You Too Can Love Hemp and Linen Yarns

One of my favourite yarn types to knit or crochet with are those made with hemp or linen.  Finished, blocked garments are flowing and breezy.  Perfect for summer!  But many people steer clear of these yarns because they see them as rough, scratchy, and difficult to work with.  I am here to change some minds on that regard.

First we'll tackle the bad rep of being rough and scratchy.  I will admit that these yarns can feel stiffer than most.  However, besides the fact that they come in traditional, as well as 'softened' versions (check out Hemp for Knitting's LUX varieties, or Louets Euroflax yarns), it only takes one washing to dramatically soften these yarns.  Add to that the beautiful drape they can have, and how could you not love them?  A trick I use for washing garments made in these fibres is to use a no-rinse wool wash (called Eucalan) the first washing.  The natural lanolin adds extra softness and drape to the fibres.  Just don't use it every time you wash, or it will saturate the fibres with lanolin, and make them very heavy.  I tend to use a natural delicate wash at least 1-2 times between Eucalan washings.

Now that you all know about the softness and drape of hemp and linen, why not give them a try?  I have mild arthritis in my hands, yet they never get sore working with these fibres.  If your hands do get sore, it may be that you are either a tight knitter or crocheter, or the pattern is being worked in a tight gauge.  I like to work these fibres on the loose side.  It's not only easier on your hands, but the finished fabrics is so much more desirable for garments.

Finally, some tools for your kit, as you set off on a new knitting/crochet adventure with hemp and/or linen yarns:

• For knitting, I highly recommend using needles with a bit of 'drag'.  These yarns can be 'slippery', especially when knit on the loose side, and this type on needle will lower the risk of stitches jumping off the needles.  My favourites are Skacel Addi Turbo Lace.  This is a circular needle, but it also has a great point for working lace in any fibre.  Other possibilities, for those who love their straight needles, would be wooden needles, typically made with bamboo or rosewood.
• When joining a new ball of yarn, the best option in a Russian Join, which is a splicing technique (and, can be used with any plied yarn).  Weaving in ends, although doable, is not easy.  So, when you do weave in ends (because you will have to do it at the very beginning and end of your project, at least), do it in a manner similar to the Russian Join, by working the needle through the plies (I like to use a sharp needle).  This will give a much better hold, and less risk of the ends popping out later.

I hope this has convinced at least some of you to try out knitting or crocheting with hemp or linen yarns.  I, personally, can't get enough of them!