How To Make Yarn Waterproof? [Process With Infographics]

Yarn, whether made from synthetic or natural fibers and materials, has some natural water-repelling properties. It is not completely waterproof, but it does not absorb water as rapidly as other fabrics. This is the reason fisherman and sailors predominantly wear wool yarn jackets.

However, now many clothing and other accessories such as blankets are made from yarn. Suppose you wish to accentuate the water-repelling property of such yarn items and more. In that case, it can be done using some simple methods at home.

Making your yarn waterproof can effectively help items made from it, such as cardigans, outdoor decorations, and more resistance to water damage.

Also, if you have to wear your yarn clothing on a wet day, then it helps you stay dry and warm. Whatever may be your reason to make yarn waterproof, you will find the best methods to do so at home easily in this guide.

How To Make Yarn Waterproof Using Lanolin Wax?

Lanolin oil is a wax-like substance obtained from sheep and other wool-bearing mammals. This has conditioning and water-repelling properties. Applying it to the yarn will create a water barrier over it which will prevent water from being absorbed by the yarn.

Furthermore, due to its conditioning properties, it will also make the yarn item softer. Lanolin smoothens the rough microscopic scales on the yarn, thereby making it more gentle on the skin. Hence, this is a great method to waterproof yarn.

Note that you will need to reapply lanolin wax after washing it several times as washing will tear down the water barrier.

Required Materials

• Warm water
• Wool wash
• Lanolin wax

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Step-By-Step Process

1. Create the washing medium

One cannot directly melt and apply lanolin wax on dry yarn because it will not adhere well to the surface. You need a washing medium containing lanolin and soak the yarn in this medium to apply the wax.

Hence, start by creating a washing medium by mixing warm water and a suitable wool wash. We recommend the KnitIQ No Rinse Delicate Wash Liquid Detergent.

It is a climate-friendly no-rinse washing solution with a lavender citrus aroma which will make the yarn smell fresh and clean.

Take a container big enough to accommodate your yarn and fill it with warm water. The water should be enough for the yarn to be fully submerged in it. Add wool wash or any other suitable washing solution to the container and mix them well.

2. Prepare lanolin wax

Lanolin is generally available in wax form, and you need to melt it in order to apply it. Take half a teaspoon of lanolin for every pound of yarn. Add warm water to lanolin and mix well until it melts completely.

3. Add melted lanolin to the washing medium

Add the melted lanolin to the washing medium we prepared in the first step. Stir the washing medium well so that the melted lanolin is mixed evenly throughout the water.

4. Soak the yarn

Now soak the yarn in the washing medium. Make sure that the yarn is completely submerged in the liquid so that it can completely absorb the solution.

Let the yarn soak in the solution for fifteen to twenty minutes or more, depending on its quantity.

5. Drain extra water

After soaking, drain the extra water. Do not wring the yarn but let the water drain on its own. Then airdry the yarn, and you have a waterproof yarn ready to use.

6. Apply an additional coat

Suppose you feel that one coat does not provide enough hydrophobic ability to the yarn. In that case, you can repeat the same process one more time to add another coat.

Precautions

• Be careful while handling the yarn to prevent shrinking.
• Avoid wringing the yarn at any point, as it can damage the yarn.

How To Make Yarn Waterproof Using Waterproof Spray?

Waterproof sealer spray is the universal method to waterproof anything. Regardless of what you want to waterproof, there is a waterproof sealer spray for it.

Any high-grade silicone or acrylic waterproof spray designed for fabric will effectively waterproof the yarn. These waterproof sprays create a sturdy acrylic or silicon water-repelling barrier on the yarn.

This will also inhibit the growth of mold, mildew, and other water-caused deterioration. The waterproof spray coat can last for months before it needs reapplication.

Required Materials

• Silicon or acrylic waterproof spray for fabric
• Wool wash
• Lukewarm water
• Clean microfiber towels
• Newspapers

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Step-By-Step Process

1. Prep the yarn

If you are applying a waterproof spray coat on any item, you should always start by cleaning the item thoroughly. The same applies to yarn or items made from yarn. Hence, the first step is washing the yarn.

It is recommended to use lukewarm water to wash yarn. Take a container filled with lukewarm water and add liquid wool wash.

Stir the mixture well to blend, then add yarn to the washing medium. Let the yarn soak for fifteen to twenty minutes and gently squeeze several times.

Drain the extra water and lay the yarn on a towel. Gently roll the towel in order to remove excess water. Transfer the yarn to another dry towel, gently dab to draw water, and leave the yarn to airdry.

2. Lay the dry yarn on a newspaper

Spread some newspaper and lay the dry yarn on it. You can purchase a reliable waterproof spray online. Rust-Oleum and Nikwax are two of the best brands when it comes to waterproof spray for fabric.

Keep the spray can at least six to seven inches away from the yarn while spraying to avoid the formation of pools. Spray an even coat on the yarn and avoid the desire to saturate it with spray.

3. Remove excess spray

Use a dry microbial towel and gently dab it on the yarn to remove excess spray solution. Do not apply too much pressure on yarn as it would end up soaking the wet spray.

4. Leave to dry

Let the yarn dry for at least a day or two. Although some brands may boast about having a quick drying time, it is always best to give sufficient time for drying before putting it to the test.

Precautions

• Use the spray in a well-ventilated area, outdoors if possible. If you do not have a place outdoors, any ventilated area will work.
• Do not attempt to shorten the drying time using a blow dryer as the heat can tamper with the chemical process that is needed for bonding.
• Do not use paper towels to wipe the yarn because the fibers of the paper will stick to the wet spray.

Final Comments:

There you have it, a comprehensive, easy-to-follow guide to waterproof yarn. Although wool and other types of yarn are somewhat naturally waterproof, adding another layer of waterproof coat will enhance its protective ability along with its lifespan.

The type of method you should use to waterproof yarn depends on what you consider convenient and easy to apply. However, you should also remember that making yarn waterproof is not a one-time job. Eventually, you will need to refurbish the waterproof coat now and then.