This is a special yarn for hand and machine knitting, which consists of a mixture of fibers of one or different types of different colors. Mixed into one thread, they give the effect of a smooth and soft transition from one shade to another.
What is yarn
It can consist of one thread, two or more. This usually happens if there are various additives: shiny or synthetic yarns. Previously, many needlewomen made such yarn on their own, connecting threads of different colors. Today you can buy it at any store. However, not all women can confidently answer the question: "Melange - what is it?"
Differences in composition
Threads "melange" vary in composition. They are:
- cotton;
- Woolen
- mohair;
- acrylic.
Cotton melange yarn is hygienic, resistant to washing, it absorbs moisture well and allows air to pass through. Finished products from such yarn are very convenient and pleasant to wear.
Mohair blend yarn is very warm and durable, airy and soft. Its disadvantages include rolling and scratching.
Woolen yarn is able to retain heat well, it is hygroscopic. Great for knitting embossed and smooth patterns.
Acrylic can be characterized as a durable, thermoplastic, light-resistant material. Such yarn is well dyed, so that the threads become bright and shiny. Acrylic yarn can be used for hand or machine knitting.
How is this yarn made
For its production, a ready-made thread is used, which is stained at regular intervals. If you knit small items with such threads, then the pattern is large. Today, such yarn is produced using modern technologies, so it is very practical and high-quality.
Quite often, the concept of “melange” is not quite correctly interpreted: what is this connection that cannot be compared with the purely mechanical weaving of multi-colored threads. If you wind two or three multi-colored threads into one ball and knit a product, then it will not be melange, but simply motley.
How to make the right choice
So, you are ready to buy melange. What is it, you already understood, now we will learn to make the right choice of quality product. Pay attention to the elasticity of the thread, its strength, torsion, uniformity of dyeing. If the thread is too twisted, then it is not suitable for knitting. It is designed for crocheting. Also, the finished product may be skewed and no ironing will save it.
The elasticity of the thread is checked quite simply: pull it, if it is springy, then you have a quality product in your hands. It is very important that the melange thread does not have thickenings. Read the label carefully. It must necessarily indicate the percentage of various fibers, the length and weight of the thread, recommendations for the selection of knitting needles and density of knitting. These recommendations should not be ignored, they are given by experienced specialists of manufacturers based on numerous tests. Knitting "melange" is a fascinating and interesting activity.
What can be knitted from melange
As a rule, this yarn consists of natural fibers (although you can also find fully synthetic yarn), so you can do any thing from it: sweaters, cardigans, skirts, scarves, hats, mittens. Do not throw away the remains of yarn, knit squares from them, and when enough is gathered, collect a patchwork quilt. "Melange" with knitting needles is always very effective and stylish.
A color scheme
Usually melange yarn has one color, but its different shades. But there are samples of different colors. In this case, they should be selected so that they harmoniously combine with each other. It is advisable to follow the simple rules of color combination. Such compositions as:
- purple and lilac (similar colors);
- yellow with orange (two bright colors);
- pink and yellow (two faded shades).
Remember that with any tone white always looks advantageous. Scarlet looks interesting with blue, black, yellow, and brown with green.
Advantages and disadvantages of melange
All the pros and cons of yarn flow from its composition. If the thread consists of fibers of the same type, then usually this leads to negative consequences. For example, purely wool yarn can fall off, cotton yarn can stretch, and synthetics will not let the skin “breathe”. Carefully study the composition!
The obvious advantages of this yarn should include its spectacular appearance, the optimal thickness of the thread for knitting by hand. Thanks to the motley coloring, the yarn successfully hides the imperfections of knitting, does not require complex patterns.
In our article, we talked about the yarn "melange". What it is? This is a high-tech fiber that can be used for hand and machine knitting. This yarn is very popular among lovers and professionals. Things from her are warm, beautiful, light. It is valuable that beginners can successfully use it, because it reliably hides all errors in the work.