DON'T Yarn Shame 🚫

The path to sustainability is laid with kindness (AND acrylic yarn)

If you're starting to grow out of the "novice" stage in yarn crafts like knit and crochet, chances are your coveted favorite yarns are changing too. There's so many materials to choose from, and using different textiles can elevate your work. While my heart is in sustainability and among my favorites are organic cotton and vegan cashmere, I will never ever EVER tell another crafter they're wrong for using acrylic and polyester. Here's a few reasons why:

1. Acrylic is often the most affordable

Nothing turns me off to a hobby more than the gatekeepers and their snobbery. We don't do that here at Knot So Fast! When most people pick up a hobby, they purchase the most affordable materials and the basics in tools. In fiber art, that's usually acrylic and polyester blends, and that's okay. Beginners and experts alike should be allowed to experiment, without judgement.

2. Acrylic blends are the most accessible

Building off of the last point, less sustainable options are often the most accessible. Most local big box and craft stores sell acrylic, wool and cotton blends. Like many other crafts or art forms, popularity is linked with affordability and accessibility. For a lot of my favorite yarns, I have to shop for them online, which means I don't get the in-person thrill of being able to assess the colors and textures up close. For some, being able to touch the fabrics is crucial in deciding what to buy.

3. Allergies and sensitivities

Wool allergies (among other textile allergies) are totally real, or at least it's confirmed that the lanolin in wool can cause irritation. Wool is absolutely one of my favorites to work with, but for many wearing wool can result in a terrible rash instead of a terrific warm and cozy feeling.

4. Making something yourself is already a HUGE step in the right direction

Regardless of the material you use, when you crochet or knit something yourself you cut out so many unsustainable practices perpetrated by big corporations. You made something, instead of buying an item that was mass produced, sewn together by someone in another country that's getting paid less than $1/hour and shipped a long distance to your local store.

Sustainability is absolutely important, but not at the expense of community and collaboration. If you're an experienced crochet or knit content creator, think carefully about your words and remember that the ultimate goal is to build our community into a more welcoming, more sustainable and above all a more FUN place to be. Anything worth making takes time, and it's okay if you want to make it with acrylic. Someday, perhaps I can catch your creative eye with a sustainable alternative!