Reflective yarn is now popular among craft enthusiasts. For a long time, there has been a thin, reflective yarn used in knitting with another yarn to produce a reflective effect. Now popular are knitting yarns with reflective yarn.

 

Demand for reflective yarn has exceeded our expectations. Currently, the black color is completely sold out.

 

There are many reflective yarns and their manufacturers. Erika Appelström, brand manager at Novita Oy, a yarn manufacturer in Kouvola, says they have been in high demand for Hohde yarn for sale this year.

 

“Demand for reflective yarn has exceeded our expectations. We also had to temporarily close our online store for yarn. At the moment, the black color is completely sold out,” Appelström says.

Lanka has also attracted buyers at Tokmanni stores. Their sales this year have been higher compared to previous autumns. Yarns are still in the stores, but according to Joséphine Mickwitz, communications manager, they are slowly coming to an end.

 

“However, this year we have bought more yarns than in previous years, so demand has increased,” he says.

 

Does not replace the official reflector

Knitters’ webs are full of ideas for using reflective yarns. One crochet the reflector and the other embroider only a small reflective detail on the accessory. There is almost unlimited use.

 

“You can make a hat, for example, or pimp the finished hat or scarf with glittering tassels. For outdoors, you can see visible leggings and a pet-friendly sweater,” says Erika Appelström, brand manager at Novita Oy.

 

Many stores selling reflective yarns remember to emphasize that reflective yarns do not replace reflectors. There is also mention of this in the waistband of several yarns. However, a hand-made reflector or reflective accessory is a great addition to dark time wear.

Tapio Heiskanen, Liaison Manager at the Turku office of Traffic Safety, has also noticed an increasing range of reflective products in stores.

 

There’s a jacket, a safety vest, a glove, and a beanie. You can also crochet, sew or tap reflective accessories from different reflective materials. Generally speaking, these are a good complement to dark time gear, but it’s worth considering the varying quality of the reflectivity of the products.

 

Heiskanen says that you should always ensure visibility with at least one appropriate reflector.

 

“Generally speaking, the hard plastic prism reflector oscillating at the end of the string is well visible. The reflector must be CE marked and EN13356 approved. These approvals are granted in Finland, for example, by the Finnish Institute of Occupational Health,” Heiskanen says.

 

Only using a CE-approved reflector will ensure that the reflector has enough reflective surface and the material is suitable for the purpose. Not all reflective products and jewelry meet the standards.

 

“During the reflector, its reflection also decreases, so any kind of splitter should be renewed at least every two years,” says Tapio Heiskanen, Traffic Safety Manager.

 

However, despite its informality, the additional reflector made of reflective wire does not reduce the visibility of its wearer in the dark. Erika Appelström, brand manager at Novita Oy, says that the reflective quality of their yarns does not diminish even when washing.

The fiber as a whole is reflective, and the reflective property is not limited to the surface of the yarn or fiber, which could cause it to fade from washing. Our yarn consists of a thicker wool blend yarn around which reflective fiber is wound.

 

Appelström says that the reflective fiber in the yarn is the same type of gray material as the reflective ribbons in workers’ or children’s overalls.

 

“Neither do they fade in the laundry,” he says.

 

Everything reflective is good in the dark

Tapio Heiskanen, Traffic Safety Manager, is pleased to note that the range of reflective products has increased, although their reflective properties vary.

 

The reflective yarn stands out from the other yarns at least in the dark.

“For example, making reflective products in schools raises the debate about the importance of reflectors. It’s just a good thing. At the same time, for example, finished products can be compared with class reflectors,” he says.

 

Heiskanen advises that everyone can experiment with the power of different reflectors. The reflector test is easy to carry out.

“Hang the reflectors on one wall, place the flashlight on the nose or between the eyes and point the reflectors at the lamp. Locating the lamp close to your eyes is important for proper light reflection. Good and bad reflectors quickly stand out from the crowd,” Heiskanen says.

 

Tapio Heiskanen also has experience in various reflective textiles for sale. Still, everyone should be careful with reflectors.

 

“There are bad examples of reflective products. For some, the reflectivity has been in the black plastic bag class,” Heiskanen says.