Aran yarn in its base has a soft shade of white. Its natural white shade can be combined with other yarn colors to give it an alluring look.
Moreover, Aran yarns come in different fiber blends and patterns. Whether it is synthetic fiber or natural fiber, the various blends are sure to attract crafters.
What is Aran Yarn – for Attractive Crafts and Textiles
Aran yarns are known as “medium yarns” or “heavy worsted” because they tend to be thicker than worsted weight yarns and DK yarns. However, they are much thinner than bulky weight.
If you require a heavier yet delicate yarn, Aran is the way to go. However, do not make the mistake of mixing up cable-knit sweaters with the standard weight of wool.
For Aran yarns, the recommended knitting needle size is between 4.5 to 5.5 mm. As for the needle size hooks, the recommended range is between 5.5 to 6.5 mm.
Some yarn retailers do not bother to distinguish between worsted and Aran yarn, which makes things complicated. They do not stock them separately either. That is why, to determine how heavy a specific Aran yarn is, you will see many fiber artists making a gauge swatch.
It is a sample piece with a small square shape that displays the number of stitches per inch in the finished fabric. They do so by using the chosen yarn, stitch pattern, and appropriately sized knitting needles or crochet hooks.
Aran yarns are normally knit or crocheted at a gauge of 16 to 18 stitches per four inches of knit or crochet fabric. It will also wrap around a ruler about eight times within one inch or 2.54 cm.
Aran Yarn Color
The Aran yarn has a soft shade of white. Often the yarn color is described as “Aran” or “Aran white”. This is because Aran sweaters are typically knitted in a simple and natural white color or untreated natural wool. You can use any of those terms to describe anything involved in the knitting process.
Aran Yarn is not mottled or flecked. Moreover, it proves a nice natural shade of white when combined with other colored yarns. Of course, you do not have to stick to white color only. That is because most worsted and heavy-worsted weight yarns you will see look decent in an Aran pattern.
You will find Aran yarn available in many different fiber blends. Typically, they may be made from any type of animal, plant, or synthetic fiber. Furthermore, they may be naturally colored or dyed. The items used for dyeing can be food dyes, natural dyes, or acid dyes.
Origin of Aran Yarn
The origin of the name of the Aran yarn is probably the Aran sweater. People from Aran Islands used to traditionally knit this type of sweater. Aran Islands are a group of three islands located off the west coast of Ireland.
About the Aran sweater, it is a heavy wool pullover. Despite being knit with a complex cable pattern, it covers the front, back, and sleeves of the sweater. The yarn used for this purpose is typically thick, naturally colored, and handspun.
To make the garments waterproof for the fishermen, the yarn was left unwashed. This way the yarn preserves its natural oil called lanolin, which is responsible for making the garments waterproof.
Uses of Aran Yarn
Aran yarn is a medium-weight yarn that is a bit thicker than worsted weight yarn. Normally, depending on how thick the individual strand of yarn is, the weight of the yarn is determined.
Aran yarn is a popular choice among knitters and fiber artists. Besides, it is a bit more versatile compared to worsted weight yarn thanks to its medium weight. Moreover, it may be used to craft different kinds of garments, accessories, or housewares. Moreover, you can use this yarn weight to knot or crochet several projects including gloves, hats, bags, scarves, sweaters, etc.
Besides, Aran yarn is available in different fiber blends with natural or dyed colors. You can easily find this weight yarn at yarn stores or craft stores with the option of choosing the color and fiber.
What Color is Aran Yarn?
Aran yarn is typically a yarn with a soft white shade. They are knit in a simple and natural white color with natural wool.
Available in many different fiber blends, Aran yarn may be made from any type of animal, plant, or synthetic fiber. As for the color, it may be naturally colored or dyed. The different kinds of dyes used are food dyes, natural dyes, or acid dyes.
Is Red Heart Yarn Aran?
Red Heart yarn is typically 95% to 100% acrylic with a low percentage of other fiber materials. They are great in durability and can be ideal for home décor projects, scarves, sweaters, pillows, afghans, etc.
Is Red Heart Yarn Acrylic?
Red Heart yarn typically has an acrylic blend. This kind of yarn is 100% acrylic and an all-purpose yarn. Such a blend allows room for easy care, uniqueness, and affordable prices. These yarns are hugely popular as they are solid and durable.
If we go into a more in-depth analysis, we will find that acrylic yarns are a replica of natural cotton and wool yarns. It succeeds in mimicking its natural fiber cousins such as wool or cotton. However, it does so at a lower cost and higher quantity.
Red Heart yarn having an acrylic blend looks nice on any skin tone. Its no-dye-lot solids make it an apt choice for sweaters, accessories, afghans, and many more.
Frequently Asked Questions
What wool is equivalent to Aran?
Worsted weight yarn is equivalent to Aran. These yarns have medium thickness comparable to Aran yarns and can be knit up on 4 to 5.5 mm needles which makes them a good choice for beginners.
Are Aran and DK yarns the same?
No, they are not the same. Aran yarns are known as “medium yarns” which are thicker than DK yarns. Aran yarns are often more stronger and rigid as well. They are heavy yet delicate.
Conclusion
Aran yarns are popular due to their bulky yet soft nature. If you are looking to knit or crochet and require a decent yarn in an affordable price range, Aran yarn is available with a wide variety of color blends and options.
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