The twist of the yarn is another crucial factor that influences the final appearance and durability of your crochet project. The way the yarn is twisted affects its strength, texture, and how easy it is to work with. In this post, we’ll delve into the importance of yarn twist, explaining how to choose the right twist for durability and ease of crochet.
Understanding Twist of the yarn
Yarn is made by twisting fibers together. The degree of twist can vary, and it significantly impacts the behavior of the yarn. Generally, there are two main types of twists:
- S-Twist: The yarn is twisted in a counter-clockwise direction.
- Z-Twist: The yarn is twisted in a clockwise direction.
Most commercial yarns are Z-twist, but the direction of the twist is less important than the tightness of the twist.
Types of Yarn Twist
- Low Twist (Soft Twist): These yarns are loosely twisted, which makes them soft and fluffy, or very drapey. They are great for items that require a soft texture but are not as durable.
- Example: a very flowy blouse (left)
- High Twist (Tight Twist): These yarns are tightly twisted, making them strong and durable. They are ideal for items that need to withstand a lot of wear and tear.
- Example: a structural dress (right)
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Choosing the Right Twist of the yarn
For crochet clothing, a tightly twisted yarn is usually preferable because it provides several benefits:
- Ease of Crocheting: Tightly twisted yarns are easier to work with because they are less likely to split.
- Defined Stitches: High-twist yarns produce clear, well-defined stitches, which is important for intricate patterns.
- Durability: Garments made with tightly twisted yarns are more durable and maintain their shape better over time.
Also, there are different styles of twist of the yarn. The one which is shown on the images (and in the video) is the most common one. There are yarns that have “twists” in the form of chains or cords. It is very nice for crocheting and I have made very pretty clothing using those. I could say that if I could only use chained/corded yarn I would!!!
There are also yarns (like Japanese Gima cotton) that look like threads have been glued to each other, it gives different effect on the final garment.
So there is a space to test and improvise!
In the next months, I will be sharing my finished crocheted garments from different yarns, so you can find the best view you want to achieve for yourself!
Practical Example
To illustrate, let’s compare two types of yarn with different twists:
- Highly Twisted Yarn: This yarn is tightly twisted, making it easy to crochet with and producing a durable, well-defined fabric. Here’s a close-up of the stitches in a high-twist cotton skirt I made. (left)
- Loosely Twisted Yarn: This yarn is softly twisted, resulting in a drapey, less defined fabric. While it’s falls beautifully and soft, it’s not as durable. Here’s a skirt made with a low-twist silk yarn. (right)
By selecting the appropriate twist for your yarn, you can ensure your crochet clothing projects are both beautiful and long-lasting. High-twist yarns provide ease of use, durability, and well-defined stitches, making them ideal for most crochet garments. Next, we’ll tackle the issue of yarn bleeding and how to prevent it from ruining your crochet clothes. Stay tuned!
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