Knitting can be an expensive hobby. You may budget in a certain number of skeins or yarn balls for a blanket, and then realize you need far more, pushing up the cost of your project more than you expected.
Yarn, in general, can be expensive, and purchasing bulk yarns inexpensive fibers such as worsted wool and yarns can make a big dent in your bank balance over time.
Due to this, most enthusiastic knitters and crocheters will be exhilarated if they come across old yarn, or are gifted yarn that a family member or friend does not want. It is also not uncommon to find old yarn at the local thrift store, or even at a yard sale. Some colors can become discontinued, so finding a particular yarn in a color you covet can be difficult to resist, regardless of how old it is.
So, is this old yarn going to spoil or enhance your latest project? Does yarn expire or go bad? It is possible for you to still use yarn that your late great aunt left behind or someone is flogging on eBay?
The fact is, the way yarn ages wholly depends on how it is stored. Acrylic yarn and 100% wool yarn are both highly durable and can last until the end of time. However, environmental factors can affect the yarn greatly. It is important that yarn is stored in the correct temperature, humidity and light. Not doing so can lead to various damage such as moth damage, dye and light damage, as well as other general storage issues like strong smells, smoke and winding the balls too tightly.
Read on for factors that affect yarn storage, some frequently asked questions on old yarn and whether it goes bad, and the dos and don’ts on how to store your yarn.
Factors That Can Affect Yarn In Storage
1. Moths: Moths can cause damage to yarn, making the fiber split
2. Stretch: If yarn is wound too tightly and stored, it can make it lose its stretch
3. Mold: Mold and mildew can collect from changes in dampness and humidity
4. Plastic: Being stored too close to plastic and making chemicals from the plastic leach into the yarn causing alterations in the composition.
5. Sunlight: Yarn color can become faded if stored in direct sunlight
6. Musty: Yarn can become musty if stored in an enclosed place
7. Smoking: If stored in a smoking household, cigarette smoke can cause the yarn to become smelly and yellow from the nicotine
8. Knots: Not storing your yarn in suitable balls or skeins can cause tangles and knots
9. Rodents: Mice can chew their way through yarn
10: Aging: Unfortunately, sometimes, plain aging can make yarn go dry and brittle
Frequently Asked Questions About Old Yarn
1. What can I do with old yarn?
For old yarn in good condition, you can make whatever you would make from yarn today. However, if you find old yarn that may not make a complete blanket or jumper, then a great way to use it up is to make blanket squares.
You can even make donate blanket squares to charities like Warm Up America who will receive them gratefully to make blankets for the needy. Other small projects include mitts and socks.
2. Does cotton yarn go bad?
Cotton is a very durable material, however, its constitution is not as durable as pure wool. Generally speaking, it may be more susceptible to fading and mold
Cotton is also very often blended with stretchy material which does not age well. This is particularly true for cotton yarn from around two to three decades ago. 100% cotton yarn from around the same period will probably do better than blends with stretchy acrylic fibers.
3. Does acrylic yarn go bad?
Acrylic is generally very durable and will last a long time. Acrylics from today are less plastic-like and more like wool and is nicer to work with than acrylic from a few decades ago.
For this reason alone, you may not enjoy working with acrylic yarn that is old, simply because the quality was not as great as acrylic yarn found today. In terms of durability, it is still usable and is probably better to knit into something useful than discard into landfill.
4. Does linen yarn go bad?
Linen is much stronger than alternative yarn types such as cotton. Linen was used long ago for mummification and has been found intact from the ancient era until today, which is very impressive.
It can certainly be susceptible to fading, however, in terms of quality and durability, linen yarn from a few decades ago will probably be in the same condition as yarn from today. If you find some cheap linen yarn, it is probably a bargain to snap up.
5. Does wool yarn go bad?
While 100% wool yarn is durable and lasting, it is perhaps more sensitive to moths or other common damage to fabric and material such as mold and mildew when stored incorrectly.
Due to this, if you find or are given old wool yarn, it is smart to unravel it and re-ball it yourself so you can check for any damage within. It will be highly disappointing to get well into a knitting project before discovering moth damage on the inside which means you cannot complete making the socks or vest you were hoping for.
6. Can I wash old yarn which is dirty?
If you come across old yarn which is grubby, then it may be tempting to toss it, however, you may be able to salvage it. The first thing to do is unwind the balls, and make your own skein that you can wash without damaging or getting your yarn into knots.
A good way of making a skein is to wrap it around a couple of chairs. It will give you a large skein which you can handle easily. Tie it into a couple of knots so it doesn’t come part and get tangled, and then soak it in soapy water. Simply remove and hang to dry and re-ball as you see fit.
7. How can yarn be affected over time?
Yarn is actually very durable, and this is true for all types of yarn including wool, acrylic, cotton, and linen. Unfortunately, most yarn becomes damaged due to incorrect storage.
Not storing it in the correct environment can lead it to drying out, fading, and make it susceptible to mold, mildew and musty smells. Damaged yarn can be difficult to work with or break easily. The inconsistent coloring due to fading can also adversely affect your pattern.
8. Can certain yarns increase in value over time?
Like most things, low supply and high demand increases prices. Thus, if there are certain yarns that have become discontinued, and they have been discovered in storage, they may sell for higher prices. This is particularly true for old brands which are no longer producing yarns but have popular followings.
The Dos and Don’ts of Yarn Storage
If you like to collect yarn, or have been gifted a large amount of yarn, then the best thing you can do is store it correctly. The following are some tips to help you look after your yarn:
- Do store yarn in the right level of humidity. Basements or attics that can become hot or cold easily are not the best place.
- Do not store yarn in plastic bags or boxes without appropriate ventilation. Yarn needs to breathe.
- Do not store in drawers you do not use regularly as moths are more likely to take residence here.
- Do store them in old pillowcases on open shelving. This yarn organizer is my favorite.
- Do store away from direct sunlight.
- Do not store it wound too tightly.
- Do not keep any moldy yarn that can infect the rest of your stash.
- Do keep lavender and cedar with your yarn which can prevent moths and bugs.
- Do ask questions about storage conditions when buying any old yarn.
Conclusion
Everyone loves a bargain and for a lover of knitting, being gifted with old yarn which is free can be particularly thrilling. For thrifty buyers, coming across old yarn at yard sales or online on selling sites can also be an attractive prospect.
Most yarn is enduring and lasting, however, it is important to ask questions about how it has been stored. Buying old yarn from other enthusiastic knitters is usually a safe option since they will be aware of how to correctly store yarn.
Incorrect storage can lead to moths, mildew, color fading, and brittleness. Buying a moth or critter-ridden old yarn also runs the risk of infecting your own stash.
To store your own yarn correctly, the best way is to keep it in old pillowcases in a ventilated area and away from direct sunlight. Not only will you get the best from your yarn, but if you ever want to sell it on in the future, you will also have a better chance of getting it off your hands for a good price.
