Using viscose in cotton yarn?

[Mygosh]

I'm thinking of making a crochet sweater as my next project but the pattern suggests a 75% cotton, 25% viscose yarn in DK weight.

 

What would be the benefit of using a yarn with viscose in? How would the result differ from using 100% cotton?

 

Thank you

[Granny Square]

Viscose is rayon.  I'm not sure what the advantage is to add rayon, as it can shrink & winkle like cotton but is more sensitive to heat; it's made using plant material as a raw material to cook up a synthetic fiber.

 

An article make it sound like there's no advantage to use it over plain cotton, except for texture perhaps. 

http://www.textileschool.com/articles/582/characteristics-of-rayon-fiber

[magiccrochetfan]

I saw that pattern today on ravelry; it's a pretty sweater!  the yarn, Sirdar Amalfi can be seen closeup here http://us.deramores.com/sirdar-amalfi-dk

It looks like the main color is the cotton, and the rayon is the second color that wraps around.  So it adds color and shine, as well as some texture, I think in this case.  

 

(I have to say I love those colors!  will have to remember this yarn)  

[Mygosh]

Yes it's a sweet design isn't it?! Grabbed my attention straight away.

I love the look of the Sirdar Amalfi yarn... Really lovely colours in the range. But after calculating, it's gonna cost me at least £40 in skeins of yarn. Think I will start saving up! As I think it'll be worth it in the end

 

Thank you for your help!

[magiccrochetfan]

I think it will be worth it.  but you might want to get one skein of it just to try out first.  that way you can make sure you like working with it, that it gives you the right gauge, and see how it launders, before you invest in a bigger quantity.  the yoke is worked vertically http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/amalfi-coast so you need to get the same row gauge as well as stitch gauge to get the right size, or do some modifying.  Not a big deal but good to know as early as possible.  

[Mygosh]

Great advice Might look at doing a mini project to test it, like you say. Maybe a simple cowl, done to the same gauge as sweater pattern.

I've never made an item of clothing to size before (apart from hats and gloves etc) so I need some practice.

Getting excited now!

Many thanks