Warm weather invites us to create fresh, light and comfortable garments, and to achieve this, it is essential to choose the right yarn. Here I tell you about the ideal fibers for this season, their characteristics and sustainability.

Fibers for knitting in Spring and Summer

Cotton

A summer favourite, cotton is a natural fibre that absorbs moisture, allowing the skin to breathe. It is soft, cool and very durable, making it ideal for everyday garments. Plus, if you choose organic cotton, you'll be supporting more environmentally friendly production, which avoids the use of pesticides and protects natural resources.

Bio Love is 100% GOTS certified Organic Cotton - Sport thickness.
For Nature is 100% GOTS certified Organic Cotton - DK thickness.
Odemira is 100% GOTS certified Organic Cotton - DK thickness.

Linen

Linen is known for being incredibly cool, with a texture that feels somewhat stiff and structured at first, and a beautiful drape that gets better with each use. It is a very durable fiber that is resistant to the passage of time. Its production is more sustainable than cotton, as it requires less water and pesticides. Plus, linen is biodegradable and can be composted, making it an eco-friendly choice.

Damask Print is 70% cotton, 30% linen - DK weight.
Príncipe Real is 50% linen, 36% cotton, 14% natural silk - DK weight - light Worsted.

Bamboo

If you're looking for a super soft and eco-friendly option, bamboo is a great choice. Its fiber is naturally antibacterial, absorbs moisture, and has a subtle sheen that adds a special touch to your projects. Its production, when handled responsibly, is quite sustainable, as bamboo grows quickly and requires few resources.

Bamboo viscose, although the raw material is bamboo, undergoes a transformation that makes it different in terms of structure and properties. Bamboo as a natural material is more rigid and fibrous, while bamboo viscose has a soft, silk-like texture and is commonly used in textiles for its softness and moisture absorption.

Caravela is 100% Bamboo Viscose - Sport thickness.

Tencel (Lyocell)

Tencel is a fibre made from wood pulp, but unlike other processes, the method used to produce it is highly sustainable. It uses a closed-loop system that recycles 99% of the water and chemicals used. It is extremely soft, lightweight and perfect for garments that require a fluid drape.

Viscose

Viscose is known for being soft to the touch, having great moisture-wicking capabilities, and being cool, making it a great choice for warm climates. It has a very nice, soft drape, similar to silk, making it ideal for draping garments. It often has a slight natural sheen to it, giving it a more elegant look.

Although viscose comes from a renewable source (cellulose from trees), its production can have a significant environmental impact if not managed properly, due to the intensive use of chemicals. However, there are more sustainable options on the market, such as Tencel (Lyocell), which uses a much more environmentally friendly production process.

Silk

Silk is extremely lightweight and has the ability to regulate body temperature, making it ideal for both hot and cold climates. It helps keep the body cool during the summer, while being a very soft and comfortable fiber on the skin. It is very effective at absorbing moisture, helping you feel dry and cool during the hottest days. Silk has a characteristic sheen that gives it an elegant and sophisticated look, making it perfect for high-end or more formal clothing, but it can also be used in casual wear.

Bourette Silk

Bourette silk is obtained from the silk scraps left over after processing the finest silk thread, such as the short filaments that cannot be spun into the longer, softer forms of silk. It has a rougher texture and a matte appearance, with a less smooth and shiny feel than conventional silk or peace silk. Its appearance is more rustic and less delicate, making it ideal for more casual garments or projects where a more natural touch is sought. It is considered a more environmentally friendly option because it uses up silk scraps that might otherwise go to waste.

Madragoa is 100% bourette silk - Fingering thickness.

Ecological considerations 🌱

Choosing natural fibres is key when it comes to knitting sustainably. Fibres such as organic cotton, linen and bamboo have a reduced environmental impact compared to synthetic fibres, as they are biodegradable and require less energy in their production.

When looking for yarn for your summer projects, consider where the fiber comes from, whether it has eco-certifications (like GOTS for organic cotton), and how the yarn is produced overall. Environmentally conscious companies often have more responsible practices, from growing to processing.

Things to keep in mind when knitting spring and summer garments

1. Opt for fibers that breathe well and wick moisture, especially if you live in a hot climate.
2. Consider the thickness of the yarn: finer yarns are ideal for cool, lightweight garments.
3. Think about the drape and texture of the final garment.
4. Some fibers like linen can be a little stiff when woven, but with use they soften and improve in appearance.
5. Don't forget to knit your sample to ensure an optimal final result. It is very important to block your sample (let it soak for a few minutes and then lay it flat to dry), as summer fibers tend to grow a lot after this procedure.