In the fibre arts community, acrylic yarn always creates controversies. Acrylic yarn is praised and available in different colours and styles. The production of this particular yarn is enormous. So, if you’re wondering how to block acrylic yarn, we’ll help!
However, advanced artists prefer natural yarns more than acrylic yarn regarding quality and consistency.
So, here we will find out the reason behind it. Why acrylic yarn is messy and may not be the best choice. However, we’ll also tell you how to make the best use of the yarn.
What Is Acrylic Yarn?
Acrylic yarns are synthetic fibres made from polyacrylonitrile, a polymer with an average molecular weight of –100,000 and around 1900 monomer units. Acrylic is a type of plastic.
So, it is manufactured fibre and is not generated naturally.
Acrylic can be made into fabric or yarn, apart from other textiles.
What is Bulky Acrylic or HBA
Acrylic fibres start as a mix of two types of variants that bring a drastic change in their shrinking capacity.
The shrinkable fibre shrinks around 15-25% making non-shrinkable fibres crimp around shrinkable fibres. Thus, providing the bulkiness to the yarn.
Acrylic is the closest artificial fibre resembling wool concerning the bulkiness.
How to block acrylic yarn?
So, now that we’re here to solve how to block acrylic yarn, we can work with this yarn type:
- One of the best ways to block acrylic yarn is with the help of a hairdryer. This is one of the best ways you can achieve this and ensure it is not messy.
- Wet blocking is another one of the effective way to answer how to block acrylic yarn. It works best when crocheting.
- However, if you are knitting with this yam, it would be best to rely on a hair dryer.
Some of the other effective options include a washer/dryer, spray and steam blocking.
Some Things To Know About Acrylic Yarn
Before we dig into how to block acrylic yarn, let’s know some essential things about acrylic yarns.
What Is Acrylic Yarn Made Of?
As I mentioned earlier, Acrylic is a long chain of synthetic polymer. And this polymer is very close to plastic. Have you heard of vinyl acetate and also methyl acrylate? Both of these are the main components of Acrylic yarn.
How To Dye Acrylic Yarn?
As acrylic yarn is made from plastics, it is tough to dye acrylic yarn.
But there is an inexpensive way to dye acrylic yarn at home. All you need is a container, water, some acrylic colour, and acrylic yarn.
First, soak the acrylic yarn you want to dye, squeeze it, mix some acrylic paint with water, and then pour it into the yarn. Make sure that every part of your yarn is getting colour. After that, let it dry completely.
How to Soften Acrylic Yarn?
As I told you earlier acrylic yarn is made of plastic, so there is no doubt that it will be a bit stiff and scratchy acrylic yarn. Take your acrylic yarn, soak it thoroughly in cold water, and let it soak for more than 15 to 20 minutes.
Now, take it out from the water and squeeze it completely. Now, apply a generous amount of shampoo and shampoo your acrylic yarn.
Then, wash it properly with cold water.
If not in time for the conditioner, apply a generous amount of conditioner, leave it for 10 minutes, now was it and soak it again in cold water for about 1 hour.
Now squeeze it and let it dry completely. And your soft acrylic yarn is ready.
Why Acrylic Yarn Ain’t As Good As Other Yarns Are
So, now we have enough knowledge about acrylic yarn. Acrylic yarn is artificial, and we can not find it naturally.
So, natural yarns like wool, cotton yarn, sea silk yarn, bamboo yarn, and many more are considered safer and better than acrylic yarn. But there are some solid reasons behind this particular statement.
To check that, here are some disadvantages that Acrylic yarn has.
Disadvantages of Acrylic Yarn
Here are some of the disadvantages of acrylic yarn that can affect the business and people coming into contact. Check it out:
1. Unsafe And Bad For Environment
Acrylic yarn is flammable. So, it is unsafe to use in some projects. This yarn is unacceptable for any kitchen accessories or baby clothes. In the heat, it melts into plastic. It also affects the environment.
Acrylonitrile is the main component in acrylic yarn, and this component has a significant carbon footprint.
The petroleum products used in manufacturing are not at all sustainable. Apart from all these, acrylic yarn is not biodegradable or recyclable.
So, it is clear how bad it is for Mother Nature.
2. Texture
The texture of the acrylic yarn is rough or not as soft as natural yarn.
As acrylic yarn is made from plastic, it does not provide the softness that natural yarns have.
However, recent technology has solved this issue to an extent.
But if you are looking for those soft, luscious fibers, then you will be disappointed by acrylic yarn.
3. Manmade
People fond of living an eco-friendly life and shop for yarns from local indie farmers known for not making acrylic yarns will not like acrylic yarn.
This artificial yarn has chemicals that can cause severe issues to our beloved planet.
People also concerned about chemicals in their products will not like this artificial product, which has toxins, potential carcinogens, and non-renewable material, including petroleum.
Though acrylic yarn has many negatives, it is still one of the most popular yarns recently.
This is because it has several benefits that other natural yarns do not have.
Advantages of Acrylic Yarn
Here are the advantages of Acrylic Yarn for which it has become so popular.
1. Availability
You will quickly get acrylic yarn from the local store or online shopping sites.
This yarn’s production is massive, making it more available than any other yarn.
2. Economical
The prices of acrylic yarn vary, but it is cheaper than most environment-friendly yarns, such as cotton and wool. So, for more significant projects, acrylic yarn is a cost saver.
3. Durable
Acrylic yarns are artificial, so they must be durable enough to last long. In actuality, it is much more durable than most other yarns. Though the durability varies for different acrylic yarns, they tend to be more durable.
4. Easy To Wash
Most acrylic yarns are very easy to wash and dry in machines. All you need to do is check the label of the acrylic yarn for any specific instructions.
5. Non-Allergic
Many people are allergic to natural fibres. Yarn made from animal-based fibres, like alpaca or wool, can cause irritation, itchiness, and rashes.
So, acrylic yarn is a saver for them.
Closing Thoughts
So, from the above discussion, it is clear that acrylic yarn is non-sustainable and affects the environment. However, if you have a huge stock and want to get through, here’s how to block acrylic yarn.
Moreover, this yarn has several benefits and a longer life span. However, the disadvantages that acrylic yarn has are serious. Above all, this is a non-biodegradable product.
And in recent days, when the environment and saving our planet have become a serious issue, blocking acrylic yarn will be the best.
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