Joining Yarns with Polyester, Acrylic, and Wool: A Felting Perspective
When considering joining yarns for knitting or crocheting projects, one popular method is felting. Felting involves the interlocking of protein fibers, typically wool, to create a strong, durable bond. However, when dealing with mixed yarns containing polyester, acrylic, and wool, the felting process can be less reliable. This article explores the challenges and potential solutions for using a felted join with a 60% polyester, 20% acrylic, and 20% wool blend.
Felting and Its Limitations with Non-Acrylic Yarns
Felting works best when the fibers involved have microscopic scales on their surface. These scales interlock, creating a strong joint that can withstand various forms of tension. Polyester and acrylic fibers lack these scales, making them unsuitable for traditional felting techniques.
I usually just work the two strands together for a few stitches then work in the ends. I haven’t had anything unravel on me yet.
This statement suggests that while a direct join without further reinforcement may work occasionally, it relies heavily on the strength of the initial stitches and the quality of the worked seam. The absence of strong interlocking scales means that the join may not be as durable as when pure wool yarn is used.
The Role of Wool in Felting
The primary reason why felting works well with wool is the unique properties of wool fibers. Wool is a protein fiber that has a natural crimp and scales, which allow the fibers to interlock effectively. When you have a yarn blend that is mostly polyester and acrylic with only 20% wool, the potential for felting is greatly reduced.
I dont think it would work because the yarn isn’t mostly wool. Its the wool that would felt not the other fibers. I find weaving the ends in is easier with this yarn blend.
Another crucial point is that wool fibers need to be boiled or exposed to hot water to felt effectively. When the wool content is too low, the effect is diminished, and alternative joining techniques may be necessary.
Alternative Joining Techniques for Yarn Blends
Given the limitations of felting with such a yarn blend, there are several alternative methods to consider. One common method is weaving in the ends, which involves securing the loose ends of the yarn by weaving them into the work.
No felting only works on 100% wool without any superwash treatment. I find this to be by far the best way of joining yarn as long as the yarns are not too heavy-weight:
This method is often preferred for its simplicity and reliability. For heavy-weight yarns, other methods may be more appropriate. For instance, you might use tapestry weaving, cable knitting, or even simpler knotting techniques to secure the ends.
Other Strong Joining Methods
For acrylic yarns, a popular joining method is the Russian join. This technique involves cutting the yarn in half, then splicing the two halves together, and finally weaving in the ends. This method is very strong and effective, especially when you need a tight, durable join.
I wouldn’t trust it. A felted join relies on properties of wool that acrylic and polyester don’t share and 20% is very little. You’d be better off trying that but with rather long tails that you should work on as if it were only one strand.
In cases where a felted join is not feasible, ensuring a long tail and treating the join as if it were a single strand can help increase the strength and stability of the joint. The Russian join, combined with long tails, can provide a robust alternative.
Summary
In summary, joining yarns with a 60% polyester, 20% acrylic, and 20% wool blend using a felted technique is not ideal due to the limited felting potential of the non-wool fibers. Alternative techniques such as weaving in the ends or the Russian join can offer better results for securing the join. By understanding the properties of each fiber and the specific requirements of your project, you can choose the most effective method for achieving a strong, durable joint.