[VeronicaK2P2]

I am making a Granny Square Afghan to use up leftover yarn. Is there a problem in mixing different types of yarn; like wool, cotton, acrylic, etc. If so, is the issue about how to clean it, or is there something else (like getting out of shape) that I'm unaware of? Thanks for your help!

 

[Loistec]

I think combining different kinds of yarn will make up into a one-of-a-kind beautiful afghan! As far as washing, you will want to use cold water and spin dry without heat, for safety if you are using wool.
Have fun creating!

 

[courier770]

If you add wool, you won't be able to wash it in the washing machine. Cotton is a much "heavier" fiber than most, in that a yard of worsted weight cotton weighs more than a yard of worsted weight wool. Cotton lacks what is called "memory", so sections knitted in cotton will stretch and not spring back into shape.

 

[e.ridenh]

(((((((( I've seen granny squares with mixed yarn weights and materials and they do indeed shrink if cotton or wool where the acrylic won't; Sad looking critter, too.

A 'ghan would be still be good for other uses, though, just not for across the couch where you'd display your wonderful work and use for warmth.

I'd advise you to do this for granny squares, be it knited of crocheted:

Sort your materials separately into see-thru bags.
Within that sort, sort again by weights into yet another
bag for a bag - in - a bag system; Sort again for colors
and sort again if varieagated.

Once sorted, you can label the bags with a felt pen. As you make new scraps, run to your sorted system and store in there.

Once you have enough of one type, color, etc, buy the same for your MC.

For that matter, sort any of your yarn using this system. Ad in, as in tennis, on keeping materials clean (dust free, dander free, hair free, etc.) and also allows you to see what you own.

These can then be placed in stackable, non pulling drawer systems and you can see the contents and remove readily. The stackable, wire coated bins are ideal and I use them in closets for many other things.

Enjoy and welcome to the forum!
~~~~~~~~

Hope this helps!
~~~~~

I am making a Granny Square Afghan to use up leftover yarn.

Is there a problem in mixing different types of yarn; like wool, cotton, acrylic, etc. If so, is the issue about how to clean it, or is there something else (like getting out of shape) that I'm unaware of?

Thanks for your help!

 

[aclark3012]

The problem in combining yarns is when you wash and dry the afghan you will have some transfer of fuzz on the cotton yarn. Since making an afghan is so time consuming I only tend to keep like yarns together ie, acrylics, wools, etc. These two usually dont mess up being combined. It is when you add the cotton, silks and those various sizes, ie 1 ply-2-ply and so on, that is when you run into trouble when you wash the afghan. I have been knitting and crocheting since I was 10 years old and and now I am 57 and still learning a lot about these 2 crafts. I hope this helps you.

 

[VeronicaK2P2]

Thank you e.ridenh. At first when I read your suggestions about sorting and packaging up yarns, I thought "Yikes, I'm never going to do that!" Then it sunk in that I have quite a mess of yarn going on. Today I took your advice and began the huge project of sorting yarns and putting them in zip lock bags with similar yarns. It's going to take a while as I truly don't know what I have scattered here and there. It's starting to feel better. So, again, thank you!

 

[VeronicaK2P2]

The problem in combining yarns is when you wash and dry the afghan you will have some transfer of fuzz on the cotton yarn. Since making an afghan is so time consuming I only tend to keep like yarns together ie, acrylics, wools, etc. These two usually dont mess up being combined. It is when you add the cotton, silks and those various sizes, ie 1 ply-2-ply and so on, that is when you run into trouble when you wash the afghan. I have been knitting and crocheting since I was 10 years old and and now I am 57 and still learning a lot about these 2 crafts. I hope this helps you.

I understand and appreciate your help. Thank you!