The Best Sustainable Yarn for Crochet Summer Tops
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Summer is on it's way! You have the perfect crochet project in mind to work on in prep for those warmer months ahead. But which is the best yarn for crochet summer tops?
You may initially think that cotton yarn will be your best sustainable yarn option and be reaching for those cottons in your stash. But hold up! Before you spend hours and hours crocheting with cotton and regret it, you may want to continue reading to find out why it might not be the best option.
Consider the Material
Which Fibres are the Best
When it comes to summer clothing, the best materials to wear are plant based. Fibres like hemp, linen and bamboo are the best yarns for crochet summer tops since they are all breathable, lightweight, moisture wicking, naturally thermoregulating and have good drape.
During the summer, it is important that your clothing have all the characteristics listed above making your garments airy and comfortable to wear when the sun is at its hottest.
Which Fibres to Avoid
You most likely know this already but you want to definitely avoid any synthetic fibres like polyester or nylon. Aside from the fact that they are not sustainable materials; even though they are also moisture wicking, their main disadvantage is that they trap the heat. We absolutely want to avoid that situation.
As I mentioned above, you may also think that cotton is one of the best yarns for crochet summer tops. However, cotton fibres are absorbent rather than moisture wicking which makes it not a great material to use for truly hot summers. Let’s delve into this a bit.
Moisture Wicking v Absorbency
What does moisture wicking actually mean? Moisture wicking means that any moisture caught in the fibres is quickly moved to the outer surface of the fabric which then allows it to dry quickly.
Absorbency is when the material absorbs or retains the moisture in the fibres. This is what cotton does. So if you live in a super hot area where the summers are intense, then any moisture (sweat) will be absorbed into new crochet summer top and won’t dry as quick as hemp, linen or bamboo.
Which Weight of Yarn is Best?
I’ve been mentioning lightweight materials above in terms of the type of fibres but should we also consider the weight of the yarn? Absolutely!
A finer yarn like sport weight or finer is the better choice for summer projects. Heavier weights will be just that. Heavier! Making them warmer and less likely to allow air to pass through.
The shell patterned, crocheted, summer top pictured above was made in DK yarn and I wish I had made it in fingering weight instead or even lace. I can wear it in spring but during the summer it gets too warm.
So let’s get to it! Below is a list of sustainable yarns that I personally recommend as ideal for making crochet summer tops.
The Best Yarn for Crochet Summer Tops
So to recap, you need a lightweight, breathable, moisture wicking and naturally thermoregulating yarn like hemp, linen or bamboo in a sport or finer weight to keep those summer garments airy, drape-y, comfortable and dry.
Bamboo Yarn for Summer Tops
A luxurious, lightweight, fine/sport weight yarn certified GOTS and available in gorgeous colours.
Linen Yarn for Summer Tops
A lightweight 100% linen yarn available in vivid colours.
100% linen yarn in superfine weight in a range of colours.
A really lovely, fingering weight yarn that is 95% French linen and 5% Turkish cotton. In a range of gorgeous colours that are certified by GOTS and Oeko-Tex®.
Hemp Yarns for Summer Tops
A high quality sport weight hemp yarn available in a wide range of gorgeous colours.
A fingering weight hemp yarn, beautifully dyed with certified GOTS and Oeko-Tex vegan dyes.
