Hemp / cotton yarn for jumper?

Hi I'm thinking of learning to knit and think I might enjoy kniting a jumper for example (inspiration pic below). I was trying jumpers made from animal yarns (all itchy so far). I was going to try Cashmere next then read about the mistreatment of Cashmere goats. I'm feeling conflicted in my relationship with animals in general and thought I might consider a hemp / cotton yarn. Thinking of learning to spin also. Does anyone have any thoughts on it's suitability for a jumper or the like? And please feel free to chip on the animal thing because I really don't know. I don't feel very comfortable with the idea of keeping animals captive but I've never kept any. That's where I'm at, thanks.

If I wanted to learn to knit, I would start small with something like a potholder or a placemat.

As to the use of cotton or hemp yarn, maybe a trip to a yarn store so you can feel the yarn to see if you like the feel of either hemp or cotton.

You might enjoy this thread:

https://permies.com/t/166577/fiber-arts/Total-knitting-newbie

My experience with cotton and hemp yarn was not good. It was very weak and broke easy. However, I did buy it on clearance at a good price, and that might of been the reason it was on clearance. I also bought a wool and hemp blend of clearance at the same time and it was fine. I am sure you could find a stronger blend now as this has become more popular, but still I would be careful.

Also if you have never knitted it is hard to explain, but wool yarn has memory and a bit of stretch to it if it isn't overspun. Cotton and hemp fibers have no memory. (relaxes back towards it original state.)
Trying to explain how that affects your garment. The neck of the garment might need to be a bit bigger to get it over your head. Also, your garment can stretch and end up extra long after daily wear.

The pattern you choose has a rib pattern in it this will naturally add stretch to your garment which is a good thing for the yarn you want to use.

Knitting is basically just a variation of two simple stitches. But a jumper/sweater is a big project. I like to do hats, mittens, and socks, plus a few other smaller projects. These fit my personality and home life. Finishing projects more often gives me a kind of satisfaction that is hard to explain. Maybe someday I will knit something bigger. There are tons of big knitted items on my wish to make list.

So before you jump into such a big project I would suggest you take an honest look at your personality, life situation, and so on that way you can ask yourself these hard questions: Do I finish my projects, Do I really have time to make something that big, I love it, but would I actually wear it, and like how that cool style looked on me, Do I have enough money to buy the yarn for that big of a project and do I know of someone who could help me if I got confused or stuck. Is a smaller learning project a better place for me to start my knitting experience? I know tons of knitters who do sweaters and tons who won't touch making one. Which group do you belong in?

I do hope that whatever you decide that you give knitting a try. It can be a fun, practical, and help out with gift giving. Also, I have found knitters make the best of friends!

I started knitting and it lead me to learning to spin, plus owning a flock of sheep. lol Be careful, you are on the edge of a wonderful life changer.

If you find wool items itchy I would suggest that you try merino or Finn wool. I choose to raise Finn sheep. Their wool is very soft and I can wear it next to my skin.

If you are concerned about the animals, buy yarn from the smaller local flock owners. Ask your question to them personally. I know several people who have flocks and sell yarn and fiber online. They all treat their animals very well. Of course there is always a rotten apple hidden here or there, but if you are dealing with the owner personally I am sure you will heed the warning signs.

Though I love my sheep, they are not the smartest animal I have ever owned. They love their shepherd and have a trust in you. The right pen is good for the sheep's own safety as they have no way to protect themselves from dogs, coyotes, wolves, and such. It is also good for them to switch between pens after so long in one because it helps keep them free of worms that they can pick up from eating short grass. I have a very unusual situation at my house because of where I live and the smallness of my flock  I often let my ewes eat in my yard. They mow my grass and visit me while I hang out clothes and do things. I do have two dogs that protect them. But this might change soon as we are seeing and hearing coyotes more and more often. I might need to keep them penned for their own safety.  

You can tell that your questions come from an honest heart. Questions ask this way deserve honest answers. I tried my best.

In general, animal fibers tend to be warmer and lighter weight than plant fibers. Wool in particular is known for water-repellence and staying warm even when wet. (Camelid fibers like alpaca are known for being warmer than wool when kept dry.) Plant fibers, on the other hand, are absorbent and stay cooler even in warm weather. Bast fibers like Flax, hemp, and ramie are stronger and more durable than cotton. They wick moisture better and are thus less likely to become sodden if you work up a sweat. They are also more expensive than cotton.

In terms of how they feel to work with, wool can be scratchy and irritate the skin, but it has a bit of give and the residual lanolin can help to moisturize the skin. Of the common plant fibers, cotton is usually the smoothest. Bast fibers can be smooth or rough depending on how they are prepared, so feel them before you buy. Hold the yarn up to your cheek to decide if it is too scratchy, because your cheeks are more sensitive than your fingertips. Because plant fibers don't have as much give as animal fibers, knitting them for extended stretches of time can make your finger tendons and muscles sore. They can also dry your hands out, so take lotion breaks when you knit with plant fibers.

Be aware that a project that big will probably take several months to make.