In today's market the term organic is more frequently being used. The word has even entered the knitter's vocabulary. If you wonder how yarn can be organic, let's look at some different types of yarn and discover what makes it organic.

Animal yarn

The first thing one thinks of when animal yarn is mentioned is sheep, but there are other types of animal yarn. Alpacas and llamas also have wool; cashmere comes from cashmere goats; and angora from rabbits. Another natural fiber comes from the silk worm. Any of these fibers can become organic yarn.

In order to be organic the fiber must come from an organically raised animal. Sheep, goats and other wool producing livestock cannot have been given synthetic hormones, been genetically engineered or been treated with pesticides. The animals do not undergo the usual practice of drenching or receiving antibiotics and vaccines. They are fed outdoors all year round and are not given any modified feed.

Organic livestock graze only on certified organic farms. In order for the pastures to not be overworked there are restrictions on the size of the land on which they graze. The land cannot have been treated with chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides for at least three years.

The wool from organically raised livestock is never chemically treated. It is cleaned with special cleansing agents that are biodegradable.

Silk yarn is made from the cocoons spun by silk worms. A continuous thread is spun by the silkworm and the worm is destroyed before it can chew its way out of the cocoon.

Plant yarn

The most common plant yarn is cotton. In the making of conventional cotton into yarn many chemicals are used including, petroleum, ammonia, flame and soil retardants and formaldehyde. Organic cotton yarn is an alternative to this process. The groups that certify organically grown cotton for yarn all prohibit the use of chemical pesticides and fungicides on the cotton. Farmers who grow organic cotton use natural substances to promote growth and restrain insects. The land on which it is grown must be free of chemicals for at least three years. Organic cotton yarn is not mercerized and usually is left in its natural color.

A particularly versatile yarn from Peru is Pakucho cotton, a trademark of Peru Naturtex Partners. The cotton is grown in rural Peru on small plots of ground using ancient farming methods. It is one of the purest yarns available since it is grown and processed without the use of pesticides, herbicides or any other agricultural chemicals.

Other yarn from plants

Bamboo is a yarn that is becoming quite popular. Its durability and beautiful sheen make it a good choice. Bamboo is a renewable resource making it eco-friendly. Soy yarn is made from the waste from the manufacturing of tofu. Other plant based materials being used to produce vegan yarns come from corn, hemp, nettles, and the banana plant.

Any of these plants can be used to make organic yarn as long as it is produced without using man-made chemicals. Most organic yarns are not dyed and left in their natural state. It is surprising how many natural earthy colors can be found in organic yarn.

There are lots of options available for those looking for organic yarn. A quick look on the internet will bring up many sites that sell organic yarn. Make your next knitting project eco-friendly by choosing one of the organic yarns.

Learn more about this author, Annalou Mack.
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