Recycled Yarns in 2025.
As well as reducing and reusing, many of us are now making efforts to make sustainable and eco-friendly choices with our purchases and this is easily achievable in the domain of yarns too.
Over the last few years many of the mainstream manufacturers have embraced the new technology and are creating innovative yarns that are beautiful and soft for many different projects.
When it comes to making sustainable choices, it’s not solely about the fibres or fibre content, the production process also plays an important role. On average it takes 20,000 litres of water to make 1kg of new cotton, so by using recycled brands you are saving water!!
Historically, recycled wool products were called ‘Rag wool’. Manufacturers describe three main categories of rag wool.
• Shoddy – Made from loosely woven or soft textiles that could be pulled apart easily.
• Mungo – Made from hard fabrics such as felt, which prove harder to disintegrate but results in a finer product.
• Extract – Made from the wool portion of cotton/wool blended fabrics.
Unless you are involved in the recycling of rag wool, most are unaware of these distinctions, even when rag wool was widely used in the 80’s and 90’s, commonly found in multicoloured rag rugs. A more common theme of ‘shoddy’ now generally refers to imperfect, cheap or poor-quality goods, however the original definition of shoddy, is still referred to within the industry.
Recycled yarn is made by processing pre- and post-consumer textile waste into new fibres, which are then spun into yarn. This process typically involves, collecting, sorting, cleaning and shredding textiles waste into smaller fibres. These fibres are then spun using similar methods to traditional yarn production. The resulting upcycled yarn can then be used in a variety of applications, offering and alternative to virgin yarns.
In more detail:
• Collecting and sorting – collected and sorted pre- consumer scraps from yarn making processes, and post-consumer garments or plastics. This waste is then sorted into its constituent parts e.g.: cotton, wool, polyester, recyclable plastics and colour.
• Shredding and Fiberization – The sorted textiles are then mechanically shredded into smaller pieces. This process breaks down the fabric into individual fibres
• Blending – At this point recycled fibres can be blended with other fibres including virgin yarns, polyester, or plastics to enhance strength and durability.
• Spinning – The recycled fibres, or fibre blends are then spun into yarn using traditional spinning techniques. The process can involve carding, combing and drawing to align and strengthen fibres.
• Finishing – The yarn is then wound onto cones and may undergo further processes like dyeing or finishing, depending on the intended application.
There are several types of finished recycled yarn, to include:
Recycled cotton – Made from pre-consumer cotton waste or post-consumer garments or household items, such as sheets and pillowcases as an example.
Recycled wool – Also known as rag wool or shoddy made by shredding existing wool fabrics.
Recycled Polyester – Often made from plastic bottles that are processed into fibers.
Many knitters and crocheters love using acrylic yarns, but don’t love the fact it is a synthetic material that is not easily recycled currently. The addition of the new ranges of recycled yarns that traditionally were hard and scratchy and let’s face it didn’t have a good reputation, have changed considerably over the last few years and producers are spinning high quality, beautiful, colourful and fire-resistant yarns.
Focus on recycled yarns @manorfarmwools
We have carefully curated what we feel are the best and most cost-effective recycled yarns for our customers and stock a wide range of products for you to choose from.
• Sirdars Loveful acrylic (14 colours) – is 100% recycled acrylic and is a soft, smooth versatile double knitting yarn, spun from certified recycled fibres to create beautiful colours. Every batch of this recycled yarn is unique, so make sure you stock up with enough yarn to finish your projects.
https://manorfarmwools.co.uk/product-category/wool-yarn/dk/sirdar-loveful-recycled-dk
• Sirdars Loveful tweed (12 colours) – is 100% recycled from 40% wool, 40% recycled polyester and 20% recycled acrylic fibres. This beautiful wool blend double knitting yarn is spun from carefully selected certified recycled fibres, to create fresh fashionable shades with pretty tweed neps. Each batch of yarn is unique, making every project extra special.
https://manorfarmwools.co.uk/product-category/wool-yarn/dk/sirdar-loveful-tweed-recycled-dk
• Stylecraft ReLove Aran – is made from 80% recycled acrylic and 20% recycled wool. This new yarn is Joining our esteemed collection of recycled yarns; we are thrilled to present ReLove – a 100% recycled aran weight yarn made with a blend of acrylic and wool. Available in 8 colours, crafted with care, ReLove is not only soft to the touch but also machine washable, ensuring convenience and practicality for your finished project.
https://manorfarmwools.co.uk/product-category/wool-yarn/aran/re-love-aran
• King Cole Forest Aran – King Cole’s new sustainable Forest Aran yarn is made from 100% recycled materials. Available in beautiful subtle colours, this yarn is perfect for outer garments and ideal for home accessories. With a blend of materials saved from being wasted, including wool and acrylic, this aran yarn is an eco-friendly option for crocheters and knitters wanting to create whilst considering their impact on the planet.
https://manorfarmwools.co.uk/product-category/wool-yarn/aran/forest-aran
Conclusion
In conclusion, the recycled yarn phenomenon is just going to get bigger and bigger as we grapple with the disposal of waste and any environmental impacts this has. Recycled yarns are now usable, comfortable and washable, making them a sustainable alternative to traditional yarns.
Sarah
