Yarn Types : What Type Of Yarn Suits Your Needs

Do you knit or crochet? Do you love to make scarves, blankets, and other items with yarn? If so, then this article will be perfect for you. There are many different types of yarn, and we will talk about the different types in detail. You’ll learn about their properties and application as well as their pros and cons. This article includes all the information that a beginner needs to know about yarn types!

Different Types of Yarn for Knitting

1. Wool

Wool is available from many different animals, which can create a variety of textures for the knitter as they work on their projects. Sheep’s wool is by far one of the most common types that people use in crafting because it has such softness and versatility! It’s warm yet not too hot if used appropriately – making it perfect for winter sweaters or scarves during the cooler months without being uncomfortable while working in those adverse weathers.

Plus, these yarns can be dyed into color transitioning yarn pretty effortlessly.

Properties of Wool

Wool is warm, soft, and durable
Boasts a lot of elasticity, so you can create less rigid projects like scarves or blankets with ease (great for beginners!)
Yarn made from this material usually are light and quick to dry
It’s not recommended that you use wool yarn if you’re allergic!

Wool Blends

This one consists of two or more differently spun fibers put together. The most common blend contains at least 50% wool, but there are also ones that contain some synthetic materials too – they’re mostly used for warmer garments such as sweaters because they keep your body heat inside them better than other yarns do.

Types of Wool Yarn

There are different types of wool yarn, and each one is suitable for a different kind of project. The most common ones according to type are:

Medium-weight, heavy-worsted, bulky yarns – these three types have a thickness that ranges between 12st/25g (superfine) and 15st/125g (bulky). These kinds of yarns can be used in the creation of either fine or thick garments with ease.

The different types of wool yarn are classified by the percentage that it contains:

25% Wool

This type typically has a light texture, but it’s also not very durable, so you don’t really want to use this for anything other than decorative purposes.

50% Wool

Usually slightly rough feeling with an uneven surface due to its low luster; it can withstand frequent usage because of its durability.

75% Wool

Softest kind of wool yarn, which produces a lot of heat when worn during the winter months as well as being easy to maintain due to the fact that dirt does not stick. This is a perfect yarn for knitting chunky blankets if you’ve got the big blanket knitting needles.

They possess an exceptional property, which is known as the heat of wetting. That means it can generate heat when it’s wetted.

Advantages of Using Wool Yarns

Soft, warm, and durable
Hypoallergenic, so they work well for people with sensitive skin or allergies to most other types of yarn
Natural fiber which means it’s environmentally friendly
Boasts natural elasticity making them easy to care for
Water-resistant, thus can literally repel the moisture and still maintain its shape instead of becoming limp or heavy
Not only protects against cold weather conditions but also keeps our feet from getting sweaty on hot summer days too
Flame-retardant, which is important for any fabric you’ll find in a homeThis includes rugs and draperies because wool reduces the risk of fires spreading from one location to another. It’s an excellent feature when it comes to fire safety! The higher percentage of wool in the yarn will result in more fire protection as well.

Drawbacks of Using Wool Yarn

Doesn’t have as much shine or luster as synthetic fabrics
Can scratch easily
Does need regular mending because the fabric will quickly deteriorate in damaged areas if not repaired properly
Needs to be cleaned regularly with soap and water – but this only takes about 15 minutes once you’re finished knitting your project

Uses of Wool Yarn

Wool yarn is commonly used in knitting and weaving. It can be made into garments, blankets, rugs, and more! Because these provide warmth in winter and remain cool in winter, wool yarns are also regarded as the best yarn for slippers.

2. Merino Wool

This type of wool yarn is obtained from merino wool.

Merino wool is often used in clothing because of its softness and the yarn’s ability to resist shrinking. It can be difficult to work with because it does not stretch as much as other types of wool, which makes it less elastic when knitted into a garment; also, there are fewer colors available for this type of wool yarn.

Properties of Merino Wool

More durable than silk and other natural yarns
Easy to care for (machine washable)
Standard weight: 100 grams/ 175 yards, Heavyweight: 140 grams / 210 yards. Light Weight: 50 grams / 104 yards

Advantages of Using Merino Wool

No allergic reactions or itchiness
Durable
The knitted items retain their shape quite well

Drawbacks of Using Merino Wool

Prone to pilling
There are not many naturally white yarns available
Not as elastic when knitted into garments because it does not stretch as much like other types of wool yarn may do

Uses of Merino Wool

Winter clothing
Shawls and other outerwear garments that need to be more durable because they get a lot of exposure or wear

3. Cotton

Well, this yarn type doesn’t need any introduction, really. Cotton is one of the most popular yarn types. It’s very soft and breathable, which makes it perfect for warmer weather projects – like summer sweaters! Cotton also has a lot of drape to it as well, so if you’re looking for clothes that are flowy or loose-fitting, this would be the yarn type to go with. On a side note, you can make cotton yarns yourselves if you own the best beginner spinning wheel.

Properties of Cotton

Soft and breathable
Has a lot of drape to it, which makes it perfect for looser fitting clothing
Readily available anywhere from grocery stores to yarn specialty stores
Machine washable and dryer safe
Holds up well in humid climates when taken care of properly

Advantages of Using Cotton Yarn

Can be easy to care for, so it’s a yarn type that beginners might like
Readily available anywhere with cotton clothing stores and even grocery stores
Excellent moisture management (Moisture regain of 8.5%)
Really affordable

Drawbacks of Using Cotton Yarn

Prone to pilling
Gets tangled up easily in knitting or crochet projects because the fibers are quite looseThis could become cumbersome if you’re not careful! You may need some extra tools such as stitch holders or locking rings to help keep things from getting out of hand when working on your project.
Doesn’t hold tension well since the yarn is generally no thicker than a thread, so you may have to put in more yarn for the same size project

Uses of Cotton Yarn

It’s best if the cotton yarn is used for projects with short rows and small stitches such as afghans, scarves, dishcloths, heat resistant batting for placemats, etc. The loose fibers make it difficult to work on large knitting or crochet projects requiring tight stitching, which means using other types of yarns should be considered (eucalyptus being one).

4. Acrylic

This one is also a popular type of yarn. It’s very inexpensive and comes in a wide variety of colors, which makes it ideal for the novice knitter or crocheter who is trying to save money on materials. Plus, they can be an excellent candidate for the title of the best yarn for placemats. Acrylic yarns are usually not as durable as wool, but they can be machine washed and dried easily, making them great for kids’ clothes that need frequent washing (a comfy sweater for school).

Properties of Acrylic Yarn

It usually comes in bright colors, making it great for children’s clothing projects or baby blankets.
The yarn also can be machine washed and dried, which makes it ideal for larger items that get more wear, like sweaters.
Acrylic yarns are not as durable as wool and should never be used on needles smaller than size 13 to avoid splitting the yarn (and creating holes).
These types of yarn are very inexpensive, so they’re often chosen by first-time knitters/crocheters who want to save money on materials but don’t mind using something less durable since their project will not last long anyway.
They come in just about any color imaginable

Advantages of Using Acrylic Yarn

It can be machine washed and dried
Comes in just about any color imaginable
Resistant to bugs, chemicals, oils, and other external elements

Drawbacks of Using Acrylic Yarn

Not as durable as wool yarns
Can’t be used on smaller needles without splitting the yarn and creating holes through itThis is especially important for items that get a lot of wear, like sweaters made with acrylic yarn, because over time, the item will start to fall apart if the needle size or type isn’t changed.
Doesn’t have quite the same “hand” (feel) as other fibers such as cotton or linen, which some people prefer
More expensive than other types of yarns due to what goes into producing them

Uses of Acrylic Yarn

This yarn is perfect for making sweaters, blankets, and other wearable items.

It can also be used to make home decor such as pillows or curtains since it is not fragile like wool yarns.

Knitted Items Made with Acrylic Yarn: Sweater, blanket, scarf, shawl

Crocheted Items Made with Acrylic Yarn: Scarf, hat (with ear flap), pillow covers.

5. Alpaca

The fleece of this animal has been used for centuries by people who live in mountainous regions because alpacas are very well adapted to these climates with their thick wool coats, which protect them from freezing temperatures and also provide insulation against the sun’s rays during warmer months. Alpaca yarn can be found in a variety of weights as well as colors that mimic natural sheep’s wool but without some harsh chemicals like lanolin or acid dyes that might irritate your skin.

Properties of Alpaca Yarn

This one is sourced from the animal just like wool. But unlike wool yarns, alpaca yarn is not itchy.
It has a soft texture and creates a warm fabric that can be made into sweaters or cardigans for winter wear.
Like wool, it has a tendency to felt. So, beware of the felting issue if you’re thinking about throwing it in the washer.

Advantages of Using Alpaca Yarn

Soft texture that makes it warm and comfortable to wear
Easy, fast-drying yarn for a quick knit or crochet project
Not prone to fuzzing like wool yarns are
Luxurious yarn with an expensive price tag (but worth the investment)

Drawbacks of Using Alpaca Yarn

Not widely available
Not environmentally friendly (alpaca yarn is not biodegradable)
Too soft and fuzzy for sewing because it doesn’t have a firm structure

Uses of Alpaca

It is similar to wool yarns but costs a bit more.

Knitted Items Made with Alpaca Yarn: Scarf, sweater (cozy), shawl, blanket, mittens

Crocheted Items Made with Alpaca Yarn: Tie or belt.

6. Cashmere

This luxurious yarn comes from the coats of cashmere goats. It can be expensive, but knitted or crocheted projects made with this fiber will last longer than those created with wool. Cashmere is also softer than wool, so your finished project will feel lighter on your body. You’ll want to take care when washing these items by hand – always use cold water and dry flat; you don’t want to risk felting the yarn.

Properties of Cashmere Yarn

Soft, lightweight fabric that is luxurious and expensive but worth it when creating a long-lasting project
Not as durable or eco-friendly as wool yarns; cashmere has to be dry cleaned only
Too soft for sewing because of its flimsy structure

Advantages of Using Cashmere Yarn

Soft, lightweight fabric that is luxurious and expensive but worth it when creating a long-lasting project
Not as durable or eco-friendly as wool yarns; cashmere has to be dry cleaned only
The fiber is really fine, 6 times the diameter of a human hair

Drawbacks of Using Cashmere Yarn

Too soft for sewing because of its flimsy structureIt can also shrink over time which makes projects made with this fiber more prone to holes than those created with wool.
Lacks the same durability level as other types of yarn like lambswool or sheep’s wool knit together into items such as sweaters, hats, gloves, etc.This type of yarn is not ideal for heavy-duty work since its delicate nature means it won’t resist the wear and tear that is associated with such projects.
Doesn’t have quite the same “hand” (feel) as other fibers such as cotton or linen, which some people prefer
Due to the yarn’s high level of softness and lack of elasticityIt can be difficult for a knitter or crocheter to maintain tension when handling this type of material. This usually results in loose stitches, which are also more prone to fraying over time due to their delicate nature, as mentioned earlier.
More expensive than other types of yarns

Uses of Cashmere Yarn

Can be used for jumper, scarf, sock, etc.

7. Hemp

This organic fiber comes from hemp plants which are grown in many different climates. It’s not just environmentally friendly – this plant can also help conserve resources since it doesn’t require much fertilizer or pesticide use while growing. Hemp is strong and sturdy but still offers flexibility when you’re knitting stitches with it, so your finished items will look good without having too stiff of a feeling against the skin. You’ll want to take care during washing with this yarn, though. It will likely shrink when put into a hot dryer or in the washing machine, and it’s not colorfast, so you might notice some bleeding of colors.

Properties of Hemp Yarn

Very strong
Sturdy and flexible
Doesn’t require much pesticide or fertilizer to grow
Won’t shrink in the washing machine. However, it will likely change size when dried over high heat since hemp is not colorfast.

Advantages of Using Hemp Yarn

Natural fiber
Compared to jute, it’s really soft
The fabric created from hemp yarn will be breathable, meaning it will keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter

Drawbacks of Using Hemp Yarn

Hemp yarn is not as elastic as some other typesSo, if you’re knitting tight, then there might be pulling across stitches; even though it doesn’t pill up as wool does, lanolin (the natural oil found in sheep) could cause some buildup which may lead to irritation on the skin.
Much more expensive than synthetic or cheaper natural fibers like cotton and jute, which can run anywhere from $0.75 to $11 per kilo, depending on its quality
The fiber loops are not as tight in hempSo, there’s a greater chance for it to become tangled during knitting; this could cause some frustration when trying different stitches with it because of how rough hemp feels against your fingers.
Has a tendency to “grow” again after washing if you’re drying it over high heatMeaning that each time you use it, wash and dry it, the size will change even though the weight may be consistent.

Uses of Hemp Yarn

Can be used for scrubbies, coats, etc.

8. Bamboo

Bamboo yarn is usually composed of a blend of bamboo and cotton or wool.

It’s more durable than synthetic fibers, which can make it difficult to knit with because the fiber loops are really tight, making it hard to get through each stitch without pulling on the fabric too much.

Properties of Bamboo Yarn

Plant-sourced
Fantastic drape property
Contrary to popular belief, these yarns can be really soft, even softer than silk!

Advantages of Using Bamboo Yarn

It’s hypoallergenic
Doesn’t shrink when washed and dried.
Impeccable softness

Drawbacks of Using Bamboo Yarn

Can pill if you’re not careful with storage or wear – meaning, the fabric will create little fibers on its surface, which can be bothersome for some people

Bamboo Yarn Uses

Different types of scarves, sweaters, hats, etc.
Bags and purses sometimes use bamboo yarn, too, because of how durable it is without any finishing touches.
Can also be used for scrubbies (if blended with wool), coats, anything really!

9. Silk

Undoubtedly, the best-known type of yarn from centuries ago if you consider the strength aspect. Silk yarn is smooth and has a lustrous finish to it. It’s not as durable as wool or acrylic, but its softness cannot be denied. Before the invention of nylon yarns, silk was the go-to choice for knitting strong and shiny clothes.

Properties of Silk

It’s lightweight
Soft to the touch
Strongest natural fiber
Shiny
Expensive

Advantages of Using Silk Yarn

Maintains its shape without any finishing touches (no blocking required)Meaning silk knitting projects finished with no additional steps will look more professional than those that are made from other types of yarns.
Contains natural proteins, which give the fabric durability over time in addition to being very flexible when knitted into different shapes
Really lustrous

Drawbacks of Using Silk Yarn

Not as durable as wool yarns
Can’t be used on smaller needles without splitting the yarn and creating holes through itThis is especially important for items that get a lot of wear, like sweaters made with acrylic yarn, because over time, the item will start to fall apart if the needle size or type isn’t changed.
Doesn’t have quite the same “hand” (feel) as other fibers such as cotton or linen, which some people prefer
More expensive than other types of yarns due to what goes into producing them

Silk Yarn Uses

Anything luxurious! Scarves, sweaters, etc.; any fabric that needs an elegant feel. However, some people find it difficult to knit with because it can be difficult to keep track of the yarn when working quickly.

10. Mohair

This yarn type is a product of goat hair – the Angora goat. You can already guess that this yarn should be pricier than wool since it’s sourced from a not-so-available animal.

Properties of Mohair Yarn

Durable when knitted
Soft and luxurious to the touch. It is also lightweight, allowing it to be used in garments that need a lot of movement or stretch as well.
Gentle on people with skin sensitivities because it does not produce allergic reactions nor itchiness.
Easy hand-dyeing properties
Sports a great degree of luster

Advantages of Using Mohair Yarn

Warm and lightweight
Good for sensitive skin as it’s not prickly like other yarns made from animal hair
Has a lot less pilling than other types of wool yarns do due to the hair follicles being much tighter together

Drawbacks of Using Mohair Yarn

Not as durable (in the yarn form) and so should be used carefully
Has a tendency to mat – it doesn’t have a lot of bounce back after being knitted or crocheted
Typically, more expensive because they’re normally imported

Uses of Mohair Yarn

Wall fabrics, gloves, hats, carpets, etc.

What Are Yarn Weights?

Yarn weight is how thick or thin a yarn strand is. It’s also known as yarn count. Yarn thickness ranges from heavy-worsted, which tends to be on the thicker side, to sporty and very lightweight fingering yarns. The thinner yarns are typically easier for beginners because they’re less likely to cause frustration when working with more intricate stitches.

If you don’t know the yarn count of the yarn you have got, worry not! Use this yarn count calculator and converter to determine the yarn count you have got!

Yarn Weight Categories

Yarn weights are divided into categories based on thickness.

Super Bulky Yarns

These yarns have a weight of heavy worsted, or heavier and generally measure between 11 – 13 stitches per inch (spi).

Chunky Yarns

Yarn that falls in this category measures 14 – 22 spi. This is the yarn weight category that is used for making quick and cozy throws or more substantial garments.

Bulky Yarns

Yarn in this weight range measures between 23 – 27 spi, which makes it a great choice for large projects like rugs, afghans, and sweaters.

Jumbo Yarns

These yarns have a weight of chunky and generally measure between 28 – 32 spi. This yarn category is best for doing large projects that require more than one skein, like blankets or sweaters.

Super Jumbo Yarns

Yarn in this weight range has a thickness heavy worsted and measures 33 – 36spi. The higher stitch per inch measurement makes it a good choice for cable and other textured patterns.

Worsted Yarns

This type of yarn is generally used for medium-weight sweaters, socks, hats, scarves, or any project where the end result needs to be durable but not too heavy.

Sportweight Yarns

These are thinner than worsted yarns and, therefore, have more drape. This yarn category is best suited for light garments and accessories such as shawls, scarves, hats, or sweaters that require a lot of stretch to them.

Fingering Weight Yarn

These are thinner still than sport weights and work well on projects like socks, gloves, baby clothes where you need the maneuverability to achieve a lot of different stitches.

Lace Yarn

These are the thinnest, most delicate weight category and should be used only for knitted or crocheted items where you need a very lightweight fabric that will still have a body to it like shawls, scarves, lace tops.

What Does Yarn Ply Mean?

Ply is another word for the number of strands that have been twisted together. Generally, the more plies there are, the thicker and stronger your yarn will be.

Now, what does a 4-ply yarn mean? Well, that’s when you have four strands of yarn that have been twisted together.

As you can guess, the final thickness of the yarn will highly depend on the individual fiber thickness, i.e., micronaire value, and on the twist level to some degree. Therefore, it’s possible for a 4-ply yarn to be of the same resultant yarn thickness as that of 2-ply yarn.

Which Size of Yarn Should I Go For?

You might have noticed that yarns are often sold in a certain quantity or ball size. A standard knitting ball of yarn is 220 yards, and it’s enough for a single sweater using the average gauge.

To get different yardage options, you can either buy several balls at once, which will be more expensive per yard but will last longer, or you can buy yarn in different quantities.

A skein of yarn is typically 500 yards, which will be enough for a scarf on the average gauge with room to spare.

In order to get even more yardage and space, you can buy yarn by the cone or bolt. A standard yarn cone is 250 yards, whereas a regular cloth-based knitting bolt is measured around 600 yards.

A yarn spool offers a lot of space for knitting projects, containing anywhere from 1000 to 2400 yards depending on the size of the skein. The downside with this option is that it’s often more expensive than buying by cone or bolt, which can also be inconvenient if you don’t have a yarn winder.

Understanding Yarn Ball Label

The label on a yarn ball indicates the following things –

Yarn Weight and Type

The weight of the yarn and whether it’s a wool, acrylic, cotton blend, or other fiber content is mentioned on the label. Yarn weights are typically represented by numbers from 0-12, with 12 being the heaviest while anything below that is considered light in gauge.

Blend Percentage

If it’s a blended yarn, then the label will indicate what percentage of the yarn is made up from different fiber content. For example, if it says “Wool 65% Acrylic 35%,” then that means this yarn has more wool in it than acrylic and vice versa for an “Acrylic 70% Wool 30%” yarn.

Yarn Length

The length of the yarn should also be indicated on the label. If it’s a yarn that comes in different lengths, then a simple list of all available lengths will be included and usually written something like this “100g/200m”.

Ideal Needle Size

The label will also indicate what needle size you should use when knitting or crocheting with it.

Yarn Gauge Specification

This parameter is defined as the number of stitches per inch.

The yarn gauge specification can be found in the middle or bottom edge of most balls for you to easily reference when knitting, crocheting, or any other needle art project.

Application

The yarn’s applications may also be listed. This can include weft knitting, warp weaving, and crocheting, as well as other types of crafts like basket-weaving or macrame.

Care Instructions

Care instructions are usually listed on the yarn ball label in addition to other information such as fiber content and weight. Whether you should machine wash the item is a major concern here.

Country of Manufacturer

The country where the yarn is manufactured or made, as well as who owns the copyright for it, should also be indicated on the yarn ball label.

Things to Look for While Buying Yarn

Yarn Weight

This will depend on your project. For example, if you are knitting a sweater for an infant with bulky yarn, then it would likely take less time to knit than if you were using worsted weight.

Yarn Type

Naturally, different types of yarn will have different weights and qualities, so choose wisely based on what your project is. There are several different categories of yarn, and you should examine each closely before deciding on the right yarn for your project.

Fiber Content

If you are targeting a blended yarn, then you will need to be aware of the different fibers and what they produce when spun into yarn. For example, if you are looking for wool that drapes well, then a blend with silk or alpaca is not going to work as it won’t have any elasticity at all.

Yarn Structure

The structure of yarn is just as important as what type you buy. There are three different structures to take into consideration when buying yarn: single, ply, and twisted (plied). Single-ply yarn will be heavier in weight than a plied yarn.

Texture of the Yarn Surface

The texture of the yarn’s surface can vary depending on many factors such as how it was spun, what material the fibers are made from, and even its washing process. Therefore, choose according to your desired look.

Color of the Yarn

If you don’t plan to dye your knitted items, then you need to keep in mind that the color of yarn can influence how they look. The lighter colors such as white and light gray are great for projects like baby blankets, while more powerful colors will be perfect for a trendy scarf.

Yarn Care Instructions

You must be aware of the fact that whether the yarn you are buying is machine washable or not. Otherwise, all your hard work may go in vain.

Brand Name

The more popular brands will guarantee a good quality product while lesser-known companies often churn out subpar products.

We hope we were able to educate you about all the yarn types, their strong and weak points, and their applications. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments section. We have also dedicated an entire article covering the banana fibers. Consider checking that out, too.

REFERENCES:

Best for Knitting Winter Clothing	1. Wool – Wool is warm, soft, and durable – Hypoallergenic – Flame-retardant Read in Detail
Best for Shawls & Outer Clothing	2. Merino Wool – More durable than silk – Easy-care properties – No itchiness Read in Detail
Best for Small Stitches	3. Cotton – Soft and breathable – Readily available – Excellent drape property Read in Detail
Best for Home Decor	4. Acrylic – Resistant to bugs – Offers bright colors – Inexpensive Read in Detail
Best Wool Alternative	5. Alpaca – Soft texture – Fast-drying – No fuzzing Read in Detail
Best for Making Finer Fabrics	6. Cashmere – Soft and lightweight – Offers bright colors – Really fine Read in Detail
Best for Making Scrubbies	7. Hemp – Super strong – Environment-friendly – Breathable Read in Detail
Best for Making Gloves	8. Bamboo – Hypoallergenic – Excellent drape property – Softer than silk! Read in Detail
Best for Making Luxury Garment	9. Silk – Highly lustrous – Expensive – Strongest natural yarn Read in Detail
Best for Hand Dyeing	10. Mohair – Easy dyeing properties – Shiny – Less pilling than wool Read in Detail