It’s one of the most recognizable brands in the world. If you’ve ever been to the beach, you’ve almost certainly seen a bright and shiny yellow canister on a beach or in a coastal area.
This is likely where you’ll start if you’re introduced to the brand for the first time: in their most iconic product, yarn. It is often referred to as ‘sun shade yarn’, given the bright and happy colors associated with this brand.
The brand was originally established in the United Kingdom in the early 1800s, and their products quickly became popular across Europe and Australasia. Its original name, Pharr, is a combination of ‘pike’ – a type of fish – and ‘wool’, in honor of the Yorkshire men and women who worked hard to produce quality wool.
A Brief History Of Pharr Yarns
The brand’s early years were spent growing and selling their renowned yarns, particularly in Yorkshire and the northwestern regions of England. It wasn’t until the early 1900s that they started exploring new markets, first in the Eastern United States and later, Canada. They soon became popular in the Mediterranean, as well, particularly in Italy and Greece, where they continue to this day.
During World War II, Pharr Yarns worked closely with the U.S. Air Force to produce rope and other durable fabrics for wear and survival. Since the war, they’ve focused on expanding their production facilities as much as possible, investing in new equipment and automation. The brand also purchased land in Portugal and Spain, where they built additional mills to meet the increasing demand for their products.
How Does Pharr Yarns’ Yarn Work?
Yarn is fairly easy to understand if you’ve ever worked with thread before. It’s basically a thin and long band of fibers that can be used to make fabrics or other items. Yarn gets its characteristics from its constituent fibers: the thicker and stronger the yarn, the more it’s able to withstand the wear and tear of daily use.
The twist is that yarn is a fairly complex product, not simply a combination of fibers. It can undergo a certain amount of processing before it’s suitable for use. This can add an extra layer of value to the product. For example, some manufacturers might spin their yarns using a technique called ‘twisting’. This involves inserting a rod into the center of the ball of yarn and using various twists and turns to align the individual fibers in a single direction.
This is particularly useful if the yarn is to be used in a fabric where the individual fibers are meant to behave in a similar manner. When a yarn is twisted, it becomes much more useful, as the individual fibers become more accessible to the wearer. Twisting also allows for some more creative styling options, as the individual ‘strands’ can be used to create unique designs (think colorful tie-dye).
What Kind Of Fabrics Can You Make With Pharr Yarns?
It’s important to note that not all yarn is created equal. The type of fabric you can make will depend on many factors, such as the weight of the yarn and the techniques used for creating the fabric. Let’s take an example using a light yarn like alpaca, as this might be a good choice if you’re looking for something easy to maintain and light in weight.
If you want to make something more durable, you might want to opt for a thicker and stronger yarn like silk or cashmere.
There are many beautiful and unique items you can make with Pharr Yarns, such as scarves, shrugs, hats, and more! You can check out the many different products the brand offers and find the one that’ll be perfect for you.
The Many Benefits Of Pharr Yarns
Apart from the sheer beauty of their yarn, there are many reasons why you might want to invest in a Pharr Yarns.
This brand has a lot to offer, from the practical to the environmental. Here are just a few: