Knitting and crocheting are no longer limited to wool and traditional yarn; today, all kinds of novelty yarns are available to add a bit of fun to your projects. Let’s take a look at ribbon yarn and how you can use it.
The original novelty yarn
Ribbon yarn burst onto the market in the early 2000s and was immediately picked up by knitters who wanted to create fashionable items with a funky edge. As the name suggests, it looks like craft ribbon and is made from a range of fibres, including silk, rayon, and cotton. Either woven or knitted, it comes in a wide variety of colours and widths that range from flat to a crinkled look when knitted to create interesting textures. Also known as mix tape yarn, lace yarn and fettuccine yarn, it is extremely versatile and can be used for all sorts of creations.
Versatility
Ribbon yarn is good for knitting and crocheting hats, scarves, belts, and bags. It is a good way of adding interest to a traditional pattern or item, such as womens Aran cardigans from stockists such as Shop Aran. If you mix ribbon yarn with wool, you could use it to make a poncho in vibrant colours for a stylish piece of outerwear.
Euronews recently reported that knitting is the most popular it has ever been. This is thanks to a move away from fast fashion, which contributes to global warming. With many retailers offering recycled yarns and the ability to mix them with natural fibres, such as wool, it offers a sustainable way of clothing yourself.
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Although lightweight, ribbon yarn can be tricky to work with; for example, it twists in different directions, which could result in an uneven knit. To avoid this, make sure the ribbon yarn is flattened before you start. Ribbon yarn results in a twisty look, which can make finished stitches look uneven – something you might find unacceptable if you are a perfectionist. If your pattern suits this, however, the large stitches could make it stand out and be on-trend.