With the recent development in sustainable knitwear, many different types of yarn made from organic cotton or recycled plastic bottles are now available. Starting with your first sweater is a good step to go green and recycle old clothes instead of throwing them away.
The following list contains 30 reasons you should start making sweaters right away.
1. It’s good for the environment
Knitting your clothes from sustainable yarn is one of the easiest ways to reduce your carbon footprint. All those plastic bags that would have otherwise gone into landfills will be reused as recycled yarn.
2. It saves you money in the long run
Not only is it better for the environment, but it’s also more economical in the long run. You no longer have to spend money on clothes from the store that will only last a season or two.
3. It’s better for your health
Making your clothes from sustainable yarn is also healthier for you. By avoiding synthetic fibers and opting for organic cotton instead, you’re reducing your exposure to harmful chemicals.
4. You can make it any color you want
One of the best things about knitting your clothes is choosing any color you like. You’re often limited to a small range of colors with synthetic fibers, but with organic cotton, the world is your oyster.
5. You can make it the right size
You want to create a sweater that you love, but even if you’re an experienced knitter, sizing often remains somewhat of an issue. Sizing is no longer an issue with sustainable yarn because it adapts perfectly to your measurements.
6. You can make it any style you want
Another great thing about knitting your clothes is making them in any style you like. If you’re not happy with the range of styles available in stores, you can knit them yourself.
7. You know where it came from
When you buy a sweater from a store, you often have no idea where it came from. Was the cotton grown with pesticides? Was the woolen yarn treated with harsh chemicals? With sustainable yarn, you know exactly where it came from and how it was made.
8. You can use natural dyes
The yarn is sustainable, but you can also use natural dyes that will come from plants and vegetables instead of the harsh chemicals used to create synthetic colors.
9. You can make a lot in one go
To make a sweater, you usually need at least 200 grams of yarn, but you only need 100-150 grams per project with sustainable yarn. This means you can make more sweaters in one go, which is great for people who love to is knit.
10. You can make a difference
By knitting your clothes from sustainable yarn, you’re not only helping the environment, but you’re also making a statement. You’re telling the world that you care about the planet, and you want to do your part to help.
11. It’s a great way to use up your old yarn
If you have a lot of old yarn lying around, don’t throw it away – use it to make a new sweater. With sustainable yarn, you can create something beautiful that will last for years.
12. You can use natural fibers
Many people are allergic to synthetic fibers, but if you knit your clothes from sustainable yarn, you’ll be able to create pieces that use natural wool or cotton instead. Not only will this make the clothes more comfortable, but it will also avoid any nasty allergies.
13. It’s green
When you buy a sweater in a store, you’re not only buying the yarn but also all the energy that goes into making it. By knitting your clothes from sustainable materials, you’re creating something without harmful chemicals.
14. You can get creative
Knitting sweaters is great because it lets you be as creative as you like. You can choose colors and styles that you like, and you’ll be able to make something truly beautiful.
15. You can recycle more plastic bags
Knitting sweaters from recycled materials helps the environment in many ways. When you make a sweater from old plastic bags, those plastic bags will now be reused as recycled yarn.
16. You can make it for yourself
Instead of buying a sweater, why not try making one? It’s easy to do, and you’ll discover that knitting is enjoyable. Not only will you be creating something beautiful for yourself, but you’ll also find out how therapeutic knitting can be.
17. They’re better for the environment
One of the best things about making your clothes is that it’s great for the environment. When you knit something, there are no harmful chemicals involved in the process to damage the planet, so you’re being positive and doing something good to help.
18. It can be a hobby
Knitting is a great option if you’re looking for a new hobby. It’s easy to learn, and you can make beautiful things with it. Not only will you be able to wear the clothes you make, but you can also give them away as gifts to your friends and family.
19. You can use natural dyes
This can be a brilliant way to make beautiful clothes. With natural dyes, you’ll be able to create sweaters and other pieces that look a bit like tapestries or paintings.
20. You don’t have to spend a lot on the yarn
If you buy your yarn from a local knitting store, you’ll be able to find something that’s sustainable without spending a lot of money. You may even be able to get some free yarn from people who are no longer using it.
21. It’s great for people with allergies
Many people suffer from allergies to synthetic materials, but if you knit your clothes from sustainable materials, you won’t have this problem. Instead, you’ll be able to create completely natural sweaters that will allow your skin to breathe.
22. It’s nice for the animal who died for it
One of the downsides of yarn made from wool is that it requires an animal to give up its life. However, if you knit with sustainable yarn, you’re allowing animals to stay alive.
23. You can reduce waste
Making a sweater from sustainable yarn helps the environment in several ways. Natural materials decompose more easily, but they also have a smaller carbon footprint than synthetic fibers.
24. It encourages people to knit
If you make a sweater from sustainable yarn, it encourages other people to do the same. This is great because it helps spread awareness of the importance of sustainability and makes knitting more popular.
25. You can use leftover wool
When you’re finished with a project, you may have a lot of leftover wool. However, if you knit with sustainable materials, you’ll find that there’s no chance of wasting any material – whatever you have left gets recycled into something else.
26. You can make your patterns
Another great thing about knitting is that it allows you to create as many patterns as you like. Not only is this a good way to learn how to make new items, but it also gives you the chance to be creative and to express yourself.
27. You can make beautiful blankets
If you’re not too sure where to start when it comes to knitting sweaters from sustainable yarn, one thing that you could try is making a blanket. This is a great way to use up all of your yarn, and it also makes for a beautiful addition to any room.
28. It can keep you warm
A sweater is a great way to keep you warm during the winter months, and if you make it from sustainable yarn, you’ll be able to enjoy it for longer. Unlike fibers made from chemicals, natural materials will absorb the moisture in your sweat and stop you from getting cold.
29. You can give presentations on sustainable knitting
If you want to promote sustainable knitting, one thing that you could do is give presentations about it at your local library or community center. This is a great way to educate people on the importance of sustainability, and it also gives you a chance to share your own experiences with others.
30. It feels good to be sustainable
When you decide to be sustainable, you’re making a conscious effort to help the planet. This is something that feels good, not just for you but for the planet as a whole.
FAQ’s
1. Q: What is the difference between sustainable and synthetic fibers?
A: Sustainable fibers are made from materials that come from nature, such as cotton, wool, and silk. On the other hand, synthetic fibers are made from materials that come from petrochemicals, such as polyester and nylon.
2. Q: How do I know which sustainable materials are best to use?
A: There are many different types of sustainable fibers, so the best thing you can do is check on the label before buying any yarn. If you’re knitting for someone else, make sure that they’re okay with the type of material beforehand.
3. Q: What makes knitting from sustainable yarn better than synthetic materials?
A: The best thing about knitting with sustainable materials is the knowledge that you’re making a difference. Not only are you allowing animals to live, but you’re helping a lot of other living things as well.
4. Q: How do I find out where to buy sustainable materials?
A: You can find out where you can buy sustainable yarn by checking online or in local shops. If you’re not sure where you want to buy from, however, it’s best to start with a place that has been recommended to you.
5. Q: How do I make a sweater from sustainable yarn?
A: The best thing about knitting sweaters is that it’s incredibly easy. You could start with a scarf or blanket if you’re not so confident, but once you find your feet, the chances are that you’ll be making all sorts of items in no time at all.
Conclusion
With so many reasons to make a sweater from sustainable yarn, you can feel confident in continuing on your journey of eco-friendly knitting. But if it doesn’t seem like the right time for you, we hope this list has convinced you that there are plenty of other options out there. Check out our guide to know about 30 ways to make an environmentally friendly sweater. Happy crafting!
