Hi everyone,
I want to knit a warm sweater but am weary of the yarns suggested. Is there a type of wool, spin or weight that I need to avoid for sensitive skin especially if buying videos online? Should I avoid airy wools? mohair? lambswool vs. goat? Thank you!
If it’s a wool sensitivity, it might be best to go to cotton, bamboo, acrylic or some other non-animal fiber. For wools, merino is usually nice and soft. Mohair, not so much. And of course some of the luxury fibers or blends are lovely, cashmere or silk blends with merino or cotton.
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Superwash wool has had scales removed or has been coated to cover the scales and what I’ve used seems softer than other yarns. Superwash yarn might be better. Just thinking, I don’t know. My daughter always had problems with wool. The superwash wools I’ve used don’t bother her. And yes, that’s anecdotal and not scientific. Yarns with a looser twist, not so tightly spun, seem softer. They also tend to pill like mad so that might be a consideration you consider important. I’ve read of people who can’t wear wool but alpaca is fine. I wish I could offer something better. I hope you find what works for you.
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Blue faced Leicester is soft and is said to be the poor man’s cashmere! What part of the world are you in? I’ve just made a camisole in Eden Cottage yarns Milburn which is a BFL / silk mix and is next to the skin soft!!
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Sensitivity is a very individual thing. I read somewhere that it has to do with the size of the scales (cuticle) on the fiber as compared to the size of your pores. If the scales can get into the pores, you’ll probably feel it…
My brother, niece, and I can wear fine to rather coarse wool right on our skin with no itch. We have very small pores. A family trait. OTOH, German angora (as opposed to Satin, English or French angora) itches us like crazy. I can wear kid mohair, but they can’t. Very individualized. Nobody was more shocked than I was at the fact that German angora (the commercial type you are likely to see in retail items) itched me when I can wear Shetland right on my skin.
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I agree with others, it depends what the sensitivity is to and is very personal.
I have a cashmere, merino, silk mix sweater which is lovely and soft and injustnused the same yarn to make a very fitted thermal under shirt layer which will be right against my skin.
However I asked my son’s dad what he thought of the feel of the fabric and he said “almost bareable”. I won’t be spending £££ on merino, cashmere and silk for him. Budget 100% acrylic and he will be happy (and my wallet will too!).
If you have any different fibres in your wardrobe you may be able to check on the labels what you like.
Otherwise I’d recommend only buying one ball of something and making a scarf. Wash and dry it, wear it. If it’s uncomfortable gift it to the first admirer or local charity shop and try a different fibre for your next scarf.
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