Eco-friendly and sustainable, natural yarns are a great choice for environmentally conscious knitters and crocheters. They are often softer, more breathable, and more comfortable to wear than synthetic fibres, making them ideal for both warm and cool weather. Additionally, natural yarns are often more durable than synthetic yarns, meaning that they will last longer and hold up better over time – even if they may require more careful handling.
However, when I first started knitting I was quite confused as to which type of yarn to choose and I couldn’t find this information readily available. Therefore, in this post, I have listed all of the main types of natural yarns with their characteristics and projects they may or may not be suitable for.
Care instructions for natural yarns
Natural yarn is a beautiful and unique option for knitting and crochet projects, but they do require a bit more TLC than man-made fibres. To keep your natural yarn garments looking and feeling beautiful, it’s important to follow a few simple care instructions.
- First, it’s best to hand wash your garments in cool water with a gentle detergent. Avoid using hot water or harsh chemicals as they can damage the fibres. Gently squeeze out any excess water, block and lay the garment flat to dry.
- If you need to remove any wrinkles from your garment, you can try steaming it while it’s still damp, or ironing it on a low heat setting. Be sure to test a small, inconspicuous area first to make sure the heat won’t damage the fibres.
- If you need to store your garment, fold it neatly and place it in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Avoid hanging the garment as this can cause stretching.
- Avoid using fabric softeners or bleach on your yak yarn garments, as they can damage the fibres and affect the texture of the garment.
Wool Yarn
Wool yarn is a tried and true classic when it comes to knitting and crochet projects. It’s been used for centuries for its warmth, durability, and versatility, and it’s easy to see why!
One of the best things about wool yarn is its ability to keep you warm and cosy on even the coldest of days. Whether you’re knitting a sweater, scarf, or hat, wool yarn is a fantastic option for any project that needs a bit of extra warmth.
But wool yarn isn’t just about function – it’s also incredibly versatile. It comes in a wide range of weights, from chunky to lace, and a huge variety of colours, from natural shades to bright, bold hues. This means you can find the perfect wool yarn for any project, whether you’re knitting a cosy blanket or a delicate lace shawl.
Projects that wool yarn is not suitable for
While wool yarn is a great choice for many knitting and crochet projects, there are some projects it may not be suitable for. Here are some examples:
- projects with a lot of drape (wool can be quite heavy)
- projects that that will be worn close to the skin (many pure wool garments can be quite scratchy)
- easy-to-care for projects (if you want to just stick the garment in a washing machine and forget about it, natural fibre garments may not be for you)
Alpaca Yarn
Alpaca yarn is a fantastic option for knitting and crochet projects. It’s soft and cosy, keeping you warm and comfortable in colder weather. Plus, it’s durable, so your finished project will last a long time.
What’s more, alpaca wool has a natural sheen that gives your project a luxurious look. It’s also hypoallergenic, so it’s perfect for those with sensitive skin.
Texture-wise, it’s very soft and often compared to cashmere or mohair, but more affordable.
Alpaca yarn comes from the fleece of the alpaca, a domesticated South American mammal that is similar to a llama. The majority of alpaca wool comes from Peru, but it is also produced in other South American countries such as Bolivia and Chile.
Projects that alpaca yarn is not suitable for
While alpaca yarn is a great choice for many knitting and crochet projects, there are some projects it may not be suitable for. For example:
- project with a lot of structure, such as a sweater with cables or a hat with a brim, alpaca yarn may not hold its shape as well as other fibres, such as wool or cotton.
- projects that require a lot of stitch definition, such as intricate lace patterns or colorwork designs. While alpaca yarn has a beautiful drape, it can be difficult to achieve crisp stitch definition with this fibre.#
- projects that are easy to care for and can withstand a lot of wear and tear (while alpaca yarn is durable and will last a long time with proper care, it may not hold up as well as other fibres, such as wool or acrylic, in high-traffic areas like socks or gloves.)
Cashmere Yarn
Cashmere yarn is one of the most sought-after and luxurious fibres for knitting and crochet projects. It’s made from the soft, downy undercoat of cashmere goats, which are primarily raised in Asia, particularly in Mongolia, China, and Tibet. Cashmere yarn is incredibly soft to the touch, with a fine, delicate texture that feels wonderful against the skin. It’s also very warm, making it a great choice for winter garments like sweaters, scarves, and hats.
One of the best things about cashmere yarn is its natural insulating properties. It’s able to keep you warm even in the coldest of temperatures, making it an ideal choice for anyone who wants to stay cosy and comfortable during the winter months. Cashmere is also incredibly versatile, coming in a range of weights and colours, so you can find the perfect yarn for any project, from chunky winter scarves to delicate lace shawls.
Another great thing about cashmere yarn is its durability. Despite its delicate appearance, cashmere is actually quite strong and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. This means that your finished projects will last for years to come, maintaining their softness and luxurious feel with proper care.
Projects that cashmere yarn is not suitable for
While cashmere is a beautiful and versatile fibre, it’s not always the best choice for every knitting or crochet project. Here are some examples:
- light-weight garments – cashmere is a very warm fibre, which makes it great for winter garments like sweaters, scarves, and hats, but not for lacy summer shawls.
- garments with a lot of drape – cashmere yarn can be quite heavy
- garments with high stitch definition – intricate lace patterns or colorwork designs are not ideal for cashmere yarn
- easy-to-care garments
Bamboo Yarn
Bamboo yarn is a beautiful and eco-friendly choice for knitting and crochet projects. Made from the pulp of bamboo plants, this yarn has a silky, smooth texture that feels wonderful against the skin. Bamboo yarn also has a natural sheen that gives your project a subtle, elegant look. It’s also a highly breathable fibre, making it a great choice for summer garments and accessories.
One of the unique properties of bamboo yarn is its ability to wick away moisture. This means that it can absorb up to three times its weight in water without feeling wet or clammy. This makes it a great choice for workout wear or any garment that needs to be moisture-wicking.
In terms of care, bamboo yarn is relatively easy to care for. It can be machine washed on a gentle cycle and dried on low heat. However, it’s important to note that it can be prone to shrinking, so it’s best to avoid using hot water or high heat when washing and drying.
Projects that bamboo yarn is not suitable for
There are some projects that bamboo yarn may not be suitable for.
- projects requiring a lot of stretch or elasticity (bamboo is quite “blunt”)
- projects that are meant to give you warmth – bamboo would not be the most obvious choice for warm sweaters, socks, gloves or scarves
Cotton Yarn
Cotton yarn is a popular choice for knitting and crochet projects, and for good reason! This soft and breathable fibre is perfect for creating lightweight garments and accessories that are comfortable to wear in warm weather.
One of the best things about cotton yarn is its versatility. It comes in a wide range of weights, from lightweight lace to chunky, and it’s available in a rainbow of colours. This means you can find the perfect cotton yarn for any project, whether you’re knitting a cosy sweater or a delicate lace shawl.
Cotton yarn is also naturally hypoallergenic, so it’s perfect for those with sensitive skin.
Another great thing about cotton yarn is its durability. Despite its soft and lightweight feel, cotton yarn is actually quite strong and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. This means that your finished projects will last for years to come, maintaining their shape and colour with proper care. You can even machine wash your cotton garments (but don’t tumble dry).
Projects that cotton yarn is not suitable for
While cotton yarn is versatile and durable, it does have some limitations that may make it unsuitable for certain projects. Here are some examples:
- projects that require a lot of stretch or elasticity. Cotton yarn has little to no elasticity, which means that it may not be able to stretch and bounce back to its original shape like other fibres, such as wool or acrylic. This can be problematic when knitting or crocheting garments like socks or gloves, which need to be able to stretch and move with the wearer.
- projects that are meant to give you warmth – you’ll be better off going for other fibres like wool, alpaca, or yak
- projects that need to withstand a lot of wear and tear – cotton is less durable than wool or acrylic
Linen Yarn
Linen yarn is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to add a touch of elegance and sophistication to their knitting or crochet projects. Made from the fibres of the flax plant, linen yarn has a unique texture and drape that is unlike anything else. It’s also incredibly versatile, coming in a range of weights and colours, so you can find the perfect yarn for any project, from delicate lace shawls to chunky knit sweaters.
One of the best things about linen yarn is its strength and durability. Despite its delicate appearance, linen yarn is actually quite strong and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. This means that your finished projects will last for years to come, maintaining their shape and texture with proper care.
Additionally, linen yarn is naturally hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. It’s also highly breathable, which makes it a fantastic option for summer garments and accessories.
On the down side, linen yarn can be prone to wrinkling, but this is part of its natural texture and character. If you’re concerned about wrinkles, you can try steaming your garment while it’s still damp, or ironing it with a damp cloth over it.
Projects that linen yarn is not suitable for
While linen yarn is a wonderful choice for many knitting and crochet projects, there are some projects it may not be suitable for.
- projects that need to be stretchy – in this respect it is very similar to cotton, it isn’t stretchy like wool or acrylic.
- projects that will be worn close to the skin – linen can be quite scratchy
- projects that are meant to give you warmth
- easy-to-care garments – linen needs to be washed by hand and lied flat to dry.
Mohair Yarn
Mohair yarn is a beautiful, lustrous fibre that is perfect for a wide range of knitting and crochet projects. It’s made from the soft hair of the Angora goat, which gives it a unique texture and sheen that can’t be found in other fibres.
One of the best things about mohair yarn is its versatility. It can be used to create a variety of different garments and accessories, from cosy sweaters and scarves to delicate lace shawls. It comes in a range of weights, from lightweight lace to chunky, and a variety of colours, so you can find the perfect mohair yarn for any project.
Mohair yarn is also incredibly warm and soft. It has a natural insulating quality that makes it perfect for winter garments and accessories, and it’s incredibly soft to the touch, so it feels wonderful against the skin. Additionally, mohair yarn is naturally hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin.
Another great thing about mohair yarn is its durability. Despite its delicate appearance, mohair yarn is actually quite strong and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. This means that your finished projects will last for years to come, maintaining their texture and sheen with proper care.
On the down side, mohair yarn can be prone to shedding, especially when it’s new. To help prevent shedding, you can brush your mohair yarn garments gently with a soft-bristled brush.
Projects that mohair yarn is not suitable for
Mohair yarn is a fantastic option for a wide range of knitting and crochet projects, but there are some projects that it may not be the best choice for. For example:
- projects that require a lot of stitch definition, such as intricate lace patterns or colorwork designs
- lightweight garments with a lot of drape, like a summer top or a delicate lace shawl (although I have seen it done, so you may want to try)
- easy-to-care garments
Silk Yarn
Silk yarn is a luxurious and highly sought-after fibre for knitting and crochet projects. It’s made from the protein fibres of the silkworm, which gives it a unique texture and sheen that can’t be found in other fibres. One of the best things about silk yarn is its incredible softness. It feels wonderful against the skin and is perfect for creating garments and accessories that are both beautiful and comfortable to wear.
Another great thing about silk yarn is its versatility. It comes in a range of weights, from lightweight lace to chunky, and a variety of colours, so you can find the perfect silk yarn for any project. Whether you’re knitting a delicate lace shawl or a cosy sweater, silk yarn is a great choice.
In addition to this, silk yarn is also incredibly strong and durable. It can withstand a lot of wear and tear, which means that your finished projects will last for years to come, maintaining their texture and sheen with proper care.
It is also hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. It has natural temperature-regulating properties, which makes it a great choice for garments and accessories that will be worn in a variety of temperatures.
When it comes to caring for your silk knitted garments you need to remember that this type of yarn can be prone to shrinkage, so it’s important to avoid using hot water or high heat when washing and drying.
Projects that silk yarn is not suitable for
Silk yarn is a luxurious and highly sought-after fibre for knitting and crochet projects due to its incredible softness, unique texture, and sheen. It’s perfect for creating a wide range of garments and accessories that are both beautiful and comfortable to wear. However, there are some factors to consider when choosing silk yarn for your project.
- very light-weight projects – silk yarn can be quite heavy compared to other fibres, like bamboo
- garments or accessories that require a lot of insulation – silk yarn is not as warm as other fibres, like wool or cashmere, making it less suitable for winter
- projects that can withstand a lot of wear and tear – silk yarn is strong and durable but not as much as wool or acrylic
- projects that are meant to give you warmth
Yak Yarn
Yak yarn is a beautiful and unique option for knitting and crochet projects. It’s made from the soft undercoat of yaks, which gives it a unique texture and feel that can’t be found in other fibres. One of the best things about yak yarn is its incredible warmth. It’s able to keep you cosy and comfortable even in the coldest of temperatures, making it a great choice for winter garments like sweaters, hats, and scarves.
Another great thing about yak yarn is its natural softness. It feels wonderful against the skin and is perfect for creating garments and accessories that are both beautiful and comfortable to wear. Additionally, yak yarn is highly breathable, which makes it a fantastic option for a wide range of projects.
In terms of durability, yak yarn is actually quite strong and can withstand a lot of wear and tear. This means that your finished projects will last for years to come, maintaining their texture and feel with proper care.
Yak yarn is also hypoallergenic, making it a great choice for those with sensitive skin. Additionally, it comes in a range of natural colours, from creamy whites to deep browns, so you can find the perfect yarn for any project.
Projects that yak yarn is not suitable for
While yak yarn is a beautiful and unique option for many knitting and crochet projects, there are some projects it may not be the best choice for.
- projects that require a lot of drape or fluidity – yak yarn can be quite heavy compared to other fibres
- projects with high level of stitch definition.
- easy-to-care garments
I hope you have found this list helpful. Obviously, as you might have noticed when buying yarn, natural yarns are rarely sold in their pure form. Yarns are frequently blended to increase their softness and durability.
If you’d like to know what the most common yarn blends are and what they are best for, read my next blog post: Best natural yarn combos
