If you're knitting a sweater or a blanket for someone with sensitive skin, you want to make sure to choose a yarn that won't make them uncomfortable or give them a rash. Many people are allergic to wool, for example, so you will have to choose a different fiber for your projects if you know that the recipients are sensitive to it. The good news is that hypoallergenic yarn does exist, and you still have plenty of choices.
What causes discomfort, at least for most people, is any kind of coarse fiber. It can feel prickly or worse, cause the skin to break out into a rash. Animal fibers are also prone to causing allergic reactions in some people, the same way being around particular animals would make someone sneeze, but synthetic fibers can also make people itch depending on the material and its fiber pattern. People who are allergic to lambs wool might be perfectly comfortable with alpaca wool. This is because alpaca does not have lanolin, a wax that comes from the sebaceous glands of sheep. It may be a bit of trial and error, so it's suggested that you do a skin test with the yarn before you start knitting.
Acrylic and Microfiber
Acrylic and microfiber yarns are synthetic, so they won't irritate someone who has an allergy to animal-based products. You can put items knit from this type of yarn into the washer and dryer. Even better, acrylic and microfiber yarns hold up well when it comes to their shape and color. Joy DK Yarn by Loops & Threads ($4.49, michaels.com) has Class 1 Oeko-Tex certification, which means that it's undergone testing to ensure its fibers and dyes don't contain any irritants or allergens that might adversely affect sensitive skin.
Bamboo
Bamboo is soft, cool to the touch, and very lightweight. Plus, it's one of the natural world's most sustainable plant sources—growing back in just a few months—so it has the added benefit of being eco-conscious in crafting. Purl Soho's Burnish yarn ($19.50, purlsoho.com) is 100 percent rayon from bamboo, making it also vegan-friendly.
Cotton and Cotton Blends
Cotton—washable, durable, and oh so breathable—is notably perfect for warm weather tops accessories, which encourages your knitting and crocheting all year round. The beauty of its blends is that it can result in the ideal drape, softness, and texture you're looking for in a project. You can find a variety of colors, and the fibers tend to be strong and durable. To that point, Blue Sky Alpacas' Yarn Worsted Cotton ($16.20, purlsoho.com) is a two-ply yarn made from 100 percent certified organic cotton in a robust line of colors.
Linen, Hemp, and Flax
These three plant-based materials—linen, hemp, and flax—yield yarns for any project in which you want a soft, durable fiber. This variety of yarn is also great for making lightweight tops and skirts for warmer weather. Turn to Habu Textiles for their "Chibi" Linen Ramie Gima ($17.90, habutextiles.com) made from a unique ramie-linen blend or "Nagare Boshi" Indigo Paper ($25, habutextiles.com) made from hemp.
Silk
Silk feels smooth and cool against the skin. If you've ever slept on silk sheets or worn a silk blouse, you know exactly how wonderful it feels. The yarn might be a bit slippery to work with at first, but your products will be gentle enough for even the most sensitive skin. We like Alchemy's Silken Straw ($38, wildfiberstudio.com) is made of 100 percent silk in sport weight; its hand-dyed palette is only made richer by its crinkly straw-like texture, hence the name.
FAQs
Silk Yarn: Silk's smooth and lustrous qualities make it a favorite among yarn lovers. Its hypoallergenic properties and gentle touch suit the most sensitive skin, creating elegant, drapey, and comfortable pieces.
What type of yarn is best for sensitive skin? ›
Woolmark recommends next to skin fibres to be less than 24 microns in diameter, to eliminate any discomfort. Common natural fibres well suited to those with sensitive skin include silk, cashmere, cotton and fine merino. These fibres can all be sourced with a low micron count, making them soft to the touch.
What yarn is best for eczema? ›
For eczema sufferers, regular wool that is coarse may cause itching and irritation. Superfine Merino wool, however, is not only comfortable to wear but also beneficial to alleviating eczema symptoms.
What is least allergic wool? ›
Merino wool officially recognised as asthma and allergy friendly.
What is the best textile for sensitive skin? ›
One of the most basic tips for sensitive skin-friendly clothing is to avoid synthetic fibers like nylon and polyester. They don't breathe as well as natural fibers, and can cause irritation and discomfort even for people who don't have sensitive skin. Instead, choose fabrics made from cotton or silk.
What is the best yarn for people with allergies? ›
Acrylic Yarn: A fantastic option for those allergic to animal fibers, acrylic yarn is soft, easy to care for, and affordable. It's a versatile choice for a variety of projects, from garments to home décor, and comes in an extensive range of colors.
What is the softest yarn? ›
The Softest Yarn You Will Ever Use - Baby Alpaca
| Blend | 60% baby alpaca 40% Peruvian Pima Cotton |
|---|
| Craft | Knitting, Crochet |
| Yarn Details | 218Yds (200mt) per 3.52oz, 100gr - Worsted |
| Gauge | 13 stitches 18 rows (10cm x10cm) (Recommended) |
| Yarn Technology | Cloudtouch and Airjet |
For those with sensitive skin, it's best to opt for natural fabrics such as cotton, modal, lyocell and silk. Synthetic fabrics like polyester can cause irritation. Seek out clothing labeled "hypoallergenic" or "dermatologist tested," and wash new clothes before wearing to remove potential irritants.
What material makes eczema worse? ›
Many people with eczema find that wool and synthetic materials, such as polyester and nylon, cause overheating, sweating and irritation, which set off the dreaded itch. Rough seams, fibres, fastenings and threads can also cause problems for sensitive skin.
Is acrylic good for sensitive skin? ›
Polyester, acrylics, rayon and nylon are common fibers that can have a negative impact on people with skin conditions. These fibers are hydrophobic and tend to trap moisture which can irritate your skin. However, you can get away with lyocell and modal, which are two forms of rayon made from wood pulp.
Look for cotton, linen, or bamboo yarns, or yarns with these fibres in a blend. Plant fibres tend to be smoother than animal fibres, so are less likely to have fly-away parts of the fibre that can initiate pilling.
What yarn doesn t irritate skin? ›
Acrylic and microfiber yarns are synthetic, so they won't irritate someone who has an allergy to animal-based products. You can put items knit from this type of yarn into the washer and dryer.
Is there any wool that doesn't itch? ›
Merino, cashmere, alpaca and lambs wool are especially known for their non-itchy character.
Is nylon or polyester better for sensitive skin? ›
Opt for fabrics that are gentle on the skin, like cotton or lyocell, which are both soft and hypoallergenic. You should avoid synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon since they may cause itching or irritation. Always check for any dyes or chemicals used in the manufacturing process that could irritate your skin.
Can you be allergic to acrylic yarn? ›
Choose yarn carefully, since allergies can include acrylics, the lanolin in wool, and the dust that sweaters attract. Knit with yarns that are friendly to the recipient.
Is acrylic itchy like wool? ›
In the 1950s, they found a way to make it popular by selling it like wool fabric – a thicker fabric with a soft texture, like a wool fabric without the itchiness that often accompanies natural fibers. This makes it a popular choice for clothing that will be worn close to the skin, such as sweaters, scarves, and hats.
