24 Bamboo Yarn Patterns to Knit
There are so many benefits to knitting with bamboo yarn, and so many gorgeous patterns you can make!
The vegan or environmentally-conscious knitter should be familiar with bamboo yarn. Since bamboo, unlike cotton, grows again from its own roots, it requires less care, attention, and resources to grow, making it a more sustainable option. In addition, since it's a fully vegan fiber, those with an aversion to animal products will find that bamboo yarn, unlike silk or wool, is a strong alternative. There are some bamboo yarn patterns that specifically call for this kind of fiber, but even if a pattern doesn't, there are a few guidelines to tell if bamboo yarn is best suited to your next project.
Like many items made from bamboo, the yarn is known for being incredibly durable. You would think that might make it coarse and uncomfortable, but every bamboo yarn I've ever touched has been silky smooth to the touch with a gorgeous shine. This sort of yarn is best suited for warm-weather projects, as it's not incredibly insulating like wool, but is rather lightweight and breathable. You'll find that bamboo yarn lends itself best to delicate summer wearables and accessories, but, as always, the world is your oyster and it's your prerogative to knit whatever you want out of your new gorgeous skein of bamboo yarn.
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Shawls
Shawls are my favorite use for bamboo yarn. Their gorgeous drape is exactly what a well-knit lacy shawl calls for, unlike harsher, stiffer yarns. Since bamboo is known for its light weight and breathability, it's best for those gorgeous, delicate shawls worn as shoulder-covers in the summer rather than thick winter shawls that go under a parka.
Love these lightweight shawls? Check out our best collection of warm-weather accessories here:22 Knit Shawls and Wraps for Summer
Scarves
You may be used to wearing scarves as an extra way to warm yourself in a particularly chilly winter, but in the last decade, we've seen a resurgence of scarves as a fashion statement, worn boldly with any outfit in any weather. From rectangular to circle scarves, they elevate your wardrobe to something chicer than ever before. Bamboo yarn is perfect for these sorts of fashion scarves because they won't weigh down your outfit too much and the lovely drape, like with shawls, will really help your beautiful stitching stand out.
Lightweight Tops and Sweaters
This is a tricky one. While all the properties of bamboo yarn lend itself beautifully to lightweight wearables, there are a couple of caveats. Bamboo can lose some of its strength when wet, so the washability of this yarn gets a little dicey. You'll find you have a lot more flexibility if your yarn isn't 100% bamboo but, as always, be sure to follow the instructions on your yarn label for washing care. Maintenance out-of-the-way, you're sure to create a gorgeous top with bamboo yarn.
Planning out your warm weather wardrobe? Take a look at our collection of17 Knit Tops for the Summer
Accessories
That's right: just about any type of accessories from ties to headbands are a great use for bamboo yarn. Since you don't have to worry about washing these items quite as much, the wetting-bamboo conundrum is less of a concern. In addition, those who are eco-conscious will find that since accessories typically use fewer yards of yarn, you'll get more out of your single skein of bamboo yarn than if you were working on a larger project.
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