The Pros and Cons of Silk Yarn Blends

Silk yarn and fibre blends have gained popularity over the years and for good reason! Sheen, softness, and strength all in one fibre. Whether you’re a knitter, crocheter, weaver, or even spinner, silk is a great option for nearly every project.

SweetGeorgia Yarns has a variety of silk blends, including: Flaxen Silk Fine, BFL + Silk Fine, CashSilk Lace, Silk Mist, SeaSilk Lace… just to name a few. There’s also Polwarth + Silk Fibre and BFL + Silk Fibre for the spinners.

Lots of silky options! Why choose it? Let me break down the whys and why nots of choosing silk yarn or fibre for your next project.

Benefits

SO SOFT: One of the primary reasons silk yarn blends are sought after is the incredible softness they bring to your projects. The combination of silk with other materials, such as wool, cashmere, or cotton, makes the yarn more comfortable.

Beautiful Sheen: Silk yarn has a natural sheen that adds a touch of sophistication to your creations. When blended with other fibres, the sheen can be subtle or more pronounced depending on the ratio and fibre combination.

Temperature Regulation: Silk is a fantastic insulator, making it suitable for a wide range of climates. Silk yarn helps keep you cool in warm weather and warm in cold weather. In fact, it’s actually warmer and heavier than wool! Blending with other fibres can improve the fabric’s properties, making it comfortable to wear year-round.

Strength and Durability: Despite its delicate appearance, silk is a remarkably strong fibre. When blended with other yarns, it enhances the overall strength and durability of the yarn. This makes silk yarn blends an excellent choice for projects that require long-lasting quality and can withstand regular use.

When You’ll Want to Choose Silk Yarn or Fibre

You’ll want to choose silk yarn or fibre when:

• You’re planning a project with drape or looseness
• You need extra warmth or weight
• You want an elegant, lustrous sheen to your project
• You’re looking for strength and longevity
• You need a yarn that makes lace stitches shine

Drawbacks

Price: Silk yarn blends are more expensive than yarns made from synthetic or other natural fibres. The cost of silk itself, coupled with the blending process, increases the price tag. If you’re on a tight budget or have a large project in mind, the cost of silk yarn blends may be a limiting factor.

Care: While silk yarns are very strong, they get weaker when wet, so handwashing or dry-cleaning is important to maintain integrity.

Lack of Elasticity: Because silk is inelastic, it has a tendency to stretch and lose shape (especially with gravity). Blending with more elastic fibres will help with this. Proper blocking and storing techniques are necessary to preserve the quality of your finished item.

Slippery: The slick nature of silk yarn can be a challenge for beginner knitters and crocheters. Using grabbier needles will help with this, though. The slipperiness and lack of elasticity can make it difficult to keep tension, so care must be taken to avoid misshapen effects.

When You’ll Want to Avoid Silk Yarn or Fibre

You’ll want to avoid silk yarn or fibre when:

• You’ve got your eye on colourwork or heavily textured patterns like cables or ribbing
• You’re design is figure-hugging or needs to fit close
• You’re project is long enough and you don’t want it to grow longer
• The project is intended for babies or kids where handwashing might be frustrating

What Can You Make with Silk Yarns?

Oh, we have lots of options for you! Lacy, lightweight, and incredibly elegant pieces that showcase all of silk’s most wonderful qualities. Silk yarn blends offer a luxurious and elegant touch to your knitting or crocheting projects. So, go ahead, indulge yourself in the world of silk and create stunning masterpieces that showcase the epitome of luxury and style.