Guest Author - Kate Pullen

Recent concerns over harmful chemicals found in textiles has raised awareness of the way that many fibers are produced. Many 'green' crocheters are turning to organic yarns as an alternative to conventionally produced yarns.

What is an Organic Yarn?
In order for a yarn to be classified as organic, the original fiber must have been grown or produced without the use of chemicals of any description. Therefore cotton should not have been sprayed, or animals dipped, in pesticides and insecticides. The raw fibers then need to be processed in a manner that meets organic standards. This means without harsh detergents or chemically derived products. Organic yarns are often not dyed, letting the natural colors of the fiber provide a wide range of shades and tones. Organic cottons should, of course, come from crops that have not been genetically modified.

Certification
Yarns labeled as oragnic must meet certain standards. There are a number of official organizations who will certify that an organic yarn has been grown and processed to meet these standards. Certified products are clearly labeled, allowing the consumer to identify the difference between certified organic and other products that may not meet the required standards.

Just because a yarn isn�t certified doesn�t mean that it is not organic. Often small producers don�t go through the certification process because of the additional costs and administration involved. These suppliers will be very willing to explain their processes and allay any fears.

Dying
Whilst many organic yarns are undyed, some are dyed using natural dyes. There are mixed feelings on the use of natural dyes, as whilst the actual colorant is natural, for instance onion skins, a mordant (often a metal) is required to set the color. Mordants, particularly those in the hard metal category, can be hazardous to health and extreme care must be taken in using them and ensuring that all traces have been rinsed from the yarn.

Types of Organic Yarns
There are many different types of organic yarns. Wools and other animal fibers such as alpaca and plant fibers such as cotton and linen are the most widely available. Some more unusual fibers such as organic bamboo are also available, giving the creative crocheter plenty of options to work with. The yarns are available in the standard thicknesses.

Suppliers
As organic yarns are becoming more popular, they are moving from a specialist product into the mainstream. In addition to the smaller organic producer, large yarn companies are now starting to offer an organic alternative. Lion Brand, for instance, launched at the start of 2007 a range of organically produced, undyed cotton yarns.

Some suppliers of organic yarns are:

Lion Brand - the site also includes lots of free crochet patterns
Tierra Wool
Treliske Organic wool from New Zealand, ships internationally.