the process, either Superwash wool, cotton or a mixture like Baby Bamboo. Even if science eventually determines that a wool allergy is not actually an allergy, that doesn’t mean that wool will magically feel smooth and nice to some people. A recent review of various literature from the past hundred years found that the wool fiber itself does not cause allergic reactions, just irritation. Thank you. Itchy. In this case, my go-to method for a quick test is to rub the yarn against an area of delicate skin. That’s why baby alpaca easier on my skin than standard alpaca; fewer of those guard hairs. However, according to recent medical research, this condition is much rarer (if not non-existent) than the many claims would have you believe. I use superwash for socks and I will use it on every once in a while on shawls/mitts/hats (for the ability to wash and dry more easily), but for the most part I avoid it. A beautiful sweater that was truly warm — without making me sweaty — was pretty elusive. It’s the yarn! My daughter and son-in-law are both too busy to be handwashing garments, but they ALL love it when I knit for them. Many people, my mom included, have been told and/or believe that they have a wool allergy. Additionally, where you wear the fiber affects the perceived itchiness. No reaction. Not all wools are the same I only made a shawl and it doesn’t pill but it’s not like a sweater that we wear all the time and there’s friction. Non Allergenic and Antibacterial While many people claim to have wool allergies, for many they are mistaking an allergy for sensitivity to coarser wool fibers, which can be itchy. However, the enzyme we use is an environmentally friendly enzyme also used in laundry detergent. That’s why you’re not going to see merino wool towels hit the market any time soon. It also reduces pilliness. A long time ago I only knitted with acrylic. I also find it a little bit more fragile. (Also, buying an extra skein of yarn to test with gauge swatching is never a bad idea.) But I still prefer good old wool. Even though most are machine dry, they often last longer if they are dried on a line (or laid flat to dry). The article you link to explains how superwash yarn revitalized the American wool industry, apparently in large part due to the military need for superwash wool and the requirement that it buy American. For example, if you’ve seen “Merino wool” advertised on storebought sweaters, that is most likely a marketing tactic to capitalize on the association with fineness and quality. The sweater pattern was knit with a merino, alpaca, silk blend. Superwash yarn is extra smooth, and the color is so intense that it looks like a cartoon idea of yarn. It’s a great approximation of what wearing a sweater made from that yarn would feel like! It is the yarn most indie dyers use. I was shocked the first time I felt the Jamieson’s of Shetland Spindrift yarn, which is used for iconic Fairisle sweaters. I’ve only used the dk but loved it, too: made a highly textured baby sweater and texture totally popped, which hasn’t been my experience with regular SW wool. Instead, she suggests doing the “bra test”: knit a swatch with the potential yarn and tuck it under your bra strap (or in the waistband of your pants for those who don’t wear bras). Been knitting for 45 years and I didn’t know this. But choice is useful. Happy knitting!! I have had eczema all of my life, and one of my triggers is definitely guard hairs (not sure what they’re called with fiber animals, but that’s what they are on dogs!). But it does smooth off the scales on the outer surface of the hair. Merino and those breeds that have a lot of merino in their breeding are my go-to for spinning and yarn buying. Thank you for the wonderful article on superwash yarns. The most common way to create a superwash yarn is to remove the scales and then coat the yarn to smooth it (more about this process in an upcoming post). The wool is non Superwash. Coating the yarn, like putting pomade on your hair, compresses and smoothes the fibers, making the yarn dense and even. And don’t discount cottons. No one will be surprised that my gauge is different with superwash yarn. I can now fully absolve myself from blame for the sagging mess of a hooded vest I made years ago. Please let us know about them. ), link to How to Knit an Actually Stretchy Cast-on, recent review of various literature from the past hundred years, any chemicals for processing or added fragrance, “leftovers” in wool that was minimally processed, such as bits of hay, twigs, or pollen. Buffalo! What do these yarns look like when used in a crochet? As a life long knitter, I’m rather nervous about doing that. Specially the hats I don’t wet block because I don’t want them to get huge. I read that a garment made of superwash wool should be dried in the dryer in order to maintain its shape. I’m that knitter that likes to find the yarn first and then a pattern. Spirit Trail, which just closed its doors (sob! (Yes, as with anything, the possibility of a sensitivity or allergy does exist, but for the purpose of this section we are assuming this is not an issue.) When I washed and “blocked” I was furious. Superwash wool is a special wool product that has been treated or processed in a way that allows it to be machine washable. My impression of superwash is that it is really stretchy compared to “regular” wool. Although we don’t use Superwash, we still want to achieve a soft quality. You live and learn. After reading this article, I feel like I need to get rid of all my yarn, everything is Superwash! So informative. I’ve never liked superwash and only use it for gifted baby things. It’s easy to see why people feel allergic to wool. Therefore, our wool undergoes an enzyme treatment to remove any itchy hairs from the wool fibres. Many people erroneously think that they simply cannot wear knitted garments, but it might actually be the type of fiber or how the yarn was processed that affects them. Hand-dyed yarns add an artisanal touch to everything you make. So I began to stabilize the ‘samples’ I made with whatever I had on hand: I added thread for light yarns, usually in an matching color to make it invisible. IMore thought and swatching now imperative thanx!!! Thank you! Wool has been worn for centuries—and for centuries people have itched while wearing wool. Yak! Why do we love them so much? They tend to be very silky and lovely to wear, although my experience was that they will pill. I had to laugh when you said you must ‘cleanse your palate’ with real wool, because I am the same way! Bamboo also. Jillian Moreno spins, knits and weaves just so she can touch all of the fibers. Thicker strands feel itchier and coarser. Love this article! Worsted Merino Superwash: 1—100g skein EACH for the Hat or Mitts color 56 Aquamarine Gauge: 20 sts, 28 rows = 4” in st st on US Size 7 (4.5mm) after blocking, 12 sts= 1 ¾â€ in Cable Pattern on US Size 7 (4.5mm) after blocking. So far, I have used superwash because minus scales I seem to be okay. Let’s push the American wool industry to support less toxic and more environmentally responsible s/w processes and, in the meantime, let’s continue to raise awareness of what the s/w process is and why it needs to change. I checked the Malabrigo website for any washing tips and it says to dry flat. It’s the Superwash! Great info! I would appreciate any feedback. I, like many others who commented, prefer non-superwash outside of sock knitting and gifts for people who won’t hand wash. Great article. It brings a languid drape to your shawl, like reading and swinging in a hammock on a summer afternoon. It is also why regular wool is not considered to be hypoallergenic while alpaca wool is considered to be hypoallergenic. Here 8n Australia you can buy merino undergarments. Also polymer does not equal plastic. For the most part I have never had family or friends who knit (online has been an all time bonus! But with a bit of a dull knit, variegated thread adds spark. I just used a silk/baby alpaca blend to knit my first cardigan, and it’s lovely. She also mentioned how it squeaks when knitted, and how it stretches out. The young sheep provide soft, fine wool that makes for great clothing and home items. If you are creating a pattern that requires some degree of natural felting, such as for steeks, a very soft yarn may not be the best option. Love this environmently friendly wash cloth idea. My friend in the photo is holding two damp swatches. This tells me not to stray looser than the suggested gauge. What do you look for if you don’t want yarn to pill? Wool Allergies . As one reader said “some of us are allergic to wool or have super sensitive skin and merino wool is itchy.” Another reader added how “Merino is a short staple wool. The wool is soft and comfortable to wear. There’s going to be a follow-up article apparently. Rarely does fresh superwash yarn look fuzzy. Most knitters who are not allergic or sensitive to wool love using that natural fiber for warmth, springiness, and great wearing in … It feels dense and squishy. A too-tight cast-on makes even the most beautiful pair of socks unwearable if you can't get it... Hello! Let’s go! Merino wool, on the other hand, is ultra-fine, giving it a soft quality. I also worry about the enviromental impact – though some company’s use “eco methods” (though I don’t know enough about the process to feel confident about it). It balances softness with strength and has a beautiful luster. There are many wonderful things about superwash merino wool but it wouldn’t be fair to tout its benefits without sharing its drawbacks. Unless it’s treated to be superwash. Contact Dermatitis, 39(3), 103-107. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1600-0536.1998.tb05856.x. By selecting high grade Merino wool (20.5 microns), we have been able to produce a machine washable yarn that is super soft - definitely worthy of being worn against a baby's skin. Same goes for sweaters. — And you WILL block it, right? I knit furiously, meaning that I am a fast and prolific knitter and that I swear loudly every time I drop a stitch. Silk is wonderful, although slippery to knit with. Experienced knitters know that using the right needle size can mean the difference between a well-fitting and overly large sweater. Hemmons Hiatt, June. Can you elucidate? “coat the yarn to smooth it” isn’t fully addressed. So back to the drawing board. I have 3x 30 year old (approx) handknits I made from Anny Blatt No.4 and there is still not a pill in sight. Having some or all of the scales altered decreases the elasticity a bit, so it’s got extra drape. Superwashed wool I can wear with no problem for the most part. Merino definitely ain’t silk. In addition, wool that is extremely soft and smooth (especially superwash) will not naturally cling to itself as readily as coarser yarns. Any comments about this? Even if it seems totally smooth, there are still tiny prickly bits that will set me off.). I now know to avoid Superwashed wool when structure is important (not much of an issue since I mostly do socks). Superwash Merino wool is a wool yarn that is machine washable and dry-able (at certain weights) and much less rough feeling than traditional Merino and other, thicker, wools. The insides of my wrists are relatively sensitive, so I put back any yarn that I absolutely can’t stand the feel of in that area. Instead of swearing off knitted items for good, learn about the factors that contribute to the dreaded itchiness. Unlike other wool fibers, Merino wool is very fine and thin. haven’t been able to for a long time. I’ll never use it for a sweater again. I wear it anyway even if it was more beautiful before. It balances softness with strength and has a beautiful luster. I always need to have a good woolly project going at the same time to cleanse my pallet after all the slickness of the superwash. Have you noticed that superwash yarns are grand and glorious, but they don’t really act the same as non-superwash yarns? Polymers can be either natural or manmade. There are some interesting fibers out there made of things like soy and milk. Merino turns the notion that wool is itchy and uncomfortable completely on its head. I struggle with deciding to knit with superwash. Then I washed it and VOILA it stretched to the pattern! And yes, dearies, there is always silk, and then linen, bamboo, cotton, hemp and other scrumptious fibers. Thank you for the eye opening article on Superwash yarns! If you do knit tighter, that further compresses the yarn and makes the fabric heavier. The lack of elasticity allows your block to hold all of those YOs open. I use the dryer and find it shapes back up. The would like to hear about them. Case in point, a Better Bucket hat knit for my sister in Malabrigo Rios would have fit a basketball when it came out of a handwash bath in Eucalan. I am a knitting newbie…..with a wool allergy. I love malabrigo and I don’t want to stop knitting with it. Sometimes a superwash wool will be a little softer. Trying to even the stitches out again, has become a nightmare. But even with seemingly soft animal fibers I can have problems. The bra test saved me from spending over $100 on Icelandic yarn that I saw online; it was way too scratchy for me. I am going to frog back beyond the pockets and redo shorter, then if it stretches it won’t matter. Plastic is now believed to be in our water cycle. Irritating. (2007) found that fine and ultrafine Merino did not trigger skin irritation, so this is a great place to start. I have no other explanation for why something would feel soft in hand, but be unwearable on my neck or back. Another soft option is yarn made from Bluefaced Leicester wool, though it is harder to find than Merino. While these are not “wool,” they are natural fibers from animals that will retain heat and give you a similar look to sheep’s wool. My local shepherdess ( who is biased ) told me about superwash, and why she doesn’t like it. This worsted weight yarn is incredibly soft, a great choice for everything from afghans to baby projects, and comes in a wide range of fabulous colors, including shades specially chosen by author, designer, instructor and D.I.Y. Fiddling with the scales on the fibers in the superwash process affects how the fiber behaves. Will heed your advice to not stray from gauge. For non-animal options, there are also several plant-based fibers, such as cotton, linen, silk, and bamboo. What an interesting article! The Principles of Knitting. Is that a misnomer!!! There are some wonderful cottons out there, and I’m currently making myself a cotton pullover that I can use to transition into fall. I was wondering the same… Gonna have to get myself some and find out…. But it’s not scratchy like regular wool, either. Wear it for a few hours and see if you can tolerate the feeling of it close to an area of sensitive skin. Also receive daily new post notifications, It’s Not You, It’s the Yarn: Superwash Edition, how to save this article in your MDK account with one click, Knitter’s Notebook: Warm Hats and Good Friends, Yarn Detective: The Mysterious Phenomenon of the Gauge Shifters, Grist: A Secret Measurement for Substituting Yarn, Yarn Detective: Twist and Knitting Style, Part 2, https://www.pigeonroofstudios.com/from-the-studio/2017/9/5/superwash. Items made of softer yarns will pill and wear out quickly, so consider how durable and long-lasting you want your finished item to be when picking yarn. I’ve heard of acrylic squeaking, but not superwash yarn, ever. Mechanical? A tighter spin, like in the other 2 yarns, makes up for some if the properties that superwash can be lacking in. inches after wet blocking. If, however, I suggest to her I’d like to pet her in a way that works for many other cats I know, but not her, I find teeth and claws attached to my hand. I also seem to have trouble with alpaca. While sheep’s wool is notorious for its potential itchiness, lambswool is generally softer and less likely to cause skin irritation. A micron is one-millionth of a meter or about .00004 inches. Should I use Superwash, wool blend, cotton? FK is a mostly self-taught knitter who has opinions on things. I think your confusion is merited, but what is not commonly understood is that not everyone who has a problem with wool is reacting to the lanolin (or chemicals used on commercial wool). It's also sometimes referred to as washable wool. But I want to knit another one and I want to be sure that I’ll have the right size. Plastic washes out of fabrics right into our waste water that we will eventually drink. Better to be sad when choosing a pattern instead of after putting in all of the expense and time of knitting something you don’t love. Sigh. The worst thing you can knit is the item that you won’t wear. If I go inside wearing it, I break out in a sweat immediately – and moisture does not get wicked away like with non-superwash. Superwash merino is a joy to wear. Wool that is on a sheep has an oily coating called lanolin, which acts as a natural water repellent and softener. Expensive yes; but really soft. Superwash wool is a tried-and-true favorite of so many fiber artists because it is deliciously soft, a natural fiber, and you can wash it! The cable swatch in the photo is knit with bulky yarn, with many plies, at the gauge suggested by the ballband. It’s not even cotton. Regular wool has lots of this natural ingredient and that is the main source for wool being so itchy. This is why I don’t buy loosely spun superwash anymore. For reference, Merino clocks in between 60 and 90, and the vast majority of wool has a count between 40 and 60. Also, it seems to pill more. It feels heavy for merino yarn, but it’s a languorous heft. For example, “lamb’s wool” comes from sheep that are less than eight months of age and typically feels softer and finer than wool from older animals. Since some of the natural structure is missing from the yarn, it’s splitty, less elastic, and it compresses easily. So colourful! Even rugged outdoorsy types might notice: wool against the tender skin at the neck, at the wrists, can be torture. Now, I am new to blocking and try to do it right but I now have a sweater I can’t wear. If you’re choosing a pattern on Ravelry, I highly recommend looking through the projects people have made. Over the years I have hand washed and machine washed these (on warm gentle cycle) and they still look and feel fabulous! And I love knitting for them, but boy I don’t enjoy the feel of superwash yarns. Good luck, and, Happy Knitting! These days, pretty much anything I knit will pill and I have used a great variety of brands including chain yarn. Superwash yarns, especially superwash merino, are some of the most loved yarns in the knitting world.  They are as seductive as an ice cream van jingling its song up your street on a hot day. I was confused and just continued. The scales are removed via a chemical process, not mechanical. Raíz by Amores Yarn Studio is dyed just for us in a palette of harmonious contrasts. There are the very occasional stiff hairs, but those are easy to pull away as you knit. Have you tried yak or camel? The thick wool uniform was like wearing a sweatsuit. “After all, wool is made from the same protein as human hair and fingernails, and people have worn wool for millennia without complaint.”. Instead, you want to look for yarns that are made with finer fibers that don’t irritate the skin. Finishing a couple commissioned blanket and was pondering an Autumn sweater for myself in superwash fingering!!!!