If you are an avid knitter, you must have come across the terms yarn and wool often. What do those terms actually signify, and how do they differ?
Yarn is a term that refers to long, interlocking fibres that can be used in textiles, knitting, weaving, and other applications. The main difference between yarn and wool is that wool is a natural fibre extracted from the fleece of sheep and other animals such as goats and bison. Yarn, on the other hand, is made by processing any type of fibre. Yarns are created by spinning the fibres together. This procedure results in a single strand of yarn.
Difference Between Yarn and Wool
As previously stated, yarn is a continuous length of entangled fibres. It's used to make fabrics as well as a variety of crafts like knitting, crocheting, weaving, embroidery, and sewing.
Yarn can be made from natural or synthetic fibres while wool is an animal fibre derived primarily from sheep's fleece. Other animals, such as rabbits and goats, produce wool as well.
How is yarn made?
Yarn is created by spinning fibres together to create a thick strand. When compared to fibres, it is more resilient and stronger. The quality and texture of the yarn are determined by the different types of twists applied to the fibre. Bonding is the other method of creating yarn from fibre. It is the most fundamental component in the creation of a fabric. The use of the yarn is usually determined by its quality.
How is wool made?
Wool on the contrary is not made but obtained naturally from wool producing animals. Animal wool that has recently been sheared is first categorised and segregated. It is classified into fleece, broken, pieces, bellies and locks. This is usually done to guarantee that the finished wool yarn has a consistent texture and grade. After that, it's washed and processed. Fleece, which makes up the majority of the material, is commonly utilised to make wool for clothing. The texture and weave/knit of the wool determine how it is used.
Different Types of Yarn and Wool
Some of the most popular types of yarn include cotton yarn, silk yarn, bamboo yarn and acrylic yarn. Each of these yarns has properties of their own and are used in distinctive projects. Another popular yarn is wool yarn that is made using the fibres of wool.
Wool is differentiated based on the animal it is obtained from. Some of the popular types include cashmere wool, merino wool, and alpaca wool.
Summary
Yarn is a byproduct of the steps involved in refining fibres to make fabrics. Wool is a natural fibre from which yarn is made, which is then formed into woollen fabrics and then into garments that are sold in markets. Wool is one of the most sought-after and popular natural fibres on the planet. India is the world's second largest producer of cotton yarn and ranks among the top ten producers of wool.
We hope that this blog gives you a clearer understanding of the differences between yarn and wool. For yarn at best prices online in India, shop at Vardhman Knit World.