Great article on identifying fibres
I just found a great article on how to do a burn test to identify the fibre composition of your yarn.
Synthetic Yarns (Acrylic, Nylon)
- Smells like burnt plastic
- Flame does not extinguish for a long time, continuing along until blown on or submerged in water. Warning: don’t pinch the burned end; the melted synthetic material might cling to the skin.
- Yarn seems to be “eaten up” or melted by flame
- Does not leave ashes
- Burned ends turn black and harden
Plant-Based Yarns (Cotton, Linen, Rayon)
- Smells like burnt linen
- Flame continues to burn until blown on or submerged in water, much like candle niches
- Flame is easy to extinguish
- Fine ash, much like ashes from burnt paper, is left behind
Animal-Based Yarns (Wool, Silk, Alpaca, Angora)
- Smells like burnt hair
- Flame almost immediately dies down on its own
- Leaves charred, crisp ashes
Enjoy! :o)
Views: 10
Replies to This Discussion
-
Permalink Reply by Jan Wilcox on -
That should help a lot of people. If I don't know the fiber content I always do the burn test.
Donations
Or make a one-time donation:
KASBlog - All For Orphans
Introduce knit-a-square to your schools 
Make a difference in an AIDS orphans life! Make a difference in your childrens lives! Start here with this 40 page, beautifully illustrated teacher resource, all for a small donation of $12.95. Click here.
Make a difference in an AIDS orphans life! Make a difference in your childrens lives! Start here with this 40 page, beautifully illustrated teacher resource, all for a small donation of $12.95. Click here.SQUARE SHOP 
You can support our work with the abandoned, vulnerable and orphaned children of South Africa by buying t-shirts, knitting totes, hats and gifts here! Click here.
You can support our work with the abandoned, vulnerable and orphaned children of South Africa by buying t-shirts, knitting totes, hats and gifts here! Click here.
© 2012 Created by Sandy McDonald.
Powered by
