Tencel Yarn 101 [Basics & Yarn Review]
Hi fellow yarn enthusiasts,
I'll be writing all about TENCEL YARN today! This includes my yarn review on the "Yarn Bee Fresh Haven" yarn, project ideas, and links to patterns made with the wonderful Tencel fiber.
So, here's my quick story...
After crocheting with acrylic, cotton, polyester, and various other fibers for some time, I've finally stumbled upon an amazing find -- Tencel Yarn! While shopping at Hobby Lobby, I was looking to pick up some cotton skeins, but found these neighboring my target in the same aisle. The beautifully muted, pastel colors of pink, blue, and jade green instantly caught my eye. Being the yarn enthusiast I was, I of course had to go over and pet those plush-looking skeins. I was completely sold after realizing how utterly soft and dreamy they felt, and was surprised to learn about this 100% "Tencel" material. With each skein being on sale for 30% off, I was pretty convinced that someone upstairs wanted me to buy it, so I took the cue and bought a few skeins in my favorite color -- pink!!
I'm so eager to share what I've learned about this yarn. Read on, and you can check out my projects using Tencel, too!
First of all, what in the world is "Tencel"?
Tencel is a fiber that is man-made from wood pulp, which means it is fully biodegradable. The wood pulp that is used to produce Tencel is harvested from tree-farmed trees (primarily beech trees and eucalyptus) that have been planted on land that is not suitable for food crops or grazing. For that reason, it is considered an organically sustainable material.
About Tencel Yarn
Tencel yarn is absorbent and breathable like other natural fibers. It's a cellulose-based fiber and can be used similarly to silk, bamboo or mercerized cotton. The texture is smooth, soft, and silky, and it isn't splitty either. Thus, Tencel is not only easy to work with, but feels very pleasant against the skin as well and is suitable for blanket and clothing projects. Tencel has a beautiful sheen and comes in a variety of colors. Since it offers great stitch definition, it can really showcase some more complex, or textured stitches. It also offers a wonderful drape.
How does it compare to other yarns?
Whether it's wet or dry, Tencel yarn is strong -- stronger than cotton! Similar to cotton yarn, though, Tencel is not stretch or elastic. It's softer than silk, believe it or not! It's also smoother on the skin than wool or cotton.
Pro's in a Nutshell
- Environmentally friendly and sustainable
- Soft, silky, smooth
- Beautiful sheen with a variety of colors
- Not splitty
- Easy to work with
- Great stitch definition
- Great absorption ability
- Strong fibers
Things to Know
- Not very stretchy/elastic
Perfect for projects like:
Spring or Summer season clothing and accessories, including (but not limited to):
- Kimono tops
- Cover-ups
- Shawls
- Short-sleeve cardigans
Patterns using (or work great with) Tencel:
Note: I'll continue adding patterns to this post as I design or crochet more projects with tencel!
- Kunia Cover Up
- Cabana Cold-Shoulder Top (free)
- Beach Breeze Kimono Top (free)
- Jade Pool Scarf (free)
- Sapphire Love Shawl (free)
It's currently on sale for $3.49 USD/skein, which is an AMAZING price for this quality yarn! It comes in beautiful colors, including this lovely Pink, Light Blue, and Jade Green.
Another great option! This brand has a wide variety of pretty colors to choose from!
Halcyon 8/2 Tencel Yarn
This lovely yarn comes in 400yd mini cones, or in 0.5lb tubes (that's equivalent to 1680yds/tube!). The 0.5lb tube is definitely a bang for the buck if you are looking to complete a project with higher yardage!
My experience with Yarn Bee Fresh Haven
Check out my project, the Kunia Cover Up, which features this beautiful YB Fresh Haven yarn!
So, what do you think about this introduction to Tencel yarn?
Will you give it a shot?
Which type and color of Tencel yarn will you choose?
Which projects will you plan to use it with?
I'd love to hear from you! Please share with me in the comments below.
Warmly,
.jpg)
8 comments