Simply Crochet - UK (2020-04)

“I 'm particularly at tracted to

anyt hing

that uses fluorescent colours

”

MATTHEW’S

JOURNAL

...from the studio

Crochet artist, colour-lover and our very

own Digital Editor Matthew Spiers talks

us through the bright side of neons

T

here’s something about those super-bright greens,
yellows, pinks and oranges that feels a little bit
magical to us all, from your highlighter pens at school
to those ’80s leg warmers – it’s not just the old-school
ravers that have a soft spot for neon colours. I’m
particularly attracted to anything that uses fluorescent
colours, and yarn is no exception. If you tend to use calm
colours over psychedelic pigments, try giving them a
chance – you might find a fresh new source of inspiration!

COMPLEX COLOURS
I’m no scientist, but with a little research you’ll find that
what’s actually going on with these shades is fascinating.
Although we often refer to colours that have a bright,
glowing appearance as ‘neons’, this isn’t strictly accurate. The
specific colour effect we’re talking about is fluorescence, and
it is achieved by a combination of the light levels absorbed by
specific pigmentations and the visible spectrum. We can see
colours as a result of light being absorbed, converted and
re-emitted back to your eyes, but the regular colours we see
day to day are only a portion of the colour spectrum.
Fluorescent colours have the ability to absorb a much larger
amount of light wavelengths, including ultraviolet rays which

aren’t normally visible to us, and when it reflects this it

converts it not only into the dominant colour, but also

includes parts of the spectrum that we don’t usually see –

which is what gives them that glowing intense colour.

FLUORESCENT FIBRES

For me, the most vivid and consistent neon colouration

comes from acrylic yarns, but there are other options

available if you’re not a fan of synthetics. The scientific nature

of achieving fluorescent pigments means that you’re unlikely

to find many natural alternatives to chemical acid dyes –

however this doesn’t restrict your yarn fibre choices. Whether

you’re after those cute bright speckles on your hand-dyed

yarn, or an eye-popping solid shade, there’s plenty of indie

dyers out there that are pushing the brightness boundaries.

Easyknits (easyknits.co.uk) do a fantastic range of hand-dyed

yarns, with a focus on bright and beautiful colours, often with

some fluorescent shades worked into their variegations – I

don’t think I’ve ever managed walk past their stand at a yarn

show and not purchase a couple of skeins! If you’re after solid

brights, then you must check out the Socks Yeah! Neons by

CoopKnits (coopknits.co.uk), which are easily the most

fluorescent merino yarns in my stash. I’ve also got to mention

“The most vivid neon

colouration comes

from acrylic yarns”