Explore the Pros and Cons to Both!
We've recently added a lovely Non Superwash family of bases to our 24/7 yarn line up, and Legacy certainly is receiving a warm welcome! But that has us thinking that maybe we should go into some detail about why we need Non Superwash yarns, but also why Superwash yarns have a place in our making too. Join us on this journey as we explore the pros and cons to both types of yarns to help you feel informed when making the choice to use Non Superwash or Superwash yarns for your projects.
Non-Superwash Yarn - What's the Buzz About?
Colors shown on Legacy: Beets Me, Happy Glamper, Lightning Bug, Faded Ink
Non Superwash (NSW) yarn means that the wool has not been treated with any chemicals or coating and the tiny scales that the wool naturally has, remain in tact. However this increases the chance of fulling or felting, meaning those tiny scales open up and stick together, when heat and agitation are introduced, say in the dying or washing process. Extra care needs to be taken when working with NSW yarns.
When we wash our NSW knits we need to remember not to get the bath too hot or move the piece around, and we especially don't want to throw them in the machine for a wash! We would hate to put all that work into the project, only for it to come out felted and so much smaller than intended! While this all may seem like a negative, it's actually one of the benefits of NSW yarns!
When working with NSW yarn we like those tiny scales to stick together! This is a bonus when we are knitting colorwork or we steek our fabric for a cardigan. The "sticky" nature helps those colorwork stitches lock in place and when we steek the garment, the risk of the edge unraveling is very minimal if at all!
Steeking sleeve opening on Otra sweater.
Non Superwash wool is also great for keeping our body temperature regulated, because it locks in our warm body heat in the winter while insulating us from cooler temps. And it also can reduce the moisture we feel on our bodies in the summer, as it has moisture-wicking properties!
But now you may be asking, why bother with Superwash yarn then? What are the benefits of using it?
Superwash Yarns - Why Bother?
Well, one of the huge benefits to Superwash (SW) yarn is the fact that those tiny scales on the wool, that we referenced earlier, have been either chemically removed or sealed with various treatments to keep the fibers from locking together. That means that you can be harder on your knits and wash them in the washing machine without felting or shrinking! That can be a big benefit when it comes to hand knits for gifts or the rough and tumble nature of children. It's easier to care for those knits by just throwing them in the wash and knowing they are still safe.
Superwash yarns also showcase the brightness of hand dyed yarn, as they have a beautiful sheen because the wool is smooth and absorbs the dye more easily.
However, one of the drawbacks to Superwash yarns is the methods used to remove the tiny scales. This process is less sustainable as it uses chemicals and creates waste. It also uses more energy and water than the processing involved in non-superwash wool yarns.
Colors shown on Legacy: Faded Ink, Lightning Bug, Happy Glamper, Beets Me
Top skein - Primo
Middle skein - Legacy
Bottom skein - Luxe Merino
There have been some great strides in the wool industry to create an eco-friendly "Superwash" yarn that is is technically classified as a Non Superwash, but behaves like a Superwash. Our Luxe Merino bases are an example of this new treatment. Notice in the image that Faded Ink resembles Legacy in tone, but has the shine of Primo.
What Yarn Do You Use Most?
So where do your needles land on this topic? We love seeing all the comments over on Instagram when we posed this question. The passion you have behind what inspires your making is truly inspiring to us! Please feel free to continue sharing your thoughts on this topic over on Instagram or by emailing us at customerservice@thepluckyknitter.com. We would be delighted to hear more from you!
Here's a closer look at our Non Superwash Legacy beside our Superwash Primo base.
Faded Ink
Lightning Bug
Happy Glamper
Beets Me
Oh, and don't forget to join our spring KAL over on Ravelry!
There are only a couple more weeks left to enter your FO's for a chance at some great prizes!
Kodachrome being knit by SpahrkleKnits
Happy Making, Friends!
The Plucky Crew
P.S. We love seeing all of your beautiful creations made with Plucky yarn! Please tag us @thepluckyknitter or use the hashtag #pluckyknitter on Instagram and Facebook so we don't miss them! And sign up for our newsletter emails for a look at upcoming yarn and kit updates!