eNewsletter
April 2006

Bamboo Fiber and Yarn

It is now the time to gradually talk about warmer weather here in Northern Hemisphere. Although the weather in my area is still winter like, but you can only be hopeful!

This month I want to talk about bamboo and its characteristics. Bamboo is a type of grass that can grow as much as 3 feet (92 cm) overnight! This fast growing quality makes it a wonderful replacement for cotton for producing garments. On top of that, cultivating bamboo does not need any pesticide as it has antibacterial properties. Tests at Japan's textile inspection association has shown that a bamboo fabric that has been washed fifty times still carried its antibacterial properties, and the bacteria that was added to it later, was 70% eliminated. Bamboo fiber is biodegradable and decomposes without polluting the air or soil.

Scientists claim the antibacterial agent in bamboo provides a deodorizing effect, which unlike chemical deodorizers, does not cause any allergic reactions. The bamboo fiber possesses micro gaps that create ventilation and keep the skin cool in the summer sun, and can absorb sweat better than any other fiber.

Bamboo fiber is very strong and durable and absorbs dyes very easily. Also, because of its natural luster it does not need to go through the mercerization process, thus there is less environmental harm. Grinding bamboo plant produces a silky soft fiber that spins easily and the product is comparable to fine silk and ramie.

If you have any experience with knitting/crochet with bamboo based fiber, please let me know. I will include your comments with your name in our e-newsletter.

Nazanin S. Fard

Needlecraft University