Acrylic
Acrylic is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum-based materials, known for being affordable, durable, allergy-friendly, and easy to wash.
Explanation
Acrylic yarn is a synthetic fiber manufactured chemically from petroleum-based raw materials, unlike natural fibers such as wool and cotton. The advantages of acrylic are low cost, good colorfastness, machine washability, and that it does not cause the allergic reactions wool can trigger for some people. The disadvantages are poorer breathability, less natural elasticity, and a tendency to pill with heavy use compared to natural fibers. Acrylic is often blended with wool in yarn to combine low cost with wool's beneficial properties.
Also known as: Acrylic yarn
What it is and what it takes
Acrylic is a synthetic fiber that survives the washing machine and the dryer, does not felt, and costs little. That makes it a sensible choice for children’s garments, blankets and anything that must take hard treatment.
It breathes poorly, holds odour faster than wool, and does not insulate when damp. Worn next to the skin the difference is noticeable.
Blocking does not work as it does on wool
Acrylic barely responds to water. It can be shaped with steam — "killing" it, as the term goes — but the change is permanent: the fiber loses its spring and goes soft and flat for good. Always test on a swatch first.
Common mistakes
- Expecting wet blocking to even out stitches the way it does in wool.
- Steaming acrylic without testing on a swatch first.
Keywords
- acrylic
- acrylic yarn
- synthetic yarn
Frequently asked questions
Can acrylic be blocked?
Not with water. Steam shapes it permanently, but the fiber loses its spring in the process. Always test on a swatch.
Is acrylic worse than wool?
It is different. For blankets, children’s garments and costumes acrylic is often more practical. For garments that must breathe and insulate, wool is clearly better.