Tips for Crocheting for the Summer
Rhelena R.
Tips for Crocheting for the Summer
Rhelena R.
Crocheting for the summer is a bit different than for the winter as the weather can get super hot in some areas during the summer. And this means that some crocheted items can get sweltering hot, and are not recommended during the summer months. Chunky sweaters and wraps are obvious that we do not need them. But when it comes to the finer yarns and such, it can be a bit confusing if you're new to wearing crocheted items.
Generally speaking, you want to stick to a finer material for the summer. However, the thickness is not the only thing to consider when choosing your material for summer items. Your fiber content is actually the most important factor to consider when crocheting for the summer.
Try to refrain from using acrylics and wool materials, as these fibers interlock so that no air can get through between your body and the outside world. As a result, you risk overheating.
Cotton and Bamboo are natural plant fibers that still allow the body to breathe even in hot weather. 100% natural plant fiber is best. However, sometimes these fibers do not have a whole lot of stretch. I can't really speak for bamboo, but I do know that cotton on its own does not offer much stretch in most cases. So if you need a material that will give you a bit of stretch, you can always opt for a cotton blend.
Just remember that both cotton and bamboo yarns are on the pricey side. But, if you take care of your finished items, they can last you a good long while, and through many summers.
Another thing to look for in summer patterns is the open lace. The lacier the pattern, the more suitable it is for the summer. Again, when working these patterns you want to opt for a material from natural plant fibers. However, due to the open lace, you might often get away with using a cheap acrylic yarn.
Consider the time of day that you'll be wearing your crocheted items. Perhaps you are crocheting a shawl and will be wearing it in the evening once the weather cools off. In this case, you are most likely safe with an acrylic material. However, if using the shawl as a beach cover, then a natural plant fiber is most suitable.
Your environment is another thing to consider. If you have air conditioning at home, the office and in your car, then you could probably get away with crocheting your tanks and everything else in acrylic yarns. The same goes for baby blankets and other baby items. However, if taking the baby outside on a walk in the hot sun, then a natural plant fiber is a must. Babies are not able to let you know when it gets to hot for them, and thus acrylic materials can put them at high risk for overheating.
Visit Crochet Pattern Bonanza for lots of free crochet patterns. Beach and Summer Crochet Patterns
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Rhelena_R./255940
Crocheting for the summer is a bit different than for the winter as the weather can get super hot in some areas during the summer. And this means that some crocheted items can get sweltering hot, and are not recommended during the summer months. Chunky sweaters and wraps are obvious that we do not need them. But when it comes to the finer yarns and such, it can be a bit confusing if you're new to wearing crocheted items.
Generally speaking, you want to stick to a finer material for the summer. However, the thickness is not the only thing to consider when choosing your material for summer items. Your fiber content is actually the most important factor to consider when crocheting for the summer.
Try to refrain from using acrylics and wool materials, as these fibers interlock so that no air can get through between your body and the outside world. As a result, you risk overheating.
Cotton and Bamboo are natural plant fibers that still allow the body to breathe even in hot weather. 100% natural plant fiber is best. However, sometimes these fibers do not have a whole lot of stretch. I can't really speak for bamboo, but I do know that cotton on its own does not offer much stretch in most cases. So if you need a material that will give you a bit of stretch, you can always opt for a cotton blend.
Just remember that both cotton and bamboo yarns are on the pricey side. But, if you take care of your finished items, they can last you a good long while, and through many summers.
Another thing to look for in summer patterns is the open lace. The lacier the pattern, the more suitable it is for the summer. Again, when working these patterns you want to opt for a material from natural plant fibers. However, due to the open lace, you might often get away with using a cheap acrylic yarn.
Consider the time of day that you'll be wearing your crocheted items. Perhaps you are crocheting a shawl and will be wearing it in the evening once the weather cools off. In this case, you are most likely safe with an acrylic material. However, if using the shawl as a beach cover, then a natural plant fiber is most suitable.
Your environment is another thing to consider. If you have air conditioning at home, the office and in your car, then you could probably get away with crocheting your tanks and everything else in acrylic yarns. The same goes for baby blankets and other baby items. However, if taking the baby outside on a walk in the hot sun, then a natural plant fiber is a must. Babies are not able to let you know when it gets to hot for them, and thus acrylic materials can put them at high risk for overheating.
Visit Crochet Pattern Bonanza for lots of free crochet patterns. Beach and Summer Crochet Patterns
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Rhelena_R./255940
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