What is acrylic in yarn?

Many crafters will praise the benefits of synthetic yarns, while others argue that the costs outweigh those benefits.

Acrylic yarns are easy to praise.

They are manufactured and sold in high volumes, in a variety of colors and styles.

Great for beginners, acrylic yarns make knitting and crocheting more accessible to hobbyists.

Crafters love the versatility and affordability of acrylics. On the other hand, acrylic yarns tend to produce lower quality products. Advanced fiber artists prefer the quality and consistency of natural fibers as compared to acrylics.

Plus, natural fibers are biodegradable, and some are sustainably sourced and produced. For crafters who value reducing waste and environmental impact, acrylic yarns are a part of the problem.

Before deciding whether to buy acrylic yarns for your next project, get familiar with the pros and cons.

Acrylic yarns are a replica of natural cotton and wool yarns.

It is manufactured to mimic its natural fiber cousins, such as wool or cotton, at a lower cost and higher quantity. The biggest difference between acrylic and natural yarns is in the fibers themselves.

Acrylic fibers are manufactured from petroleum products by melting and extruding the materials into long, thin fibers.

These fibers are then treated depending on the desired result. Acrylic fibers can be twisted to various tightness, blended with natural fibers during spinning, brushed, cut, and otherwise manipulated to produce a wide range of yarn types.

These variations in treatment will change the feel and strength of the resulting yarn.

Uncut, tightly twisted fibers result in a strong but rough textured yarn. Cutting, brushing, and blending the fibers soften the final yarn.

A looser twist helps to soften the yarn, as well, but also lowers the tensile strength of the final product.

Production technology is changing all the time, and manufacturers continue to innovate to produce acrylics with a wide variety of texture and strength.

The benefits of acrylic yarns seem to outweigh the costs and have made them a staple of the crafting world. These yarns are easy to find, affordable, versatile, durable, and hypoallergenic.

Acrylic yarns are everywhere.

Their affordable price point and ease of manufacturing make them the widest available yarns on the market.

You can find a variety of brands and styles of acrylic yarns at any big box store. Natural fiber brands, on the other hand, tend to be a specialty item.

If you are looking for high quality wool or cotton yarn, you may have to find a fiber arts store or search online.

Acrylic brands such as Red Heart and Caron are available in both small specialty shops (such as Fabric.com) and big box stores. Many of these acrylic yarn brands provide free patterns and projects, as well, making the craft even more accessible for beginners.

One of the most significant benefits of acrylic and acrylic blend yarns is price.

Unlike natural fibers, acrylics are mass produced quickly and easily, and at a very low overhead. Acrylic yarns also have a long shelf life, making them easy to purchase and store in large quantities for distribution to big box stores like Walmart.

Conversely, natural fiber yarns are both time-consuming and expensive to produce. The cost of wool, for example, must include the cost to raise and care for the sheep, in addition to the cost of manufacturing, packaging, and transporting the yarn itself.

When it comes to plant-based fibers, the math can get even trickier. Not to mention, these natural fibers don’t keep as well as synthetics.

In addition to cost, many natural fibers tend to attract moths and other vermin, breakdown when exposed to the elements and biodegrade over time.

These factors make natural fibers more costly and less practical for large outlets, making them less available and more expensive.

The manufacturing process for acrylic yarns is flexible and malleable.

Fibers can be extruded from a variety of chemical mixtures, spun with different fibers, molded into a variety of textures, and produced in a rainbow of brilliant colors.

The versatility of the manufacturing process has increased creativity in production. Mass production has led to the wide availability of acrylics in almost any color you could want.

Acrylics are even colored to create specific effects, such as stripes and gradients.

Specialty acrylics add textures, loops, and nubs to their final products. These variations are used to mimic natural fibers, like loose-spun wool, as well as create unique results, such as eyelash yarns.

A major advantage of acrylic yarns is durability.

Many acrylic yarns are washing machine safe and won’t shed or shrink if you throw them in with the rest of your laundry.

Because they are manufactured from petroleum; it takes years for the fibers to degrade naturally. A blanket knit from acrylic yarn can last for decades if cared for properly.

Acrylics are also safe from fiber eating insects and critters, like moths. Even when stored in vulnerable areas, like your attic, acrylic goods detract moths and other pests.

If you store your acrylic knit goods properly, they can last for generations.

Many natural fibers are too delicate for traditional washing methods. Wool and silk fibers often need to be dry cleaned, or their fibers will be irreparably damaged.

Acrylic fibers are highly durable and can be washed and dried with everyday laundry.

Though it is always important to check the care labels on your yarn, many acrylic yarns can be tossed into the washing machine and dryer. The preferred method for washing knitted or crocheted clothing items is in cold water, delicate cycle, and hanging or laying flat to dry.

For less precious projects that are handled roughly, like blankets, washing in cool or warm water and drying at medium heat can be okay.

Breaking down those acrylic fibers in the dryer sometimes makes an item softer and more pliable.

Many people have allergies to natural fibers.

Yarns made of animal-based fibers, such as wool or alpaca, can cause itching, irritation, and even rashes.

Acrylic yarn is synthetic, so it doesn’t contain histamines that cause allergic reactions. No matter what your project or who it’s for, you won’t have to worry about allergies.

Like many synthetic fabrics and fibers, acrylic yarn is not environmentally friendly.

The process of manufacturing acrylonitrile, the main chemical in acrylic yarns, has a significant carbon footprint. The petroleum products used in manufacturing are not sustainable, and the product itself may be carcinogenic.

Acrylic yarns continue to have a negative environmental impact during its lifetime. Every time the yarn is washed, it releases tiny fibers called microplastics into the water supply.

Acrylic yarn isn’t biodegradable or recyclable. Once your yarn is past its prime, it will spend decades in a landfill.

Many people pass over acrylic yarns because of their rough, scratchy texture. Especially noticeable with less expensive variations, acrylic yarns tend to be stiffer and harsher to the touch.

Improved technology is changing the quality of acrylic yarns, but softer varieties tend to come at a higher price point. Blended or natural fiber yarns are more likely to give you a consistently softer feel.

Acrylic yarns may be an excellent choice for a beginner project, but it can be unsafe.

Any project that may be exposed to flame or extreme heat, like a potholder, is out of the question.

Acrylics are highly flammable and will melt on contact with heat.

You may want to consider the flammable quality of your yarn before making things like baby blankets or home goods, as well.

Acrylic yarn isn’t always well suited for a project, either.

Because of the nature of the synthetic fiber and twisting process; acrylic yarns hold water more than natural fibers. Clothing items made with acrylic yarn tend to be less breathable and hold onto sweat and body odor.

They will also soak in moisture and precipitation, making them less effective protection from the elements.

Acrylic yarn projects are more suited for indoor wear or temperate climates.

One of the benefits of acrylic yarns is availability, but prices and selection can vary from store to store. Depending on what you are looking for, the vendors below are a great place to start.

A well-known online distributor and Amazon affiliate, Fabric.com has a vast selection of yarns and fiber arts notions. A quick search yields hundreds of acrylic and acrylic blend yarns in a variety of weights, colors, and styles.

If you have a favorite acrylic yarn brand, purchasing directly from the manufacturer is the best way to guarantee you get precisely what you want. Most major acrylic brands sell directly to consumers from their websites.

Redheart.com lets you search by type, color family, and weight. Lionbrand.com has look books to help you choose the right yarn for your project. These websites are also great for finding accessories, patterns, and knitting/crocheting tips.

Annie’s Craft Store is known for its creative designs and patterns, but its online store boasts a fair inventory of acrylic yarns. With the “Build-a-Kit” section, you can get your pattern, yarn, and accessories all from the same location.

Big box stores are the perfect retail outlet when you are looking for a specific product. When you want large quantities of a particular acrylic yarn or dye lot at a low cost, checking out Amazon or Walmart will be your best bet.

Finding information about acrylic yarns can be challenging. Craft stores may try to upsell you to a higher cost natural fiber, and fiber artists may not have all the facts. Before you consider buying acrylic yarns for your next project, make sure you have the answers you need.

Acrylic yarn is safe when used for appropriate projects and in sustainable ways.

Acrylic yarns are flammable. They also melt at high temperatures. It isn’t recommended to make kitchen goods out of acrylics, due to their proximity to flame and heat.

In addition, acrylics are nonbiodegradable. When the fibers break down, they leach microplastics into water systems. Taking care of your acrylic goods and disposing of them properly when they start to show signs of wear, can help offset the environmental impact.

The short answer to this question is: it depends. The softness of an acrylic or acrylic blend yarn depends on several factors.

Cheaper acrylic yarns tend to have a rougher feel. Acrylic yarns that are brushed or blended can be very soft but may come at a higher price point.   If you are looking for something softer, try a loosely twisted yarn in bulky weight, or a tight twist in fingering weight.

The one thing you won’t have to worry about is allergies. Unlike wool or cotton, which can cause skin irritation, acrylic yarns are hypoallergenic.

Acrylic yarn is great for blankets!

They have a low price point, are durable, and come in a variety of colors and textures. These factors are perfect for creating large scale projects like blankets.

Projects made with acrylic yarns tend to be very warm, but don’t offer as much protection from the elements.

A sweater made with acrylics will keep you cozy on a cold night in the desert, but you might want to leave it at home on a snowy day.

Manufacturing techniques for acrylic yarns have come a long way.  Some acrylic yarns are explicitly made to be dryer safe. Check the care instructions on your yarn labels to be sure.

Most acrylic yarns won’t take dye the way that natural fibers will. Rather than dying your yarn, look for a brand that manufactures acrylics in a variety of colors

If you can’t find that perfect color of yarn, you may still be able to dye your project. Make sure you pick up a specialty dye specifically for synthetic fabrics, like Rit Dyemore.

One of the biggest downsides of the acrylic yarn of yesteryear was it’s susceptibility to pilling (or creating hard little balls on the surface) after it has been washed a few times.  However, companies such as Premiere have introduced new acrylic yarns that offer anti pilling technology.  This will help to resist this pilling that is not only unsightly, but prevent the yarn from feeling scratchy at all.

What is an acrylic yarn?

Acrylic yarns, as opposed to yarns made from natural fibers like wool and cotton, are created from man-made or semi man-made fibers. These fibers are created in various different ways and are also used for different types of projects and to give specific characteristics to yarn, usually to mimic natural fibers like wool, cotton, linen, etc.

Acrylic yarns are used widely because they are usually cheaper than natural yarns - sometimes by quite a lot. This makes it a more budget-friendly choice, especially with the new acrylic yarns that are a lot softer than the first acrylic yarns that were produced.

How is acrylic yarn made?

Acrylic yarn is made from coal-based and petroleum chemicals, making them a fossil fuel-based fiber. The petroleum chemicals are treated with certain monomers (a type of molecule) that leads to the formation of polymers. Acrylic fiber and yarn are made from a synthetic polymer called acrylonitrile.

This polymer is then dissolved and the resulting gel is spun into thin fibers using an extraction method and spinnerets. These fibers are then spun (wet or dry) before being washed and stretched. It’s these fibers that can then be spun into yarn.

As you can see, it’s quite an intensive chemical process! You can find out even more about the process here and here.

Other types of man-made and semi man-made fibers used for knitting and crochet

These acrylic fibers made from acrylonitrile are not the only man-made fibers that can be used for knitting and crochet. Nylon, rayon, lyocell, and viscose are also created and used for different types of yarns and projects.

Nylon

Probably the most well-known synthetic fiber after acrylic, nylon is often used in sock yarn, where the nylon content is usually about 25%.

Nylon is made in much the same way as acrylic, and is also a type of plastic that is manufactured out of crude oil. An intensive chemical process is required to produce the strong and stretchy nylon fibers.

When the nylon is first created, it’s in the form of a sheet, which is then broken into smaller pieces, melted, and extracted into fibers using spinnerets. These individual fibers can be used in yarn and fabric.

What are the main characteristics of nylon?

Why is sock yarn so often blended with nylon?

Nylon’s stretchiness is what makes it so great for using in sock yarn, as it helps the sock to fit your foot snugly, while also returning to its original form once you take the sock off. It’s also often used in conjunction with superwash merino or other types of wool. This means that the socks can be washed in a washing machine - on the delicate setting - and don't need to be hand washed.

What is bio-nylon?

Genomatica has engineered microorganisms to ferment sugars found in plants to form the chemical caprolactam; which is what nylon is made of. This “bio-nylon” is, therefore, made without the need for crude oil and can be manufactured in a renewable way.

Rayon

Rayon is a semi man-made fiber that is made from the cellulose that is found in wood, soybeans, cotton, and bamboo. The cellulose is first dissolved using chemicals before it’s converted back into insoluble fibrous cellulose using other chemicals, including sulfuric acid and zinc sulfate.

This converted cellulose forms fibers almost like that of silk and rayon is often used to mimic silk, cotton, and linen.

Lyocell

Lyocell is a type of rayon and is also made from plant cellulose. However, the chemicals used to make lyocell are different from those used to make rayon. Also, while the process used to make rayon uses carbon disulfide (which is toxic to workers and the environment), the process to produce lyocell uses the N-methyl morpholine-N-oxide (NMMO) dissolution method that is far more environmentally friendly if more expensive.

Viscose

Another type of rayon, viscose is used as a silk substitute as it has a similar drape and feel to silk. In fact, when viscose was first produced in 1883, it was used as a cheaper artificial silk.

What is a yarn blend?

A blend, as the name suggests, is a yarn that is made by using more than one type of fiber, for example sock yarn that’s a blend of merino wool and nylon or a synthetic yarn that is a mixture of acrylic and nylon.

Why use synthetic or acrylic yarns instead of yarns made from natural fiber?

There are a number of reasons to use acrylic or synthetic yarns rather than natural fibers like wool:

What is most eco-friendly synthetic yarn to use?

Because so many chemicals are used to make acrylic yarn - which is in itself a type of plastic - it’s not biodegradable and not good for the environment. But, if you need to use acrylic yarn for a project, there are some choices that are more eco-friendly than others.

The semi-synthetic lyocell yarn (also sold as tencell) is the most eco-friendly of the synthetic yarns. This is because it is made from plant fiber and not crude oil and also uses less chemicals and water to produce than other types of rayon. Lyocell are also available blended with natural fibers like cotton and bamboo.

In the end, you have to weigh up the pros and cons of the different synthetic and natural yarns to decide which you’ll use.

Acrylic is often considered an imitation wool as a result of its heat retention properties. Acrylic fiber, which is made of acrylonitrile or vinyl cyanide, has the quality of being a substitute for wool due to its heat retention properties.

Craft store aisles are filled to the brim with colorful skeins of yarn that can make your heart skip a beat. How does a knitter know where to start? Whether you have just started out in the world of yarn crafting or have proudly labeled yourself a crafter for years, there’s always more to learn, especially when it comes to acrylic yarn.

Did you know, specific to knitters, you can join our Knitting Patterns Only group to get knitting patterns, ask questions and gain inspiration for what to knit next. Or how about our VIP Knitting Group with Free knitting pattern access including vintage and Etsy designer patterns for less than $1 a month.

Learn all about acrylic yarn by reading this comprehensive guide. If you have any lingering questions about this ubiquitous type of yarn or its use, you’ve come to the right place for answers.

This comprehensive guide to acrylic yarn was produced in partnership with Mary Maxim (US site / Canadian site). For a limited time Mary Maxim is offering an exclusive special offer to Craft Gossip readers! Use the code SHIP25MM at checkout to get free shipping on orders over $25. Be sure to check out Mary Maxim’s premium supply of synthetic and natural yarns.

Acrylic yarn is one of the most common types of yarn. It’s a synthetic (man-made) material that’s friendly for all kinds of projects and skillsets. It is made from poly compounds (a form of plastic) that are melted and formed into thin strands. After that, the process of turning it into yarn is very similar to any other fiber: the strands are spun together into yarn, which are then wound into a skein that you would pick up at your local craft store.

Acrylic yarn is available in a rainbow of colors and is known for being strong and durable. If you have used yarn in crafts for a while, you might have already picked an acrylic version off the shelves without even realizing it.

There are many reasons why acrylic yarn is so popular for crafting. Here are some pros and cons that will help you decide if this type of yarn is right for your next project.

It doesn’t cost much to make acrylic yarn because the synthetic materials used in production are affordable. That makes the yarn cheaper than skeins made from other materials, especially animal-based fibers like wool. Affordable production means a budget-friendly product, even when looking at higher-priced, premium acrylic options.

Synthetic fiber holds up great over time, which is attributable to its design. It’s an extremely durable material, which makes it perfect for long-term projects like hats and sweaters that people will wear for years. There’s little chance of it stretching out and losing shape, even during washes.

Mary Maxim offers a variety of soft and squishy acrylic yarns for all your needs, from baby yarns (which can be used for play blankets and accessories that won’t be worn to bed) to chunky, multicolored yarns perfect for accessories, and large balls of solid-color and variegated yarn for larger projects.

The only thing someone has to think about before tossing something made with acrylic yarn in the washing machine is how it’s protected. Any detergent can be used on it, as long as it’s washed it in an undergarment bag to prevent it from snagging on other clothes. Be sure to check your yarn for specific instructions on whether it can be tossed into the dryer.

The only thing you keep in mind is that you never want to iron pieces made from synthetic yarn or using high heat in the dryer. Doing so runs the risk of melting the fibers!

Sometimes because of the fuzziness or fiber content of a particular yarn, it can be difficult to see the individual stitches as you knit. Acrylic yarn has great stitch definition. This is helpful when you are learning to read your knitting or if you really want the stitches to pop in a textured or colorwork pattern.

Did you know that some people have a sensitivity to wool yarn and products created with wool? If you’ve ever felt irritation when working with wool, you aren’t alone! The specific protein fibers found in materials like wool can irritate people, but there’s still hope for future crafts. Acrylic fibers are allergen-free, making crafting more accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

Sometimes it’s hard to find yarn in the right color in some kinds of yarn, but there are many shades of acrylic yarn. It can be dyed into personalized hues, as well. More color options open up a world of potential craft projects!

Have you ever gone through the frustration of trying to find a skein of yarn that matched a current project you are working on, and the exact same yarn by the same brand is just slightly off in color? This happens because yarn is dyed in lots. Sometimes the color is “off” from lot to lot, or a batch of natural fiber yarn just doesn’t take the color well. This is far less likely to happen with acrylic yarn, because it consistently reacts to the dyes used. It also tends to be dyed in much larger lots, which equates to easier color matching when you run out of yarn for a particular project.

Moth larvae can destroy a project made with animal-based yarn because they eat the protein in the fibers. They’ll leave synthetic yarn alone, and acrylic projects will be safe even if moths happen to find them.

Even with all its benefits, there are a few disadvantages of acrylic yarn that may surprise you. Keep reading to learn about these downsides, so you can judge whether it is right for your next project.

Acrylic yarn and other synthetic fibers such as polyester have a low melting point, so this yarn isn’t the best option for kitchen accessories like potholders or trivets. For these projects, a better option would be cotton yarn.

Synthetic yarn should also be avoided in projects that require extra fire safety, such as baby clothes or accessories. For these projects, wool is a great choice, because it is self-extinguishing and does not melt.

Acrylic fibers are hydrophobic, which means they repel water rather than absorb it. For this reason, acrylic yarn isn’t the best option for items that should soak up water, such as washcloths or towels. A better choice for these projects is a hydrophilic fiber such as cotton.

Acrylic yarn has a bad reputation for feeling rough. However, judging all acrylics as rough or itchy just because the cheapest yarns available have this quality is a mistake! Avoid the less-expensive brands and only purchase your yarn from trusted, name brand companies.

It’s true: wool and natural fibers hold heat better than acrylic fibers. Sweaters and cardigans made with acrylic fibers won’t be as warm. People still make these projects out of acrylic yarn all the time, though, when they are seeking a lighter piece or a good piece for layering. If you live in an area where the weather plummets to negative temperatures, you may prefer to knit or crochet with warmer yarns such as wool or a synthetic-wool blends.

I grabbed some Mary Maxim Maximum Value yarn in three colors to re-create a blanket sweater that I wear all the time around the house when I need a little extra warmth. Making it from acrylic yarn is fine because it’s an outer layer worn indoors, and I love that it will be more easily washable than a wool sweater.

Rumors spread just as quickly about craft materials as they do about anything else! Read about these myths, or watch the video below, to tell fact from fiction.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGfd0WJjNV0

Is acrylic yarn itchy?

Some people believe acrylic yarn is always itchy, but that rumor only exists because of the cheapest end of the yarn spectrum, as mentioned above. As long as you purchase your products from a business that prides itself on the quality of its yarn, you’ll get soft yarn with every purchase, regardless of what material is used.

Does acrylic yarn pill, like some brands of cotton yarn?

The only time you will run into this problem is if you get something cheap. High-quality yarn won’t pill, but you can also look for yarn specifically labeled “anti-pill” if you’re worried about wearing it down. You can also wash your finished projects inside out to retain quality.

Can you dye acrylic yarn?

Many creative spirits enjoy dying yarn and fabrics before a project to make it more personalized. Acrylic yarn won’t stand in the way of your crafty aspirations. It absorbs dye and holds onto it for long-term colors that shine. Just be sure to use a “disperse dye” that is labeled for synthetic materials.

Can you felt with acrylic yarn?

Felting, or, more accurately, fulling, is a process by which the fibers of the yarn are fused together, making a project shrink in size and causing the individual stitches to disappear. While that look can’t be achieved with acrylic yarn because of the lack of natural fibers, you can needle felt on acrylic yarn. Needle felting uses a special tool that helps attach fibers to each other, and it is possible to add this effect to a project knit with acrylic yarn.

Is acrylic yarn safe?

Sometimes people are thrown off by the idea of chemicals in yarn, but not all chemicals are harmful. The main fiber in acrylic yarn is polyacrylonitrile, a polymer resin created in the place of wool to make a more affordable product. It’s harmless to handle, which is why it’s part of the worldwide production of yarn.

Here is a graphic to help you remember these acrylic yarn myths:

Acrylic yarn is generally quite easy to use with any knitting needles or crochet hooks you like, though you may find the yarn slides around a lot of metal needles. It can be used in all kinds of craft projects! Check out the list below for just a few ideas.

The allergen-free nature of synthetic yarn makes it ideal for things like:

It’s very affordable to buy acrylic yarn in bulk for large projects, which is another reason people use it so often when making things for charities.

Many crafters turn acrylic yarn into beautiful crochet projects, such as:

Softer yarn is best for things people wear, so any new-to-you yarn should be tested before using it for garments. With good yarn, the soft fibers won’t wear out when put to the test of being worn or jostled.

Of course, the idea of knitting and crocheting may be intimidating if you do not have experience with these craft techniques. Pick up some acrylic yarn and try a few easy crafts like these:

There’s so much that you can do with yarn, especially acrylic yarn. It will last a long time and maintain its quality during any project, which makes it the perfect material for all kinds of projects.

Make the smart choice to buy acrylic yarn from a business with experience in the industry. Mary Maxim is a premium yarn and craft store and it’s the best place to buy acrylic yarn online. There are full specs on every product and downloadable free projects to get started with. The positive reviews and years of success are just a few of the reasons why so many crafters rely on Mary Maxim for high-quality yarn and other craft supplies.

A couple of my favorite Mary Maxim acrylic yarns include Maximum Value, which comes in huge, 450-plus-yard balls, and tons of great colors; Marvelous Chunky, a fun multicolored yarn great for accessories (used on the headband shown above); and Prism, a multicolored yarn with a silky feel perfect for shawls.

Once you understand what acrylic yarn is, how to use it and the pros and cons, you can try it in your next crafting project. It’s reliable and easy to use, especially now that you’ve finished reading this comprehensive guide! So, how are you going to be using acrylic yarn in your next project?