Knitting with Bamboo Yarn: Perfect for Lace

Bamboo may seem an unlikely source for knitting yarn, but it only took one skein of Caron's SPA yarn to make me a believer. This yarn is part polyester microfiber, part rayon fiber made from bamboo. I discovered this yarn at my local fabric and craft store. When I shop for yarn, I shop by feel; if I plan to spend hours knitting or crocheting with a yarn, it had better feel nice against my skin. I expected bamboo to feel like the sturdy cotton I use for dishcloths, but found instead it felt like a kitten's fur! Why should you try bamboo yarn?

Silky and Soft

Bamboo is an affordable luxury fiber. It is not as expensive as luxury fibers like alpaca, angora or silk, yet it produces scarves that look very expensive and beautiful. It feels nice against the skin, so it might be a good choice for knitting caps for chemotherapy patients or items for a baby's layette.

Bamboo is Green

Bamboo is a renewable resource. It grows quickly, so there is no guilt when we harvest it. While my yarn was blended with a synthetic (petroleum) product, there are many brands of yarn with bamboo content. I will be trying them as I am able.

Sophisticated Colors

Several manufacturers offer bamboo blend yarns in a palette of soft patels and deep, muted hues. The yarn has a soft sheen that is not shiny, not flat, and not neon. Scarves and other accessories from bamboo yarn will become instant wardrobe favorites.