Acrylic Yarn vs. Wool Yarn (Synthetic vs. Natural Fibers)

I'm often asked what Marion's Mittens are made of, and the answer is acrylic yarn. Why don't we use natural fibers such as wool or cotton?

blueberry mittens for adults | kids

There are a few reasons:

1. Price
2. Care
3. Durability
4. Texture and Feel

Read on for more a detailed explanation.

Price

A 5 oz. to 6 oz. skein of acrylic yarn usually retails for about $4.99. (Not that any of us ever pay full price, though!) The same amount of wool yarn starts at twice that cost. The price can rise substantially depending on the animal the fiber came from, how it was farmed, and other factors.

The farming and preparation aspects are one reason for the higher cost of wool. Acrylic yarn is derived from petroleum to make synthetic fibers. Wool is from the fleece of sheep, alpacas, and other animals have their own set of care expenses. Fleece must be cleaned and prepared as it's spun into knittable wool.

Care

As a synthetic material, acrylic yarn is machine washable and retains its shape. Wool usually requires hand washing.

Durability

While mittens made from acrylic yarn may pill and fuzz over time, they are easy to care for and will last a long time. I used these mittens as a child and never had a pair wear out! Wool develops worn spots and may require repair.

Texture and Feel

Some individuals are allergic to natural fibers like wool, or may find them to be itchy. Acrylic yarn comes in soft varieties, like the Caron Simply Soft yarn used to make Marion's Mittens.

Wool does have natural properties that make it a better choice if you're going to get sweaty when you're outside. It's a good choice for socks and sweaters. However, hands don't get that sweaty and so acrylic yarn is a good choice for fashionable mittens that are easy to keep clean. I wear the acrylic socks inside my insulated boots and have never had a problem with damp feet.

Read more! 

Debate about wool fiber vs. acrylic fiber on the KnittingHelp forums