Its Autumn and I am thinking about Aran yarns.
As a seasoned knitter with many years of experience, I've worked a lot with various yarn weights. Today, I thought it might be a good idea to Look at Aran weight yarn, exploring its properties, uses, and differences in production.
Aran weight yarn, named after the Aran Islands off Ireland's west coast, occupies a crucial middle ground in the yarn weight spectrum. It's heavier than Double Knitting (DK) but lighter than chunky yarn, typically measuring between 4-5 mm in diameter. In the Craft Yarn Council's Standard Yarn Weight System, Aran weight is classified as a '4' or 'medium' weight.
While often used interchangeably with 'worsted weight', it's important to note that Aran and worsted can differ subtly, particularly in spinning techniques:
1. Worsted Spinning: This method produces a smooth, strong yarn with a clear stitch definition. The fibres are combed to align them parallel to each other before spinning, resulting in a yarn with minimal fuzz.
2. Woollen Spinning: Traditional Aran yarn is often spun using this technique. It creates a loftier, warmer yarn with a slightly fuzzy appearance. The fibres are carded but not strictly aligned before spinning, allowing for trapped air pockets.
3. Semi-worsted Spinning: Some modern Aran yarns use this hybrid technique, which combines aspects of both worsted and woollen spinning to achieve specific characteristics.
The spinning method significantly affects the yarn's properties, including warmth, durability, and stitch definition. Woollen-spun Aran tends to be warmer and more insulating, while worsted-spun yarn often provides crisper stitch definition, ideal for intricate patterns.
Aran weight yarn typically has a gauge of 16-20 stitches per 10 cm (4 inches) on 4.5-5.5 mm needles, though this can vary based on individual tension and the specific yarn composition.
Speaking of composition, while traditionally made from wool, modern Aran weight yarns are available in various fibres:
- Wool: Excellent insulation, natural water-resistance, and durability.
- Alpaca: Incredibly soft and warm, with a slight halo effect.
- Acrylic: Durable, easy-care, and often more affordable.
- Blends: Combinations like wool/acrylic, offering a balance of properties.
Aran weight yarn excels in a wide range of projects. Its medium thickness allows for relatively quick work without sacrificing detail. Its so versatile it can be used in Traditional Aran sweaters featuring complex cable patterns, warm, textured scarves and shawls, outerwear like hats, mittens, home décor items such as cushion covers and throw blankets.
When selecting Aran weight yarn for a project, consider the desired properties of the finished item. For example, a woollen-spun pure wool Aran would be excellent for a warm, traditional sweater, while blend of wool and acrylic might be more suitable for a summer wrap or a child's garment that requires frequent washing.
Aran weight yarn offers versatility, ease of use, and a wide range of available fibres and textures. Whether you're crafting a complex cable garment or a simple, cosy accessory, Aran weight yarn is likely to have a suitable option for your project.
Pop in to the shop or look at our online store and see the wide range of Aran / Wosted yarns in stock!