ACRYLIC VS WOOL

We all want to have the optimum material within a specified budget, and wool is a very good all rounder which immediately springs to mind, but in recent years acrylic yarns have been improving all the time, so which is really the best one to go for?

We'll have a go at explaining some differences, and some pros and cons of each.

Acrylics are being improved all the time, and they are now closer to wool in terms of feel and quality then ever before, but they are still a way behind. They are however, much more vibrant and colourful; by which we mean that a wide range of extremely lively and strong colours can be achieved with acrylics, which cannot be with wool.

But one undesireable effect that acrylic suffers from, all too is the dreaded pilling - an occurrence that leaves much to be desired. Most pilling takes place when synthetic fibers begin to deteriorate and short strands of yarn start pulling away from the longer ones.

Acrylic has the following benefits:

Cost - most acrylic fibres are cheaper than wool.

It is moth proof and storage for an extended period of time will not need moth balls.

Acrylics suffer from the static electricity problem.

Generally, it can be machine washed and machine dried, but read the label to confirm.

Most people are not allergic to Acrylic.

Pure wool has the following benefits:

It is warmer than acrylic

It is naturally fire resistance

It is less likely to pill than an acrylic, though the more advanced (and more expensive acrylics) are also less prone to pilling

It will usually last longer and can handle soiling better

In general it rebounds to retain its shape better

Some wools can be machine washed on a gentle cycle, but most if not all have to be dried flat. Merino blend wools are very soft and are used in preference to itchy wools in some high quality rugs.

Our choice - Wool.