Knitting Without Plastic

We will be the pioneers for this movement. Unfortunately, most of the craft world still doesn’t know that the major yarn companies are still selling mostly plastic yarn. By plastic yarn, I mean synthetic fiber yarn such as acrylic, nylon and polyester which happen to dominate the yarn world even now! It’s hard to believe that most of their sales are still synthetic fibers even though the world is more eco conscience and even has jobs, technology, organizations and new industries that reflect this direction.

It needs to change now with you and me and everyone you know. We are the new eco-influencers.

These are the basics. Use only natural fibers. Not even 1% synthetic. There are blends that are being marketed as eco-friendly or natural fiber. The common one being 80% Acrylic and 20% Wool and when you look up wool fiber, blends also appear. That is very misleading. Go for 100% Wool or natural fiber blends such as 80% Wool and 20% Cotton. Please stop using synthetic yarns.

Another way yarn companies are trying to push off as eco-friendly is recycled yarn. Recycled water bottles into yarn sounds great but it’s still plastic. And to make those water bottles into yarn takes a lot of machinery and chemicals. Skip the recycled sythetic fiber. Opt instead to lessen all plastic use and products to none so there will be less of a market for it. #saynotoplastic

Think about your tools and accessories. Use wood, bamboo or metal knitting needles. There is always a way to be more eco-friendly but right now let’s get rid of all the plastic. This includes the circular needles with the plastic or nylon cords. I know this is the favorite and modern way to knit but it all has to go. Use straight knitting needles and double pointed needles. It’s become a habit now to knit this way and use patterns that use this method. It may take a while to change your whole view but it is very attainable and honestly, I prefer it now.

We’re on a beautiful new path for the next generation for this handcraft skill. Maybe it’s an old path of our great grandmothers but we’re rediscovering it.

I know acrylic yarn is cheaper but acrylic yarn is like junk food made of chemicals. It’s cheap, available everywhere, has a long shelf life and is convient but eventually it will make you sick.

Keep things simple. The non-toxic tools to use are wood, bamboo or steel. The yarn is not synthetic, so use plant fiber or wool.

Do not compromise with yarn, tools and accessories that are partially synthetic. Use 100% natural fibers and materials. Use wood and shell buttons and toggles instead of nylon zippers. Use steel blunt needles for weaving in ends. Use canvas bags, natural baskets, wood or cardboard boxes for storing yarn.

We can go futher with being eco-friendly by making sure the yarn is made locally and sustainably without chemical dyes or delivered in plastic. Keep going if you can but it’s very costly but if you have the means and availability of those wonderful item, please try it out or do some reasearch it and if you can please make a business out of it. For average or low cost or even budget crafters, there are great choices for natural fibers and natural material tools.

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