Can I Use Acrylic Yarn to Make Potholders?

By

PIKKA

Use wool if you can, make it a tiny bit bigger than you need, and toss into washing machine followed by stop in dryer, checking every 5-10 minutes. It will be nice and thick. Or go to goodwill and get an old all wool sweater, toss in washer on hot-cold cycle, and dry, checking intermittently. When it's felted as you like, cut out your hot pad. If you don't like the pattern, just cover with cotton cloth, as in making a little pillowcase and close up ends. Tie in few places or over stitch.
Acrylic melts.

By

Speedwell

The main danger of acrylic or polyester yarn in cooking is that it's basically plastic. If it catches on fire, it melts and drips stickily on you and can cause some really serious burns. Cotton burns, but it doesn't stick to you. Rayon yarn is also a good choice, and washable wool yarns are also OK. if you're not sure of the composition of a yarn, burn a two-inch-long scrap in a fireproof dish and see whether it melts like plastic, leaves a sticky residue, burns completely to ash, smells like hair, etc.

By

Keeper

Kaelle, thanks for your reply and also for a new site for crocheting.

By

Kaelle

I have heard that acrylic will melt. I googled and found these discussions among many:
http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=69851

http://www.knittinghelp.com/forum/archive/index.php/t-62406.html
If you are making something for others I would definitely use cotton or wool.