Knitting with Eco-Friendly 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?

Bamboo Can be 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. Rayon was the first synthetic fiber and is still the best, since it is based on natural cellulose from trees or bamboo!

Bamboo is a Green Option

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-based fiber (polyester), there are many brands of yarn with bamboo content. Bamboo silk is one I really want to try--as soon as I find a good sale!

Bamboo Comes in 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.The colors are vibrant, but not gaudy.