It is reasonable to assume that everybody owns at least one item of knitwear, be it a sweater or a knitted home decor element like a throw blanket. Indeed, knit fabrics, such as wool and cotton, have been used for centuries to create strong, durable clothing and interior textiles.
In fact, it is generally believed that the use of wool dates back to prehistoric times. The domestication of sheep for their wool likely began around 10,000 to 12,000 years ago, coinciding with the birth of agriculture. Let’s take a look at some of the different types of natural fibres used in knitting to create these remarkable fabrics.
Sheep’s wool is one of the most commonly used animal-derived natural fibres for clothing and homeware. Favoured for its versatility and excellent insulation properties, human beings have been wearing sheep’s wool since before the birth of farming and animal husbandry. In fact, evidence suggests we have been wearing wool since 10,000 BCE. Arguably the most popular modern variety is merino wool, which can absorb moisture up to 30% of its weight without feeling damp, making it ideal for cold, wet weather. Additionally, wool fibres are porous and allow air circulation, making wool textiles highly breathable. However, a key disadvantage of wool is the presence of lanolin, a naturally occurring waxy substance found in wool that can cause skin irritation for those with allergies.
Mohair is a distinguishably fluffy fibre obtained from Angora goats. Renowned for its softness and unique appearance, mohair fibres have a distinctive lustre and natural sheen, making for a luxurious fabric which is as beautiful as it is durable. Similar to wool, mohair has excellent insulating properties, providing warmth in cold weather and remaining cool and breathable in warmer temperatures. Unlike many other fibres used for knitwear, mohair is exceptionally lightweight and soft; however, mohair has a tendency to shed, so it should be treated with care.
Alpaca wool, as the name suggests, is derived from the soft, insulating fleeces of alpacas, a domesticated South American species similar to llamas. Alpacas are domesticated versions of their wild cousins, guanaco vicuñas. They were first bred by the Incas of the Peruvian Andes 6,000 years ago for food, fibre and as beasts of burden. The Incas valued alpaca wool for its exceptional softness and warmth, although these days, it is largely considered a luxury fabric. Although we still associate alpacas with countries such as Colombia, Ecuador, Chile and Argentina, they are kept as pets and bred for their wool worldwide.
Cashmere is a highly sought-after fibre derived from cashmere goats, which can be found on the lofty plateaus of Mongolia, China, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran. Due to the freezing temperatures - which can drop as low as -30°C - cashmere goats grow a double fleece. The impeccably soft downy undercoat is combed and harvested once per year during the moulting season, producing cashmere fibre, which is then spun and woven to create luxurious clothing and homeware items. Cashmere wraps, sweaters, socks and blankets may be pricey, but due to the unparalleled softness, durability and warmth of this remarkable fibre, it is always worth the investment.
Bamboo fibre, a relatively newer addition to the world of textiles, is a highly sustainable resource that doesn’t require the use of pesticides or chemicals due to its prolific growth cycle and lower water requirements. As such, bamboo cultivation has a much lower environmental impact compared to traditional fibres like cotton. Another key advantage of bamboo fibre is its soft, breathable and hypoallergenic properties, making it ideal for babies, young children and wearers with sensitive skin. That being said, like many other natural fibres, bamboo fabrics are prone to colour fading over time due to excess washing and exposure to sunlight, so consider washing your bamboo knitwear at a lower temperature and avoid the tumble dryer!
Hemp fibre, derived from the stalks of the hemp plant, has been used for thousands of years for various purposes, including clothing, textiles, paper, and even construction materials. Favoured for its remarkable strength and durability, knitwear made from hemp tends to be long-lasting and resistant to wear and tear. Hemp is also a highly sustainable crop, growing quickly and densely without the need for harmful synthetic chemicals. Furthermore, hemp plants absorb large amounts of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, making it an excellent eco-friendly choice for textile production.