All About Yarn!
- Rebekah Cardenas
- Nov 17, 2024
- 12 min read
Updated: Aug 29
Yarn is the backbone of crochet and knitting, but with countless types, weights, and fibers available, choosing the right yarn can feel daunting. This guide is designed to help beginners and experienced makers alike confidently select yarn that fits their project needs and budget.
This comprehensive guide demystifies yarn selection, fiber properties, weights, label reading, and matching yarn to projects, empowering makers—especially beginners—to choose the best yarn for any fiber arts creation confidently and with enjoyment.
Table of Contents
Yarn Structures and Types
Yarn is a strand made by interlocking fibers, and its structure impacts both look and performance. It is classified by structure, method of manufacture, and the number of strands or twists the cord possesses:
Spun Yarn is made by twisting short fibers together, creating a classic strand for most crafts.
Single-Ply yarn uses one strand, offering a softer feel but less durability.
Multi-Ply yarns bundle multiple single plies, resulting in springier, stronger yarn suitable for high-use items.
Filament Yarn uses continuous fibers, typically synthetic except for silk, which is naturally occurring.
Cord Yarn is a heavy-duty option made by twisting multi-ply strands - ideal for ropes and decorative accents.
Yarn Weight
Yarn weight isn’t about how heavy a skein is; it describes the yarn’s thickness, which strongly influences the finished look, feel, and size of your project. There are several major categories: lace, fingering, sport, DK, worsted, aran, bulky, super bulky, and jumbo. Patterns typically recommend a specific weight for a reason—substituting a chunkier or thinner yarn without adjusting hook/needle size and stitch count can vastly change the size, warmth, and even usability of your item.
Weight | Name | Common Uses |
0 | Lace | Doilies, lace |
1 | Super Fine/Fingering | Socks, baby wear |
2 | Fine/Sport | Light sweaters, small stuffed toys |
3 | Light/DK | Garments, blankets, stuffed toys |
4 | Medium/Worsted | Blankets, bags, stuffed toys, garments |
5 | Bulky/Chunky | Scarves, hats, large stuffed toys |
6 | Super Bulky | Rugs, sweaters, baskets, thick blankets |
7 | Jumbo | Rugs, bulky sweaters |
Why yarn weight matters:
The heavier (thicker) your yarn, the faster you’ll complete projects, as you’ll make fewer stitches per inch. Chunkier yarns make work cozy and substantial—think ultra-warm hats, chunky blankets, and quick accessories.
Lighter weight yarns (lace, fingering, sport) have more drape and a delicate finish, ideal for airy shawls, summer garments, or intricate lace.
Using a different weight than a pattern specifies leads to sizing variance—your finished project may be larger or smaller than the pattern author's result, which is not necessarily a bad thing. The pigs in the photo above were made with the same pattern and the same number of stitches, but the small pig was made with fine weight [2] and the large pig was made with bulky weight [5]. Using a different weight also means the stitch appearance may change (for example, cables look more defined in thicker yarns, and stitches made with light yarns blend more easily as a fabric).
Yarn weight also relates to price: thicker yarns may require more skeins (by weight) for the same project, which can increase costs, while finer yarns often take more time.
Wrapping per Inch (WPI) tools help identify yarn weight if the label is missing; just wrap the yarn gently around a ruler for one inch and count the strands.
Beginner tip: Start with medium weight [4] in a light, solid color. These weights are easy to work with and make stitches clearly visible, boosting confidence and correcting mistakes.
The Craft Yarn Council has published a Standard Yarn Weight System for reference.
Interpreting Yarn Labels
Yarn labels generally feature all information you need to know about the product, helping you select the best material, and corresponding tools, for your project. Understanding each part will save time and frustration:
1 - Weight Category: Usually listed as a number (0 for lace, 4 for worsted, etc.) or descriptive name—crucial for pattern matching.
2 - Physical weight: Measured in grams and ounces, refers to the amount of yarn.
3 - Yardage: Measured in yards and meters, tells you how much length you get.
4 - Gauge Information: Shows recommended crochet hook and knitting needle sizes, and often gauge swatches (e.g., “8 rows of 6.6 single crochet per 4” square”) to help achieve desired results.
5 - Fiber Content: Tells you the material—wool, cotton, acrylic, blends—with percentages for mixes. Whether it’s animal, plant, or synthetic directly impacts care, feel, and use.
6 - Care Instructions: Lists how to wash, dry, and store your finished item. Some yarns are machine washable, others need hand washing and flat drying, and some can’t tolerate heat.
7 - Location of Manufacture
Color Name, Number, and Dye Lot: Ensures you can match colors across multiple skeins. Always buy enough yarn from the same dye lot for a project to prevent noticeable color variation in your finished piece.
Step-by-step label reading tutorials and printable charts are available on major craft blogs and manufacturer sites to aid beginners. Keeping a cheat sheet or screenshot handy at the craft store is especially helpful!
It's worth mentioning that needle and hook size recommendations are given as a guide and it's not expected that you follow them specifically. After all, the yarn manufacturer does not know what you're making! In almost all cases, the yarn weight and hook/needle size recommendations on a pattern are more relevant than those on a skein label if you're trying to achieve a specific result.
Fiber Content: Properties and Projects
Choosing the proper yarn fiber is vital for comfort, durability, aesthetics, and long-term project satisfaction:
Animal Fibers: provides benefits of warmth, softness, and durability. The most common animal-derived yarns are made from wool, alpaca, or silk fibers, and can be blended for a variety of textures and color. Luxurious and soft high-breed sheep wool, such as mohair, is typically the most expensive yarn by weight. Wool is naturally moisture wicking and warm, but also temperature regulating, making it perfect for cold weather garments.
Be mindful—some wool is hand-wash only, and premium wool is expensive due to complex processing (see below for spinning details).
Lanolin-rich wool is naturally water-resistant and nourishing but may need thorough scouring. Always check care directions—some animal fibers felt (shrink and matte) in heat!
Plant-Based Fibers: derived from cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo, jute, and other plants. These fibers are breathable and lightweight but also strong and durable. Natural plant-based yarns are biodegradable and eco-friendly. Many plant-based yarns such as cotton are naturally absorbent, and some have anti-bacterial properties, like bamboo. Plant-based yarns make soft, machine-washable garments and long-lasting home-use accessories. Plant-based yarns can be found in a wide array of colors, and "raw" yarn is easy to dye yourself.
Synthetic Fibers: can be made from acrylic, nylon, or polyester fibers, which can be blended nicely with other natural fibers for a variety of textures and property benefits. Synthetic yarns are suitable for people with sensitive skin or allergies and are available in an astonishing spectrum of colors. Acrylic yarn is available in a range of textures from course and starchy to pliable and soft, and it is perfect for practice, and trial-and-error beginners. Nylon is strong, but lightweight. Polyester and acrylic can be soft and stretchy, but are not as breathable as natural fibers. Synthetics rarely shrink or fade with modern dyes, ideal for gifting and home accessories. Not suitable for high-heat applications.
Blended Yarns: combine properties for performance, texture, or cost control. Blending natural fibers like cotton with synthetics like polyester can produce a fabric that is resistant to wrinkles. Blending acrylic with wool can reduce cost while achieving greater color options and maintaining thermal properties. Perhaps my favorite fiber blend is cotton and acrylic for use in crochet amigurumi projects. The strands are uniform, texture is consistent, and the color possibilities are endless!
Special considerations for animal-derived yarn
If you've seen the price tags on some wool yarn you may be wondering why it is so high, especially compared to synthetics. Since this isn't meant to be a post about how to make wool yarn, I will keep this brief.
Wool yarn is made from an animal's fleece (fur). The fleece is sheared away from the body, along with a thin layer of skin, lanolin, vegetation, food scraps, saliva, feces, and remnants of whatever that sheep go into that season. Lanolin is an oil secretion from the sheep's skin that helps to protect the sheep from extreme climates, making its fleece waterproof, while moisturizing and nourishing its skin. It feels somewhat like waxy butter to the touch. The fleece is cleaned, or scoured, to remove impurities, and lanolin is usually removed during this process. However, certain precautions can be taken to keep the lanolin in the wool, if desired. After cleaning, the wool fibers are straightened and separated using brushes, or carders, with fine metal teeth. The wool is then combed to remove short fibers and any leftover impurities from the cleaning process. If vegetable matter remains after these steps, sulfuric acid can be used to remove it (carbonization). The wool is further refined by drawing - a process where a spinning wheel is used to twist fibers together to create a long strand, or ply, of yarn. Due to inconsistencies in the fiber lengths and texture, pin drafting may be employed to thin the fibers to achieve a more uniform strand. When multiple plies are required for the yarn, plying is done to combine 2 or more strands of the spun yarn.
Out of general curiosity, I took a class on yarn spinning. The fleece was presented to me full of impurities which I had to scour before carding and combing. After completing the yarn-making process up to the plying stage, I have a renewed appreciation for this skill, and a better understanding of why it is so costly. I do not work extensively with animal-derived fibers, but I have used wool in several projects and one lesson that I have learned the hard way is that you get what you pay for. If you plan on using wool in your projects, save yourself some time and headaches - shop around for the best quality and feel, especially if you plan to enjoy your work for a long time.
Selecting the Best Yarn for Your Project
Selecting the best yarn for a project involves balancing six key factors: budget, which shapes the range of fibers and brands you can consider; fiber content, influencing warmth, durability, and ease of care; yarn weight, which determines thickness, drape, and compatibility with patterns; ethical sourcing, to ensure materials are produced responsibly; color, which not only affects the look but also the visibility of stitches and consistency across dye lots; and aftercare, as proper washing and storage preserves your work’s beauty and longevity.
If you are a beginner, you will most likely start with a project idea, then search for a pattern or tutorial to match. It is common to find yarn weight and fiber recommendations on a project pattern, guiding you to achieve the intended size and feel of the result. But what if you want something bigger, or smaller, or with a different yarn fiber altogether? Thoughtfully weighing each of the following aspects ensures your chosen yarn supports your project's function, feel, and appearance while fitting your practical needs and values.
Budget
Choosing yarn often starts with considering cost, especially for beginners and those planning large projects. Yarns range from inexpensive acrylics (often $3–$6 per skein) to luxury blends like cashmere or silk that can exceed $20 a skein.
Project Size: Larger items like blankets and sweaters require many skeins. For budget-friendly projects, calculate total yardage and compare brands—some offer bulk multipacks or budget lines.
Yarn Type: Acrylic, and cotton-acrylic blends, tend to be more affordable and widely available, while natural animal fibers (wool, alpaca) and specialty yarns (bamboo, silk) are pricier due to more complex manufacturing and sourcing.
Substitution Advice: If a pattern specifies expensive yarn, search for similar-weight alternatives or consult store staff for affordable substitutions.
Tips: Shop sales, clearance bins, or destash events to save; keep leftovers for small items, repairs, stuffing, or swatching.
Fiber
Fiber content shapes every aspect of a finished project, from feel and warmth to care and durability.
Animal Fibers: Wool is classic for warmth, moisture wicking, and elasticity. Alpaca is extra soft and insulating, but less springy. Silk adds shine and drape, but is fragile and costly. Some wools (like superwash) are treated to be machine-washable.
Plant Fibers: Cotton is breathable, strong, and perfect for summer and baby items. Linen is durable, crisp, and softens over time. Bamboo is soft, antibacterial, and has excellent drape. Plant fibers are safe for use in the kitchen, such as pot holders, and can be placed in the dryer (although there is a shrink risk).
Synthetics: Acrylic, polyester, and nylon are easy-care, hypoallergenic, lightweight, and offer vibrant colors. Their versatility makes them ideal for first projects. Synthetics are not heat tolerant - not suitable for pot holders and keep it out of the dryer.
Blends: Mixing fibers can offer “best-of-both-worlds” properties, like softness plus durability, easier care, or allergy-friendliness. Cotton and acrylic blend well making it ideal for amigurumi projects.
Project Matching: Consider end use. Softer fibers for wearables; cotton or blends for kitchen towels; tough yarns for rugs and homeware.
Weight
Yarn weight (thickness) determines the appearance, speed, and practical result of your project.
Categories: Lace, fingering, sport, DK, worsted, aran, bulky, super bulky, and jumbo—from thin and delicate to thick and plush.
Impact on Projects: Thinner yarns produce airy, intricate lace or lightweight garments; middle weights are ideal for most accessories, amigurumi, and garments; thick yarns excel in quick projects, winter gear, and plush toys.
Pattern Compatibility: Always match yarn weight to pattern requirements for accurate size and drape. Swatch before starting to ensure gauge matches when size is critical.
Beginner Advice: Medium weight (category 4) in light color is easiest to handle and helps spot stitches - perfect for use in practice.
Ethical Sourcing
Ethical sourcing supports environmental protection, animal welfare, and humane treatment of the workers in the yarn industry.
When choosing yarn, check for certifications on the manufacturer label or on their website. Here are a few to look out for:
OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Ensures fibers are free from harmful substances.
Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS): Organic content and responsible production.
Responsible Wool Standard (RWS): Guarantees animal welfare and land management.
Global Recycled Standard (GRS): Uses recycled materials and sustainable processes.
Why It Matters: These certifications help crafters make environmentally and ethically sound choices, promote fair labor, and reduce ecological footprint.
Research Tips: Check yarn label or manufacturer websites for certifications. Many indie dyers prioritize ethical sourcing—look for transparency in sourcing descriptions.
Extra: Some yarn lines donate to causes or use solar/wind-powered production.
Yarn Ethically & Sustainably Sourced (YESS): this initiative is spearheaded by the Responsible Sourcing Network to create an industry-wide due diligence system for spinning and fabric mills to identify and address cotton produced with forced labor in their supply chains.
Yarn companies possessing at least one of these certifications:
Color
The colors chosen for a project impact not just aesthetics, but usability and stitch clarity.
Colorways: Yarn comes in solid, ombre, heathered, speckled, striped, and variegated options—each creates a specific effect in finished pieces.
Dye Lot: Yarn is dyed in batches; always buy enough of one dye lot for a project to match color exactly. This prevents unwanted shifts in shade or tone. The dye lot can be found on the yarn label, near the color name/number.
Beginner Practice Advice: Start with light and solid colors—they make it easier to see stitches, diagnose mistakes, and photograph work. Dark and highly textured yarns can obscure stitch definition and are better suited for advanced projects.
Color Planning: Consider project purpose (playful for toys, muted for wearables, bold for decor) and colorfastness (will the color bleed or fade in washing?).
Aftercare
Proper aftercare extends the life and beauty of handmade yarn projects.
Care Instructions: Always check the label—some yarns are machine washable, others require gentle hand washing. Some fibers shrink or melt in heat or agitation, so air drying is safest unless the label approves tumble dry.
Storage Advice: Store finished items flat and in a cool, dry place away from sunlight and pests (like moths for wool).
Repairs and Maintenance: Keep leftover yarn for small repairs or touch-ups. For wearables, spot clean when possible, and avoid harsh detergents.
Fiber-Specific Tips: Animal fibers may require lanolin-based soaps. Plant fibers can be ironed on low heat for crispness. Synthetics resist shrinking but may pill—use a sweater stone to refresh surfaces.
Extra Protection: For garments, block shapes after washing for best fit and look.
Learning More
The Craft Yarn Council (CYC) supports beginners in crochet, knitting, and other yarn crafts with a broad range of accessible resources and community tools designed to make learning easy and enjoyable. Their Learning Center provides step-by-step tutorials, illustrations, and explanations of core techniques; guides to reading patterns; helpful FAQs; and curated project suggestions tailored for novices. Beginners benefit from printable instructions, clear diagrams, glossary of terms, and suggestions for practical first projects.
For more than 35 years the Council has sponsored a wide range of promotional and educational programs and publishes standards for the yarn community. The Council also fosters a supportive maker community by offering educational materials both online and in-person, certified instructor programs for those who want to teach, and connections to guilds, local classes, and online forums.
Additionally, their partnership with yarn and craft companies provides access to free patterns, video tutorials, and youth-friendly guides. For ongoing help, they encourage taking part in their 911 FAQ resource and joining groups that meet in stores, schools, libraries, or online, where beginners can share progress and ask questions. Overall, the Craft Yarn Council acts as a welcoming hub, empowering beginners with trusted information, teaching resources, community connections, and ongoing support throughout their fiber arts journey.
Manufacturers, such as Premier Yarns, provide practical information to help customers select the best yarn for their projects both on their product pages and through reviews and guides found throughout their site and community. While their main website highlights technical details and yarn characteristics (such as fiber content, recommended use, and customer reviews) for every yarn, they also offer resources on "how much yarn do I need" and maintain a catalog of free patterns geared toward inspiring yarn selection based on project type.
Additionally, external blogs and reviews, such as Squibble's Crochet Corner, evaluate Premier Yarns products in depth, offering personal insight into the pros, cons, price, durability, and stitch definition of individual yarns, which helps users make informed choices. These reviews and project patterns further empower crafters to match yarn weight, fiber, and color to specific knitting, crochet, and amigurumi projects.
Thank you!
Thank you for reading! If you have any questions about yarn selection or need help with your crochet projects, please don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m always happy to offer support and guidance. If you found this article helpful, give it a like, leave a comment below, and don’t forget to subscribe for updates on future posts. Be sure to explore my other crochet articles designed for beginners, and subscribe to my YouTube channel where you’ll find step-by-step tutorials and tips to empower your fiber arts journey.
Happy crafting!
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