How Is Corn Silk Yarn Made?
The crafting yarn market is expanding into new dimensions by creating yarns out of materials formally not thought of in knitting. Among these natural fibers being produced are those from corn, soy, hemp and banana silk. These materials provide an alternative for those who are allergic to wool, or for those who want an option besides cotton and acrylic. Manufacturers break down corn starches into a paste, which is then spun into yarn. Corn yarn is very soft and absorbent.
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Corn Silk
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This is a bit of a misnomer because the yarns produced by manufacturers are made with the starch found in corn, rather than the silky golden fibers we pull off the ears of corns.
Corn Starch Transformed
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Corn is an agricultural product with large quantities of starch, which manufacturers extract from the plant fibers and break down into sugars that are then fermented and separated into polymers. At this point in the process, the corn fibers are paste-like substances which are then extruded into delicate strands that are cut, carded, combed, and spun into yarn. Aside from the chemical processes, the rest of the process is similar to what is done with wool.
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A Greener Choice?
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Green production Treehugger.com looked into the idea that using corn is a greener choice than cotton, but there is not enough information about how much fiber can be made from an acre of corn versus an acre of cotton. Assessing the mechanical processing that the corn goes through (as briefly described above), as well as the use of bleach to render the fiber color neutral for dyeing, makes it hard to evaluate as well. For those who are concerned about how animals are treated, or who limit their use of materials that originate from animals, yarns from corn and other plant fibers make a great option.
Qualities of Corn Fiber Yarn
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Breathable yarn from corn fiber is similar to cotton in its appearance. More resilient than cotton, the knitted fabric is springier, resulting in a fluid drape. The corn fiber yarn may also be easier on the hands when knitting. Other properties include low odor retention, quick drying, and stains that do not set as easily as with cotton.
How Does It Knit Up?
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Knitted fabric Corn yarns are perfect for lightweight, summer projects since their texture is similar to cotton while being less dense than cotton. Clara Parkes, editor of Knitter's Review, found that the knitted fabric had a "plump, elastic feel" despite the fiber not being stretchy. She also noted that her swatches softened with wear and that they pilled slowly.
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References
- Photo Credit Corn image by DSL from Fotolia.com Recycle Logo The Bigger Picture image by Sophia Winters from Fotolia.com knitting image by Aleksandr Ugorenkov from Fotolia.com
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Comments
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I had thought this fiber was made from the stalks, much like rayon from wood pulp or banana silk from leaves and such. If it is made using corn that would otherwise feed people or animals, keeping food prices down for the poor, why is this a more responsible option?
