4 Ways to Tell Wool Yarn from Acrylic Yarn
![](https://www.thetechedvocate.org/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/4-Ways-to-Tell-Wool-Yarn-from-Acrylic-Yarn.jpg)
Distinguishing between wool yarn and acrylic yarn can be a bit tricky, especially for beginners. However, knowing the difference is important because each type of yarn has its own properties that can affect the final outcome of your knitting or crocheting project.
Here are four ways to tell wool yarn apart from acrylic yarn:
1. Touch Test
One of the simplest methods is to feel the texture of the yarn. Wool is a natural fiber and tends to feel soft, warm, and slightly fuzzy. On the other hand, acrylic is a synthetic fiber that feels smooth, cool to touch, and may have a slight sheen to it.
2. Burn Test
Another way to determine if your yarn is wool or acrylic is by conducting a burn test. In a safe and controlled environment, hold a small strand of yarn with tweezers over a flame.
– If it’s wool, it will burn slowly and release a burning hair-like smell. The ash should be brittle and easily crushed.
– If it’s acrylic, it will burn quickly and may melt while emitting a chemical odor. The ash will be hard, black beads.
Always perform this test with caution and away from flammable materials.
3. The Water Absorption Test
Wool is known for its excellent moisture-absorbing properties; it can absorb up to 30% of its weight in moisture without feeling wet. To conduct the water absorption test:
– Weigh equal lengths of suspected wool and acrylic yarn.
– Soak each strand in water separately for about five minutes.
– Remove them from water, gently squeeze out excess water without wringing them out.
– Weigh both strands again and compare their weights.
If one strand has gained significantly more weight than the other after soaking in water, it is most likely wool.
4. Elasticity Test
Pull on both ends of a strand of yarn. If the yarn easily stretches and quickly springs back to its original length, it is likely acrylic since it has more elasticity. Wool, while still having some stretch, will not spring back as noticeably.
By using these four methods, you can differentiate between wool and acrylic yarns and choose the right type of yarn for your projects. Remember that each type has its own unique properties, so understanding their characteristics will help you make the best decisions for your knitting or crocheting needs.