Cotton yarn, with its softness and breathability, has been a beloved choice among knitters and crocheters for generations. From delicate baby garments to cozy home textiles, its versatility knows no bounds, making it a staple in crafting projects worldwide.

There are currently two variations of cotton: mercerized and unmercerized. While both varieties share the charm of natural cotton fibers, their distinct characteristics play a vital role in determining the outcome of a project.

Unmercerized Cotton

Unmercerized cotton is stiffer than mercerized cotton and does not hold colour very well, but it does hold water better than mercerized cotton. Unmercerized cotton is considered much better for items such as dishcloths and washcloths. Another benefit of unmercerized cotton is that it retains its natural softness allowing for a gentle and soft feeling.

Unmercerized cotton is more eco-friendly because it stays natural, making it a more environmentally friendly and biodegradable yarn. Regular cotton is also cheaper than mercerized cotton due to the process of turning cotton into its mercerized counterpart.

Unmercerized cotton is a very versatile yarn which can be used to create a wide variety of items ranging from clothing to home textiles, craft projects, and more.

Mercerized Cotton

On the other hand, mercerized cotton underwent a chemical process called mercerization, invented by John Mercer in 1884. The method of mercerization causes the cotton fibres to swell and undergo a structural change resulting in improved strength and lustre and allowing the cotton to take to dye more efficiently, allowing for more vibrant and brighter colours.

Mercerized cotton does not hold as much water as unmercerized cotton but is much softer, lustrous and has an increased ability to reflect light, giving the cotton a silkier appearance. Mercerized cotton is suitable for clothing such as shirts, dresses, blouses and baby items, as well as home textiles such as bed linens, towels and tablecloths.

Mercerized cotton combines softness, strength and lustre and is considered a popular choice for casual and formal wear due to its improved appearance and durability compared to regular untreated cotton.

Conclusion

Each variety of cotton yarn possesses its unique charm and qualities, offering a spectrum of possibilities to explore. Unmercerized cotton, with its stiffer texture and excellent water retention, proves an ideal companion for crafting durable dishcloths, washcloths, and other practical items. Its eco-friendly nature and cost-effectiveness make it an excellent choice for conscious creators.

On the other hand, mercerized cotton, enhanced by John Mercer's ingenious process, boasts a lustrous, silk-like appearance and the ability to reflect light beautifully. This shining star is well-suited for creating elegant clothing, baby garments, and exquisite home textiles, elevating the allure of any project it graces.