Why I Choose Natural Fibers: Cotton, Bamboo, and Cotton-Bamboo Blends for My Knitwear

April 20, 2026

Have you ever wondered why some hand-knits feel scratchy after one wash, start to pill quickly or come with a care label that says "hand wash only" for a romper a toddler will wear to the park?

That's exactly why I use only cotton, bamboo, and cotton-bamboo blends in my artisan shop. I chose these fibers intentionally, from the very beginning, because they check every box that matters to me: softness against skin, breathability across seasons, hypoallergenic properties for sensitive ones, and the ability to go in the washing machine without a second thought. This post is my attempt to explain why, fiber by fiber.

A few thoughts on wool and alpaca

I want to be careful here, because wool and alpaca are genuinely beautiful fibers. I'm not saying they're bad. I'm saying they're not the right fit for what I'm making.

Wool is warm, elastic, and naturally moisture-wicking. But it can also be itchy on a lot of children, especially babies, whose skin is thinner and more reactive than ours. Even "soft" merino may cause redness or irritation on sensitive skin. Wool also tends to require more careful laundering. Many makers recommend hand washing or a delicate cycle to avoid shrinkage, which is a significant ask for a piece that gets worn to the playground, to naps, and through a diaper change in the same afternoon.

Alpaca is softer than wool and hypoallergenic for most people. It's also one of the most delicate fibers you can knit with. It may pill. It requires careful handling and gentle washing. For something worn several times a week, it's a lot to ask.

Both fibers have their place. They're just designed for a different kind of garment than what I make.

Why I don't use synthetics

This one is simpler. Synthetic fibers, acrylic, polyester, nylon, are inexpensive, colorfast, and easy to care for. They also trap heat, don't breathe well against skin, and some studies suggest they off-gas microplastics with every wash.

So synthetics were never really on the table for me.

What cotton, bamboo, and their blends actually do

Whether I'm working with pure cotton, pure bamboo, or a cotton-bamboo blend, these fibers offer something I haven't found anywhere else in knitwear.

Softness. Bamboo fiber is naturally silky, softer than cotton alone, and gentle enough for newborn skin and sensitive adult skin alike. Cotton adds structure and durability so the piece holds its shape over time. Together, they feel substantial without being stiff.

Breathability. These fibers are temperature-regulating, keeping you cool in summer and comfortable in cooler weather without overheating. That matters whether you're dressing a baby who can't tell you they're too warm, or looking for a cardigan you can wear comfortably all day.

Hypoallergenic. Neither cotton nor bamboo contains lanolin (the protein in wool that triggers reactions in some people). For babies with eczema, sensitive skin, or anyone with a wool sensitivity, this is the difference between a garment you can wear and one that sits in a drawer.

Machine washable. This is the one that surprises people most. Yes, every piece I make can go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle. Cold water, low spin. That's it. No hand-washing, no dry-cleaning, no anxiety. A beautiful knit should survive real life. This one does.

The trade-off I'm making (and why I'm okay with it)

Cotton and bamboo aren't as warm as wool. If you're dressing a baby for a Scandinavian winter, wool is probably the right call. And there's a certain luxurious softness to fine alpaca that these fibers approach but don't quite match.

What they give you instead is a fiber that works for everyday wear, across seasons, for all kinds of skin, that you can actually wash without anxiety. For the kind of knitwear I make, pieces designed to be worn constantly, passed down, and loved hard, that trade-off is exactly right.

What this means when you're shopping for natural fiber knitwear

If you're comparing pieces, here's what I'd look at:

Fiber content first. Not just "natural fiber" but what fiber, specifically? Cotton, bamboo, merino, alpaca, and acrylic are all very different things. The label matters.

Care instructions second. Delicate or hand-wash-only is a real commitment. If you're buying something you'll wear or use weekly, factor that in.

Who made it. A fiber choice is also a values choice. Knowing why a maker chose their materials, not just what they chose, tells you a lot about how the piece was designed and what it's built to do.

Every piece at my artisan shop, for children and women, is crafted from 100% natural fibers: cotton, bamboo, or a blend of both. No synthetics, ever.

If you'd like to see what that looks like in practice, the Adele Cardigan, the Athens Romper and the Lucy Dress are good places to start. And if you have questions about sizing, fiber, or customization, just message me. I'm always happy to help.

PS: Before you go, want me to send a sweet gift your way? I'd love to share occasional notes from my artisan shop. Behind the scenes glimpses, first peeks at new heirloom knits, everyday studio life, and early access to special events or seasonal offers.

If you'd like those, sign up for my letters and I'll send a Welcome Gift to your inbox:

• $25 off your first order
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