Metallic Yarn – Guide To This Yarn Material & Best Uses

Looking for a shiny, novel yarn? Metallic fibers might be the perfect choice. I explore what metallic yarn is, and ways to use it for knitting.

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I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on May 13, 2023.

Table Of Contents

• What Is It?
• What Do You Use It For?
• Where To Find It
• Interesting Facts

What Is Metallic Yarn?

It’s a synthetic fiber sold at moderate prices. This fiber isn’t super popular, but it’s shiny and unique, like lurex yarn. They sparkle and great for fun knitting projects. It’s available in all colors of the rainbow.

Where It Comes From & How It’s Made Into Yarn

The fiber is extruded from a long, narrow die. It’s made from thin strands of polyester or viscose twisted together. These fibers are wrapped around a core thread. The amount of wrap and type of core thread used determines the final properties of the metallic yarn.

How To Wash Metallic Yarn

Here are the care instructions for metallic fibers. Some are dry clean only. For others, always check the yarn label for instructions specific to the yarn you’re using.

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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 bags, decoration items, accessories, knitted jewelry, and belts. It can be used for garments, but it’s not as common.

Here is a video by Sandy Davis on a review of the Patons Metallic yarn. 

This excellent breakdown of this subject will help you!

Where To Find It

Here’s where to find this yarn: at a yarn store or craft stores in your area, at big box stores like Michaels, Walmart and Joann, and online brand shops. Here are brands or manufacturers of metallic yarns to try: Hobbii Metallico, Milford Metallic, Paintbox Yarns Metallic, and Anchor Artiste Metallic.

What’s The Price Like? The prices are moderate, or a little pricey.

Interesting Facts

Want to know some fascinating tidbits about this material? Impress your friends with these.

• A metallic fabric, called Lamé, used to be made with real metals, like silver, gold, or more commonly, copper
• It’s often used in science fiction films and television for uniforms and futuristic-looking costumes
• It was popular for award ceremony gowns in the Golden Age Of Hollywood⁽¹⁾
• There’s evidence of woven metallic fiber using real silver and gold in ancient South American civilizations⁽²⁾

FAQs About Metallic Yarn

Is Metallic Yarn Safe For Babies?

No, it’s safe for babies because it’s scratchy and not that breathable.

Is Metallic Yarn Ethical & Eco-Friendly?

It uses a chemical manufacturing process.

Is Metallic Yarn Itchy?

Yes, it’s itchy because it’s not super smooth.

Is Metallic Yarn Good For Clothes?

No, it’s not good for clothes because it wears out easily.

Do Metallic Yarns Pill?

No, they don’t pill.

Can You Dye Metallic Yarns?

No, you can’t.

Do They Make Silver Yarn?

Yes, they do, but not with real silver, like they used to.

What Is Stellina Yarn?

It’s a fiber made with nylon that has a metallic look, but it’s not made with metals.

Conclusion

Happy crocheting or knitting! Hope you enjoyed this article. Do you have questions? Please leave them below! Want a guide in more fiber types? Check it out here.

References

1. “‘Lurex’ (Tm) Metallic Yarn Sample; 1951.” n.d. National Museum of American History. Accessed October 16, 2022. https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_648318.
2. Phipps, Elena. 2014. “Woven Silver and Gold: Metallic Yarns in Colonial Andean Textiles.” Source (New York, N.Y.: 1981) 29 (3): 4–11. https://www.academia.edu/9643483/Woven_Silver_and_Gold_Metallic_Yarns_in_Colonial_Andean_Textiles.