Looking for a rustic, tough yarn? Jute fibers might be the perfect choice for you. I explore what jute yarn is, and ways to use it for knitting.
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Frustrated Teacher Quits In Disgust, Sells The Farm, Moves The Family Halfway Across The World And… Starts Knitting
I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on May 13, 2023.
Table Of Contents
- What Is Jute Yarn?
- What Do You Use It For?
- Common Blends Using This Fiber
- Where To Find It
- Interesting Facts
- FAQS
What Is Jute Yarn?
Jute yarn is a plant fiber. It isn’t popular because it’s not widely available and limited to certain projects. However, it’s strong, sustainable, long-lasting, and breathable. They’re fibrous and great for home décor.
Where It Comes From
Jute comes from a fast-growing plant found in India, Bangladesh, and other parts of Asia. It’s used to make twine and jute rope. The plant’s genus is Corchorus. Most jute fiber (jute fibre) comes from two main jute plants: the Nalta Jute/Tossa Jute plant, (Corchorus olitorius), and the White Jute plant (Corchorus capsularis.)(1)
The fibers are used to make yarn, thread, and fabric, but it’s mainly grown for its raw jute cellulose fiber, which can be made into fiberboard, eco-friendly packaging, or paper.
How It’s Made Into Yarn
The jute plant is dried in the sun and processed to remove the husk. The off-white to brown fibers are combed, and spun into yarn.
How To Wash Jute Yarn
Here are the care instructions for jute fibers.
- Hand wash only, and use cold water and mild soap.
- Don’t wring or twist when washing it.
- Dry this light yarn flat on a towel.
- Iron at low settings if necessary.
Always check the yarn label for instructions specific to the yarn you’re using.
Does It Shrink When Washed?
Jute yarn won’t shrink when you wash it, but the fibers get softer with each wash.
How To Soften Jute Yarn
Washing these natural fibers after you’ve finished knitting always helps!
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What Do You Use It For?
Wondering whether you should use it to make a project? Here’s why this fiber is used to make yarn. It’s often used for projects and things like home décor projects, rugs, bags, baskets, wall hangings, placemats, or table runners. I don’t recommend it for clothing as it’s itchy and rugged.
Common Blends Using This Fiber
Here’s a description of common blends using this yarn, and why they’re created.
- Linen/Jute: This is a durable blend perfect for items like kitchen towels, rugs and bags.
- Cotton/Jute: This blend is great for projects that require strength and durability, such as upholstery or rugs.
- Wool/Jute: This combination makes a strong yarn suitable for knitting items like bags and sweaters.
Note: (It’s rare to find jute fabric blended with synthetic fibers.) You could, however, create your own blends for novel textures, for example, using this fiber with something ladder yarn or another novelty yarn.
Where To Find It
Here’s where to find this yarn. (It’s a little difficult to track down.) At a yarn store or craft stores in your area, online brand shops or Etsy. Here are brands or manufacturers of jute yarns to try: Hoooked.
What’s The Price Like? It’s a moderately priced fiber.
Interesting Facts
Want to know some fascinating tidbits about this material? Impress your friends with these.
- It’s used to make jute products like imitation silk, coffee bags, burlap sacks, gunny cloth, and hessian fabric/hessian cloth.
- It’s also called “golden fiber” because of its golden and silky shine.
- It’s the second most important natural fiber after cotton.
- Most jute producers and jute mills are in India and Bangladesh, with some made in East Pakistan.
- It’s highly resistant to weight, friction, sunlight, water and abrasion.
FAQS About Jute Yarn
Is Jute Yarn Safe For Babies?
No, it’s not safe for babies because it’s itchy and rough.
Is Jute Yarn Ethical & Eco-Friendly?
It grows quickly, so it can be harvested more often than other fibers. Plus, it uses much less water than conventional crops during the production process.
What Can I Make With Leftover Jute Yarn?
You can make things like wall hangings, rugs, placemats and more. You can also use it to make bags or baskets.
Do Jute Yarns Pill?
No, jute fabrics don’t pill.
Can You Dye Jute Yarns?
Yes, you can dye jute yarns.
Conclusion
Happy crocheting or knitting! Hope you enjoyed this article. Do you have questions? Please leave them below! To learn about other popular yarn types, see this article.
References
- Wikipedia contributors. 2022. “Jute.” Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. November 17, 2022. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Jute&oldid=1122335000.
