Budget Yarns – Why cheap Acrylic yarn might not be your best bet
When it comes to crafting, we usually want to get the most value for our hard earned money. Who doesn’t like a good bargain? But, when it comes to yarn, getting the cheapest option might not be the best option when crafting. Cheap Acrylic yarn might seem like a great deal, but there are a few factors to consider before settling on that choice for your project.
The decision to use cheap acrylic yarn has a few pros.
Pros
For starters, it’s incredibly affordable; usually much cheaper than other materials such as organic cotton, pure wool or alpaca.
It’s also easy to find in bulk, which can help you complete larger projects. In addition, it comes in a vast array of colors and can easily be dyed to match the desired hue.
Cons
However, there are some drawbacks to using cheap acrylic yarn that should be considered.
- Acrylic It is extremely low-quality, which means it won’t last nearly as long as higher quality materials.
- It has a tendency to pill, shed, mat, and fade quickly.
- As it is low quality it becomes challenging to work with.
- The chemical dyes used to dye the yarn can cause skin irritation and the fibres may irritate allergies.
- The synthetic material also doesn’t hold the warmth that other materials do, making it an inferior choice for winter-wear.
If you’re considering using cheap acrylic yarn for your next project, consider the facts that are being discussed here and make an informed decision. Is it worth it in the long run? That is for you to decide.
Ready? Let’s get into it!
What is Acrylic yarn?
Acrylic yarn is made from a synthetic polymer called polyacrylonitrile, which is derived from fossil fuels.
The polymer is first spun into long fibres, which are then twisted together to form a yarn. The yarn is then washed and treated with heat and chemicals to set the twist and improve its strength and durability.
All of this is very high energy-intensive to manufacture. This means that the production results in the emission of large amounts of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Why is Acrylic yarn so affordable?
Acrylic yarn is relatively cheap to buy due to its manufacturing process, which as we saw earlier, involves synthesising polymers from petrochemicals.
The raw materials used to make acrylic fibres are readily available and cost-effective, making it easy to produce large quantities of yarn at a low cost.
Additionally, acrylic yarn is often mass-produced using automated machines, which helps to further reduce labour costs and keep prices low for consumers.
Pro’s & cons of Acrylic yarn
If you’re looking for an affordable yarn option, you may have considered acrylic yarn. Acrylic yarn is often very cheap, making it an attractive option for craft projects and for those on a budget. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of choosing acrylic yarn before making a purchase.
When it comes to cost, acrylic yarn definitely has the upper hand. It tends to be the most affordable option on the market, with some types of yarn costing as little as a few cents per yard. If you’re working on a tight budget, this can be a great way to complete your project.
Unfortunately, one of the biggest drawbacks of using acrylic yarn is its quality. It can be tricky to work with, as it tends to be stiff and slippery. This can make it difficult to create even stitches and can lead to a project that looks sloppy.
It also lacks the same strength and durability of more expensive yarns, so it may not be the best choice for items that need to be washed frequently.
In addition to this, acrylic yarn doesn’t breathe as well as other types of yarn, which means it can be uncomfortable to wear. If you’re making something that will be in close contact with skin, such as a scarf, it may not be the best choice.
Quality vs. Price: Is cheap Acrylic yarn really worth it?
When it comes to yarn, you may be tempted to choose a cheap acrylic yarn as a cost-effective alternative. However, there are important factors to consider when making such a decision. It’s important to weigh the value and quality of the yarn against its cost to ensure you’re getting the best bang for your buck.
Yarn quality
The quality of the yarn can have a huge impact on the longevity of your projects and the overall look of the finished item.
Cheap acrylic yarns tend to be less durable than higher-end yarns and may not last as long as more expensive options. They also may not look as nice as the more expensive yarns, and can be quite thin and scratchy.
Quality yarns can be softer and more comfortable to work with, and they can also be more durable and longer-lasting. They may also be more likely to hold up to wear and tear over time, meaning you won’t have to replace your projects as often.
If you’re looking for cost-effective options, consider buying yarn made from natural fibres such as pure wool or organic cotton. These yarns are typically more expensive, but they are also much more durable and can be more comfortable to work with.
Additionally, they may be more likely to hold up to wear and tear over time.
Yarn weight
It’s also important to consider the weight of the yarn when making your selection.
Thicker yarns are usually more expensive, but they can also be more durable and easier to work with. Thinner yarns may be less expensive, but they tend to be less durable and may be difficult to work with.
When choosing between quality and price, it’s important to consider the value and quality of the yarn against its cost. Cheap acrylic yarns may seem like a good deal at first, but they may not last as long as higher-end yarns or look as nice.
Consider the weight of the yarn and the benefits of better quality yarns before making your decision. Quality yarns may cost more initially, but they can be more cost-effective in the long run.
Alternatives to cheap Acrylic yarn
As the name implies, cheap acrylic yarn is affordable, making it a great choice for crafters who are on a tight budget.
But if you’re looking to make a quality piece that will last, it may be worth investing in alternatives to cheap acrylic yarn.
There are several different types of yarn that can be used, each with its own unique characteristics.
Organic Cotton
One of the most popular alternatives to cheap acrylic yarn is organic cotton yarn.
Organic cotton is strong, durable, and has excellent absorbency. It is also well-suited for intricate patterns, as it is easy to work with and holds its shape. Additionally, it’s a natural fibre, so it has a softer texture than acrylic yarn. Organic yarn is available in a wide range of weights, colours, and textures, making it a great option for almost any project.
Organic cotton yarn
Wool
I do have issues with wool, especially if I do not know where it has come from. But it does have a number of benefits.
- Wool is warm, elastic, and can be used in a variety of projects.
- It is also highly durable and can withstand wear and tear better than other types of yarn.
- Wool is available in many colours and weights, so you can find the perfect yarn for whatever project you may be working on.
Linen
Another option for crafters looking for an alternative to cheap acrylic yarn is linen yarn. This type of yarn is made from natural fibres and is lightweight and breathable.
It is used for garments, blankets, and other projects that require a delicate touch. It is also available in a variety of colours and weights, allowing for a wide range of creative possibilities. I have used linen for infinity scarves as it is so light and airy.
Bamboo
Bamboo yarn is an excellent alternative to cheap acrylic yarn. It has a silky, soft texture that is perfect for delicate projects. It is also lightweight and breathable and is available in a variety of colours and weights.
Bamboo is also a sustainable material, making it an eco-friendly choice for crafters who are looking to reduce their impact on the environment.
The Best Places to Find Affordable Yarn
When you’re looking for yarn on a budget, it can be tempting to search for cheap acrylic yarn.
But as this blog post has discussed, there are many great alternatives that won’t break the bank.
Where I shop for my eco-friendly yarns
I buy a lot of my yarns online. I have done a lot of research on where to buy them. But the majority of my yarns have actually come from Facebook, either Marketplace or in yarn groups. And some have come from local individuals. I always ask lots of questions before I buy and ask for labels to make sure that the yarns are all natural and eco-friendly.
Shop local! Many local craft stores stock a variety of budget-friendly yarns, and they’re usually eager to help you find just the right product.
Online shops in the UK that are good for natural yarns include Outback Yarns and Tangled Yarn. Amazon does have some natural yarns, but they aren’t as cheap as other places, so choose carefully.
You can also find great deals on Etsy, where independent sellers offer handmade yarns in unusual colours and textures.
Finally, don’t forget to check your local charity shops. You never know what treasures you’ll find! Many charity shops carry unique yarns at unbeatable prices, and you can often find great deals on second-hand yarns at local car boot sales. In conclusion, there are plenty of great alternatives to cheap acrylic yarn out there. From large retailers to independent sellers, you can find great yarns at affordable prices. It just takes a little bit of research and creative thinking to find the perfect yarn for your project.
Looking after your yarns
Most people just chuck their Acrylic pieces into the wash. But this is bad for the environment as the washing process releases micro particles into the rivers and oceans, therefore polluting them.
With natural yarns, just airing them out or spot cleaning them is usually enough. I have a section dedicated on how to look after the yarns I use here.
Tencel Yarn made into a skinny infinity scarf
Conclusion: Why you should think twice before buying cheap Acrylic yarn
So we know that Acrylic yarn is a popular choice for knitters and crocheters due to its affordability and versatility.
However, as I have talked about here, buying cheap acrylic yarn can be a false economy, as it can lead to a range of problems.
Problems such as –
- Quality. Low-cost acrylic yarn is usually produced with lower-grade synthetic fibres, which can cause problems such as weak fibres.
- Weak fibres. If the fibres are weaker and more prone to splitting or fraying, it can take longer to complete your project, as you may need to stop and re-do sections of the yarn.
- Colours and textures. Another issue with using cheap acrylic yarn is the lack of colours and textures available. Low-cost acrylic yarn usually comes in a very limited range of colours and textures, which might not be ideal for your project. For example, if you’re looking for a variegated yarn, you’re likely to be disappointed with the selection available in cheap acrylic yarn. In addition, the colors may not be as vibrant as higher-quality brands, and they may not last as long.
- Scratchy yarns. Finally, cheap acrylic yarn can also be uncomfortable to work with. While most yarns are soft to the touch, low-cost acrylic yarn can be scratchy and uncomfortable against the skin. This can be especially problematic if you’re making a garment that will be worn against the skin.
My final thoughts
In conclusion, while cheap acrylic yarn may be attractive due to its affordability, it can present a range of problems. My main reason for not buying Acrylic yarn is the environment, and the fact that Acrylic takes hundreds of years to decompose.
Maybe it’s time to think twice before buying cheap acrylic yarn for your next project?
Find out more about the yarns I use by grabbing my free Types Of Yarn PDF.