Knitted garments are made from a wide variety of fabrics. The fabric used is knit with different techniques to make knitted garments and accessories for men, women, and children. Let's take a closer look at the different fibers used to manufacture knitwear.

Fibers may broadly be classified into three major categories:

• Natural fibers
• Synthetic/man-made fibers

Natural fibers
Natural fibers used to make fabrics include plant fibers and animal fibers. They are obtained from animals and plants, and are considered a gift of nature.

• Plant fibers
  • Cotton: Cotton is the fiber which surrounds the seeds in a cotton pod. This fiber is usually white but there are also green and brown variations. Cotton is dense, inelastic, and heavy. Cotton garments will regain their shape after washing, but their ability to regain shape also decreases over time. Knitted cotton garments are extremely comfortable to wear in cool weather, but not in warm climate (just the opposite of wool). Once wet, cotton is slow to dry. Though cotton makes a weaker yarn than linen or silk, it is stronger than wool.
  • Rayon: This fiber is produced from natural ingredients but by artificial means. Cellulose from cotton or wood pulp is chemically treated till it is capable of being drawn into filaments. Though rayon is a weak fiber, it dries quickly and is absorbent. It has a capacity to stretch though it might regain its shape later.
  • Linen: This fiber comes from the flax plant. Fabric made from linen grows softer and beautiful with age. Linen absorbs moisture better than cotton. It also dries more quickly, and is more comfortable to wear hot temperatures (unlike cotton). Linen is easier to wash (unlike wool), and does not shrink or stretch. It is stronger and durable than all other fibers.
• Animal fibers
  • Silk: Silk is the fiber obtained from silk moths. Silk knitting yarn is produced from damaged silk cocoons/broken fibers. Silk absorbs moisture and pills less than wool. It possesses thermal properties, making it suitable for wearing in all weather conditions. When knit, it is very strong and stable. Silk neither shrinks nor stretches, and can be dyed easily. It has a luster of its own, and retains its shape over time.
  • Wool: Wool is the fiber obtained from domesticated sheep. Wool is flame-retardant, and accepts dye well. Woolen garments remain warm even when they are wet and shed water better than other yarns. Though wool usually regains its proper shape when washed correctly, it will shrink or felt when mistreated or washed in hot water.
  • Mohair: Mohair refers to the fiber obtained from Angora goats. Mohair is used to manufacture fluffy garments and accessories. It is durable, dyes well, sheds dirt, and does not felt easily. Yarn made of mohair is abraded, and its fibers are roughed to create a 'fuzzy' appearance.
  • Angora: Angora refers to the fiber obtained from rabbits. Fabric made from this yarn is very fluffy, soft, warm, and inelastic (does not stretch). Contrary to a belief popular in the 1950s, a Angora sweater does not increase the size of one's bust.
  • Cashmere: This fiber is obtained from the undercoat of Cashmere goats. It is expensive because only a few ounces of this fiber are obtained from each goat every year. It is a very delicate yarn. Cashmere is more fragile than wool, and susceptible to abrasion. That is why it is usually blended with wool to achieve durability.

Synthetic fibers
The term 'synthetic fiber' refers to all fibers that are not natural. Synthetic fibers are a result of extensive research, and are produced artificially. They are also known as man-made or manufactured fibers.

• Polyester: This is one of the most common types of synthetic fiber. Fabric made from polyester retains its shape, and does not shrink. When blended with natural fibers, it adds strength and resilience. Polyester offers comfortable wear than other synthetics, and is easy to wash.
• Nylon: This fiber is lightweight, elastic and strong. It resists abrasion, and does not stretch/shrink (unless subjected to high temperatures). Nylon is easy to wash. It is often blended with wool to impart its elasticity and strength to the woolen fabric.
• Acrylic: This is most common type of synthetic fiber used in knitting yarns. It is moderately strong, resilient, and somewhat inelastic. Acrylic is lightweight, and feels good to the touch. Acrylic is sold as an alternative to wool. It does not have moisture-wicking properties. Unless treated, it is inflammable, and tends to shrink in when exposed to heat. Acrylic is often used to obtain textures and characteristics which cannot be achieved with natural fibers.