Wool Rich Aran versus Acrylic Aran

[frazzled101]

I'm considering knitting my first ever jumper for myself!

The pattern asks for wool rich Aran (50%) and I'm wondering what difference it would make to the jumper compared to using acrylic? Obviously it's more expensive.

I've only ever used acrylic so don't know what to expect.

The wool blend will likely be slightly more weighty/substantial, warmer and should wash and wear better and generally feel a bit more expensive than the 100% acrylic. (Although there are some very nice acrylic yarns too). It most likely won't feel much different to knit with but might feel nicer to wear.

The pattern publisher will have recommended one of their preferred yarns for the pattern, you can substitute anything you want but if it's your first sweater I'd use the recommended yarn and follow the pattern as closely as possible.

If you have a look at some yarns in a shop you can get a feel (literally) for the different types of wool/acrylic/etc.

Proper wool is lovely. It is warmer and has a texture and 'bloom' that synthetic yarns don't have. I avoid acrylic if I'm making anything to wear.

Acrylic has a tendency to grow with washing. Admittedly over time, but I keep my hand knits for decades. Wool tends to spring back to its right size. ( super wash).

Proper wool is lovely but keep in mind that clothes moths are having a resurgence. I know someone who had to clear ALL the wool out of her house because she got infested. Luckily her home insurance coughed up but it was on a one off basis. She now has to maintain an animal based textile free house because there is no guarantee that even the pest control treatment will prevent recurrence. I keep my wool items packed with lavender and cedar wood and I don't store them away for any length of time without checking them.

Acrylic is great for beginners but doesn't really wear well, I crochet blankets with it but for garments would choose wool or wool mix

@godmum56 fair point! (Although my 5 cats kill anything insect wise that gets in the house) Everything has its pros and cons - op, go shopping and squish some yarn balls and buy what you love that fits the pattern requirements!

good advice!