In a recent article, I wrote about why I dyed cotton.
This time, I would like to talk about my impressions of knitting it.
It has been many years since I first knitted cotton yarn.
But I clearly remember what I knitted.
I remember that I tried knitting a pair of socks with a transparent stretchy yarn in the opening, but they were too loose and looked like loose socks.
After a long time, I tried knitting with cotton yarn for the first time in a while.
The first thing I tried knitting was a bag.
No difficult technique is required, just the basic knitting method and a few modifications.
At first, I was puzzled by the lack of stretch, but after some time, I was able to knit it as well as when I was knitting wool.
I think this is a matter of getting used to it.
And next I knitted this pullover.
Here we use the techniques needed to knit clothes.
I was concerned about the following two points.
(1) Crossing patterns are difficult to do.
(2) Rib stitch is less stretchy than wool.
I think what both have in common is "elasticity".
As for (1), it is a little confusing at first, but once you get used to it, there is no problem.
And as for ②, many clothes have rib knitting for hems, collars, and sleeves.
Usually, when the needle size is lowered and elastic knitting is done, it becomes a little tighter, but in the case of cotton, it does not change so much.
It stretches and shrinks, but not as much as wool.
I haven't knit it yet, but it might slip down when I roll up my arms with long sleeves.
And the important thing is the feel.
As for the bag, it is sturdy enough to hold quite heavy things.
Due to the pattern of the pattern, it inevitably stretches when you put things in it, but with wool, it would be a big problem.
Since it is not stretchy, I thought it was suitable for bags and accessories.
Next, let's talk about pullovers.
<Point of concern>
This pullover, DK weight (in Japan, it would be normal weight) is the recommended yarn.
The yarn we carry in our store is fine, so we knit it in 2-strands... but 2-strands gives the fabric a lot of thickness.
So, to be honest, it would be difficult to wear it in summer if it is knitted in 2-strands.
I think it would be better for spring and fall when knitting with 2- strands.
I am currently knitting with two strands of cotton and lace yarn, but I think this one can be worn in summer.
If you want to wear it in summer, I think it is better to knit with the above combination or with one strand.
<Good point>
It doesn't tingle at all.
I asked my friend who has sensitive skin what she thinks about it, and she said it doesn't bother her at all.
The same was true for the 2- strands of cotton and lace yarn.
Some people's skin may be affected by animal hair if they don't choose the right material.
In that respect, I think it is a versatile yarn that can be used by anyone.
It is also nice that there is no worry about pilling.
I would like to test it again to see how it does when it is worn more often.
I am currently knitting a pullover in cotton and alpaca lace.
I will write another article when it is completed.