Green Knitting with New Eco-Friendly Plant Fiber Yarn Options

In the not so distant past, an ecologically responsible knitter had to search far and wide to find appropriate yarns. The available yarn choices were synthetic, rough, or just plain boring. Green knitting can be fun again with the new options available. Now, choices ranging from bamboo to banana fibers can be purchased with a click of the mouse, or bought the next time you're at your local yarn shop. There have never been so many planet friendly yarn options on the market.

One of the most exotic sounding materials in the green category is bamboo. You might assume that this fiber would be itchy or rough, but it actually has a soft texture. It's especially noteworthy for it's beautiful drape. Yarn made from this fast growing grass makes a good choice for lightweight projects. It is noted for its wicking ability. This means it quickly absorbs then evaporates sweat or water. It stands up well to repeated washes.

Hemp isn't just for rope projects anymore! It has been transformed into soft, super strong yarn, used in everything from clothing to lace. It doesn't stretch. Items made from hemp can be tossed into the washer and dryer without ill effects. Contrary to popular belief, the hemp used in this fiber is not made from marijuana plants.

Corn yarn is another type noted for its wicking quality. It feels similar to cotton yarn, but due to its ribbon form, it's lighter in weight. This makes it a good choice for spring and summer tops. It requires no real special treatment, other than being washed separately from items that can snag it, like clothes with hooks or zippers. It can be chucked into the washing machine.

We already know about lots of products made from soybeans. Yarn is one of them! It's made from soybean fiber left over from tofu manufacturing. It comes in a flat noodle type form. Soy yarn works well on its own or blended with wool. By itself, it is a good choice for spring and summer wear. Hand washing or dry cleaning works best for this lightweight fiber.

Perhaps the most unusual variety of plant fiber available is banana fiber. This material comes from the dead outer bark of the banana tree. It has little stretch and doesn't hold up well to washing. It has trouble with color bleeding and getting fuzzy if washed, even by hand. This yarn is still a good choice for items that don't require a lot of washing, like craft projects or purses.

There are many more green choices on the market than those covered in this article. Don't be afraid to experiment with new materials. Trying these green yarns may inject new life into an age old hobby.