Knitting Wool – A Timeless Hobby
Finding the right knitting wool is not as easy as some of us would like it to be. While wool is very pliable material, it also has some distinct disadvantages anybody considering knitting with it needs to keep in mind.
Wool these days comes from more than just sheep. Llama, alpaca, and goat wool is nothing unusual these days and feels just like any wool that comes from sheep. Most of the knitting wool that you will find will be made of one of the four animals above. Most of the wool that you will find will not tell you type of animal that has come from, and you probably will not be able to tell the difference anyway.
Most who are just starting to knit begin with wool because it is so flexible, pliable, and hardy while being knitted — but once the piece is done, the material does need to be taken special care of in order to maintain its shape, size, and feel. For example, washing in cold or lukewarm water is recommended so that what you have knit does not shrink. To prevent future shrinking accidents, you may want to knit things in large sizes than you intend them to be in case they are washed in hot water. Clumping is also something to worry about — so much so that you may want to had wash the things you knit.
Pay attention to the care instructions on the label. Following these instructions once you have finally completed your knitted creation will ensure that it will have a long life. Depending on the wool itself, there may even be special instructions for when you are handling it while knitting, so be sure to look for this as well.
Hand washing can not be recommended enough to the person looking to keep their wool clothing intact. There is no risk of clumping, shrinking, or tearing when something is hand washed. Hanging them up to dry as opposed to putting them in the dryer is also a good idea, as it reduces the chances of the above risks as well.
You can find wool for knitting at any fabric store, though some larger department stores have it as well. Price compare and be sure that you are getting the colors you want so you do not regret picking the wrong ones once you’ve finished what you are knitting. Knitting wool is a delicate material, but once you have finally completed your first sweater or scarf you will absolutely love the feel.
Whether you’re a grandma or a grandkid, wool for knitting is a must for making your own clothing.