This Saturday, lets talk about yarn that is sourced from the renewable Bamboo tree native to the Asian continent. This is the second plant-based fibre I am talking about, after cotton. This super strong but super cozy yarn is made with bamboo grass that is harvested and distilled into cellulose, and then spun into yarn. In a way, it’s a bit like how paper is made.
Swipe to see a detailed infographic on how bamboo yarn can be made from scratch.
If you have school going kids interested in STEM, do check it out. For more information, you can also visit
https://bamboodetective.com/how-is-bamboo-fabric-made/
https://ukhandknitting.wordpress.com/2016/09/15/know-your-yarn-bamboo/
https://www.thesprucecrafts.com/knitting-with-bamboo-yarn-2117304
Bamboo sourced yarn is environmentally friendly, because bamboo by nature is a renewable resource. One does not have to uproot the whole plant, but cut parts of the plant for use. Secondly, when not mixed with other fibres, it is biodegradable. Thirdly, it is durable, breathable and has anti-bacterial properties. What is also fascinating to me, is that it has inbuilt anti-UV radiation properties.
My experience with bamboo yarn is with only one brand @knitsirdar. They make this beautiful shiny, soft and strong yarn called Sirdar Snuggly Baby Bamboo DK. It is not pure bamboo yarn, but has 20% wool in it. It is DK weight, thin, and works well with a 4mm or less needles/hook size. However if you want to use it to knit lace, just go for a larger sized needles/hook.
used this yarn in 2015, and have not been able to source bamboo yarn ever after that. If anyone knows, please do share. I would like to work with it, since its really perfect for Indian climates.
I crocheted a circular centerpiece with Bamboo yarn in 2015, which was gifted to a friend in 2019. I found the fabric quite drapey and soft, something that could retain its shape well when laid flat on the table. It had this beautiful lustre to it, which gave it a luxe charm. Please do excuse the photography quality, it was taken with my old trusty BB.
So based on that experience, why would I choose Bamboo yarn to work with? Well obviously, because it creates this soft, drapey, dreamy, cozy, shiny, absorbent and breathable fabric that would work well in hot climates.
Why would I not choose Bamboo yarn to work with?
While knitting, the yarn splits a lot, and this doesn’t bode very well with a temperamental knitter. It would be best to use needles/hooks that are blunt. Weaving in ends is also a bit difficult.
The knit fabric has to be washed by hand or in a delicate washing cycle – and this will not work for everyone. Washing in a normal cycle may cause shrinkage.
Thirdly, because it is drapey, sometimes while designing, the measurements may be completely off. Its best to make a swatch, drape it a bit, and then go for the real thing.
In this case, I would choose to work with it again, simply because of how the end product looks and feels. I don’t mind babying it; it would be similar to taking care of my silk sarees. If I ever were to find that yarn again, I most definitely would knit/crochet a scarf/shawl or a table/bed runner, where drape is key.
Maybe you are curious knowing more about Cotton.