#FunFact: Soy Protein Yarn – From Bean Leftovers to Baby Blankets

Did you know that yarn doesn't always come from sheep's wool, cotton, or alpaca?
Soy protein fibers are a fascinating but still little-known alternative. They are made from the by-products of tofu production, turning food leftovers into silky, soft yarn – perfect for skin and planet alike.

🫘 From Bean to Thread

The process begins with the soybean residues left after pressing soy milk and tofu. Instead of discarding this "waste," the proteins are extracted, purified, and turned into a spinning solution.
Through a wet-spinning process, fine, shiny fibers are created that resemble silk in look and feel – only vegan.

🌱 Properties of Soy Yarn

• Soft & silky: Gentle on the skin, comparable to cashmere or bamboo.

• Moisture regulating: Breathable and cooling in summer.

• Sustainable: Uses by-products that would otherwise go to waste.

• Easy-care: Washable and durable without losing smoothness.

👶 Why Perfect for Baby Projects

Soy protein yarn is particularly skin-friendly and hypoallergenic. Babies benefit from the soft texture, which doesn't itch or overheat but keeps a balanced feel.
Whether for a baby blanket, jacket, or beanie – projects made with soy yarn feel luxurious without irritating delicate skin.

🛠️ DIY Guide: Yarn from Food Waste

Soy is just one example! Modern textile research is exploring more and more food waste fibers as raw material:

• 🍊 Orange fibers from citrus peels → fine summer yarns

• 🍍 Pineapple leaves (Piñatex) → strong, leather-like fiber

• 🍌 Banana fibers → shiny and stable

• 🥥 Coconut fibers → coarse, perfect for bags or rugs

💡 Project Ideas with Soy Yarn

• Lightweight summer tops or scarves

• Baby blankets, hats, and cuddle cloths

• Elegant crochet stoles

• Smooth knit patterns that highlight the silky shine

🛍️ Product Recommendations for Soy Yarn

🇪🇺 European Market

• Mondial Eco-Soy (Italy): Soft, silky soy yarn, often in natural shades – great for baby garments or summer projects.

• Katia Bio-Soya (Spain): Soy yarn often blended with cotton, skin-friendly and easy-care.

• Gründl Eco-Soya (Germany): Blend of soy and cotton, perfect for baby blankets, tops, and accessories.

🇺🇸 American Market

• South West Trading Company – Soysilk®: One of the classics, very silky and soft, popular for shawls and baby wear.

• Patons SWS (Soy Wool Stripes): Wool-soy blend with a subtle sheen and striping effect – perfect for scarves and jackets.

• Lion Brand – Soy Yarn (discontinued but available in some shops): Still found online or on Etsy, great for eco-conscious projects.

👉 Tip: Many soy yarns are blends (soy with cotton or wool), since pure soy can be delicate. For baby projects, 100% soy or soy-cotton blends are the most comfortable choice.

👍 My Conclusion

From bean leftovers to baby blankets – soy protein yarn shows how innovative and sustainable the textile world can be. It combines softness, skin-friendliness, and eco-awareness. Perfect for anyone who wants their stitches to be both creative and conscious.

📣 Have you ever tried knitting or crocheting with sustainable or unusual yarns?

#strickenimtrend #maschenmitliebe #sustainableyarn #soyyarn #funfacts

Sometimes it's the humble leftovers that become the most beautiful stitches of our lives. 

With love & happy crafting 💖
Yours, Kathrin 

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