If you’re new to crocheting, understanding yarn is one of the most important steps in creating successful projects. Yarn isn’t just a material - it is the foundation of many different crafts from crocheting, to knitting, to punch needling. Choosing the right yarn is a very important step in creating your own projects and following patterns. It will affect everything about the piece including the look, feel and size of the final project. In this guide, we will discuss fiber types, weights, labels, and how to choose the best yarn for your next project.
Why does it matter?
Yarn is a continuous strand of fibers twisted together, designed for all sorts of crafting projects. It comes in a large array of colors, materials, textures, and weights, each suited for different types of projects. The yarn you choose determines how the finished item looks, feels, and functions. For example, soft and thinner yarn tends to be great for draping garments, whereas durable, sturdy yarns are better for bags and decor.
Fiber Types
The fiber content of yarn refers to the material that it is made from. Here are some common examples of yarn materials and their benefits:
Natural Fibers are derived from animals or plants and are valued for their breathability, softness, and often eco-friendly qualities. These are some of the most common natural fibers that are spun into yarn:
- Wool is a soft, elastic fiber sheared from sheep. It is spun into yarn of various textures from thick and fluffy to fine and smooth. This fiber is known for its warm and insulating qualities making it perfect for winter garments. This fiber tends to be naturally stretchy and has been shown to absorb moisture while still insulating heat. Wool can sometimes be itchy for certain individuals and can require more involved care than other fibers.
- Cotton is a plant-based fiber spun into smooth, strong yarn. This fiber is known to be durable and breathable, making it great for summer garments, market bags, and dishcloths. Cotton is machine washable, making it easy to care for and is heat resistant, making it great for potholders and oven mitts. Some cotton yarn has less stretch than other yarn, making it tricky for tension control for beginners.
- Alpaca is a soft, silky fiber from alpacas, known for its luxurious feel and excellent insulation. Alpaca is hypoallergenic (contains no lanolin which is common in wool), making it a great alternative for individuals that may not be able to tolerate wool. Alpaca tends to be softer and warmer than wool, making it perfect for winter garments. Alpaca tends to be more expensive due to all these qualities and can be tricky to work with, as its silky texture slides easily off the hook.
Synthetic Fibers are man-made and are popular for their affordability, durability, and ease of care. The following are the most popular and common synthetic fiber types used in yarn:
- Acrylic is a versatile, synthetic fiber often used in beginner friendly projects. This yarn is debated in the crochet community as some creators find acrylic yarn to be harmful to the environment due to its synthetic qualities, while others find it to be the most accessible as it is budget friendly and available in a wide variety of colors. Acrylic yarn comes in a variety of textures as well and is machine washable but may pill over time and will melt under heat.
- Polyester is a smooth, synthetic fiber that is often blended with other materials for added strength and durability. This fiber tends to be lightweight and resistant to shrinking. Polyester comes in many, many textures and it can be blended or a standalone fiber. Most of the time, this fiber is machine washable, but dependent on the mixture of other fibers, care may vary.
Specialty Fibers can be natural or synthetic, or even a mix of both. Here are only a few examples:
- Bamboo yarn is made from bamboo pulp and has a soft, silky texture, making it a slippery but buttery yarn to work with. This fiber is lightweight and has excellent drape abilities. It also contains antibacterial properties.
- Mohair comes from the Angora goat and is known for its soft, fuzzy texture. This yarn is lightweight in nature but can be tricky to work with due to the fuzzy texture.
Yarn Weights: From Lace to Super Bulky
Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn, which impacts the size of your stitches and the overall look of your project. Here’s a quick breakdown of common yarn weights:
- Lace: Extremely fine, ideal for delicate shawls and doilies. Best avoided by beginners as it’s harder to work with.
- Fingering (Sock): Thin and lightweight, great for intricate patterns but trickier for first projects.
- DK (Double Knitting): A versatile medium weight, perfect for garments and accessories. A good starting point for beginners.
- Worsted: The most beginner-friendly weight. It’s thick enough to handle easily and works up quickly.
- Bulky: Thick yarn for cozy blankets, scarves, and hats. It’s easy to see stitches (as long as it is not too fuzzy), making it great for practice.
- Super Bulky: Extremely thick, perfect for quick projects like chunky blankets.
When starting out, stick to DK and worsted weight, as these are usually the easiest weights to see your stitches and control tension.
How to Read a Yarn Label
Yarn labels contain the most important information to help you choose the right yarn for your project. Here’s what to look for:
- Fiber Content: The label lists the materials (e.g., 100% cotton, 50% wool/50% acrylic).
- Weight Category: A number (0–6) or words like “Worsted” or “Bulky” indicate the weight. The higher the number, the bulkier the weight of the yarn.
- Yardage or Meters: This tells you how much yarn is in the skein, useful for determining if you have enough for your project.
- Gauge Information: The label shows a recommended hook or needle size and the number of stitches per inch. This is not always accurate, but you will find if you need a larger or small hook based on your tension with practice and experience.
- Care Instructions: Icons show if the yarn is machine washable, dryable, or requires special care.
How to Choose Yarn for Beginners
Picking the right yarn for your project can feel overwhelming, but here are some tips to simplify the process:
- Start with an Easy-to-Work-With Fiber: Acrylic or a wool-acrylic blend is a great choice for beginners because it’s affordable, forgiving, and widely available.
- Pick a Medium Weight Yarn: Worsted or bulky yarn is easier to handle and helps you clearly see your stitches as you learn. Make sure the yarn is not too fluffy.
- Stick to Light Colors: Dark or multicolored yarns can make it harder to see your stitches. Choose a solid, light color for your first projects.
- Match the Yarn to Your Pattern: If your pattern calls for worsted weight yarn, don’t substitute with bulky or laceweight. Following the recommended yarn type ensures your project turns out as intended.
- Test Before Committing: Buy a small amount of yarn and practice a few stitches before investing in a larger quantity.
Conclusion
Understanding yarn is the first step to mastering crochet or knitting. By knowing the basics of fiber types, yarn weights, labels, and how to choose the right yarn for your project, you’ll set yourself up for success. Start simple, experiment, and enjoy the process of learning this exciting craft! Happy crafting!