Yarn is a magical material that has been used for centuries to create beautiful and functional items. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or just starting out, understanding the ins and outs of yarn is essential. In this post, we’ll explore some common questions about yarn and provide you with valuable insights.

Mastering Yarn: Types

All yarn is made from fibers. These fibers can be natural, such as wool, cotton, or silk, or synthetic, like acrylic or nylon. The fibers are spun or twisted together to form a continuous strand, which is then wound into a skein, ball, or cake for use in various crafting endeavors. Some of the most popular types of yarns include:

Synthetic Fibers

• Acrylic yarn: affordable and easy to care for. Acrylics usually have a wide colour range and are easy to work with as they don’t split as easily. However, acrylic yarns lack breathability and aren’t quite as soft as natural fibers. Of course, natural fibers are also more sustainable and don’t put any microplastics into our precious drinking water.
• Nylon yarn: durable and strong yarn, often used for making socks or combined with other fibers to add strength to weaker yarns. Because nylon is so durable, it’s less breathable and may not be as soft as other fibers.
• Chenille yarn: Chenille yarn is a type of yarn known for its velvety and plush texture. Chenille yarn is characterised by its short, tufted pile that gives it a soft and luxurious feel. The signature tufted texture can make it hard to work with, especially for beginners.

Natural Fibers

• Cotton yarn: breathable, absorbent, hypoallergenic and great for any warm weather projects like summer tops and dresses. Cotton lacks the elasticity that other fibers tend to have, which can be good for projects such as tote bags.
• Wool yarn: incredibly warm, elastic and soft yarns with excellent stitch definition. Wool is brilliant for winter projects such as sweaters, hats and mittens. But unfortunately cheap wool can often feel itchy against the skin. Another downside is the fact that wool often requires special care as it cannot be machine washed.
• Merino wool yarn: exceptionally soft and comfortable against the skin, also regulates temperature well. Because Merino is made of high quality, small fibers that keep it from feeling itchy, it is more expensive than regular wool.
• Alpaca yarn: very soft and lightweight, warmer than wool and hypoallergenic. All the good qualities of alpaca yarn make it more expensive than regular wool.
• Mohair yarn: lustrous and silky, this fuzzy textured yarn is often viral on TikTok and other social medias. And for good reason – it makes for amazingly elegant pieces. Of course with the elegance comes a higher price tag. Mohair can also shed and may cause itching for some. Similarly to regular wool yarn, it must be hand washed.
• Bamboo yarn: soft, silky, breathable and eco-friendly yarn that lacks elasticity. Due to its moisture-wicking qualities, bamboo yarn is amazing for summer or warm climate wearable projects.
• Linen yarn: breathable yarn that starts out quite stiff initially but softens over time. A unique quality to linen yarn is that it wrinkles easily, just like regular linen fabric does.
• Hemp yarn: durable and eco-friendly yarn that’s resistant to mould and UV light. It can be coarse at first and although it does soften a bit with washing, hemp yarn might be best saved for projects that aren’t required to be soft to the touch.
• Silk yarn: luxurious, shiny yarn that drapes incredibly and is breathable to wear. As it is made from luxury fibers, the price tag is similar to that of silk fabric. Requires delicate care as silk fibers can be quite fragile.
• Cashmere yarn: incredibly soft, lightweight and luxurious. Because it is a luxury yarn, the price is that of luxury items. Similarly to silk, it may require special care when handling the finished project.

It’s important to consider the specific characteristics of each yarn type when choosing the right one for your project based on factors such as texture, warmth, and care requirements.

Can yarn be blends of fibers?

Absolutely! Yarn can be made from a single type of fiber or a blend of different fibers. Blended yarns often combine the best qualities of each fiber, resulting in a unique texture, durability, and drape. Common yarn blends include wool and silk, cotton and acrylic, or alpaca and nylon. Experimenting with different fiber blends can add versatility to your projects.

What do yarn weights mean?

Yarn weights refer to the thickness or diameter of the yarn strand. The weight classification system helps crafters determine the appropriate needle or hook size for their projects. The most common yarn weights range from lace (the thinnest) to super bulky (the thickest). Each weight has its own recommended gauge and is suitable for specific types of projects. When following a pattern, it’s important to use a similar weight yarn or the size of the project will change. While size might not be too much of a factor when making plushies or tapestries, it becomes essential when crafting wearables. Yarn weights go as follows:

Thin

• Lace weight: 1-ply delicate yarn. As name suggests, it’s the thinnest type, often used for creating lace projects such as delicate shawls and doilies. Also known as super fine and ultra fine yarn or crochet thread.
• Fingering weight: 3-4ply yarn, still on the thinner side of yarns. it’s great for projects such as socks, lightweight garments like shrugs, baby items and bigger lace projects. Also known as fine yarn and sock yarn.
• Sport weight: 5-6ply yarn, usually used for light sweaters, baby garments and accessories. Sometimes called light DK or baby yarn.

Medium

• DK yarn: 8-9ply yarn, popular choice for a wide range of projects. Great for sweaters, scarves, garments, baby blankets and hats.
• Aran yarn: 10-16ply yarn, still medium sizes but starting to get bulkier. Good for heavy sweaters, blankets, scarves and other cold-weather accessories. Can also be called worsted weight, especially in the United States.

Thick

• Bulky yarn: 16-20ply yarn, popular for chunky scarves, hats, blankets and outerwear. Also known as chunky or rug yarn.
• Super bulky yarn: 20+ ply yarn, works up quickly and easily. Great for quick projects such as scarves, blankets and other cozy, oversizes accessories. Also referred to as super chunky or roving yarn.

Yarn weight is crucial for achieving the desired drape, stitch definition, and overall look of your project. Choose the appropriate weight based on the pattern requirements and the type of item you’re creating. Keep in mind that the suggested needle or hook size will also vary with each yarn weight.

What is roving yarn?

Roving yarn is a type of yarn that is unspun and in a continuous strand of fiber. Unlike traditional yarn, which is typically made by twisting fibers together, roving yarn consists of loose, untwisted fibers. This gives it a fluffy and airy texture. While roving yarn is soft, thick, uniquely textured and great for a variety of projects, it can be hard to take care of as it’s not machine washable.

What yarn should I use for crochet?

The best yarn for crochet depends on the project and personal preference. Natural fibers like cotton or wool provide excellent stitch definition and drape, while synthetic fibers like acrylic are often more affordable and low-maintenance. For intricate lacework, a lightweight yarn such as lace or fingering weight is ideal. For blankets or garments, medium to bulky weight yarns provide better coverage and warmth. Ultimately, it’s important to consider the pattern and the characteristics of the yarn to achieve the desired result.

Mastering Yarn: Care

Can yarn get wet?

Yes, yarn can get wet. In fact, many yarns need to be soaked in water before use to relax the fibers and remove any residual spinning oils. However, it’s important to dry the yarn properly after wetting it to prevent mould or mildew from forming. Lay the yarn flat on a clean towel or drying rack and allow it to air dry completely.

Can yarn be washed?

The simple answer is that yes, most yarn can be washed. However, it’s important to check the care instructions on the yarn label to ensure you’re using the correct washing method. Some yarns may require hand washing, while others can be safely machine washed. For example, acrylic and cotton yarns are generally machine washable while traditional wool needs to be hand washed to avoid felting. Always follow the recommended instructions to maintain the quality and longevity of your projects.

Should I wash yarn before knitting or crocheting?

It’s not necessary to wash yarn before knitting unless the yarn label specifically recommends it. Often, yarn is easier to work with before washing as the stiffer fibers are less likely to split. However, if you notice any unusual odours or the yarn feels stiff or greasy, a gentle wash may be beneficial. Always follow the care instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure the best results.

Mastering Yarn: More

Are yarn and wool the same thing?

No, yarn and wool aren’t really the same thing. Yarn refers to the spun fibers used for knitting, crocheting, or weaving, while wool specifically refers to the fibers obtained from sheep. Yarn can be made from various materials, including cotton, acrylic, silk, or even synthetic fibers. However, in certain regions, the terms ‘yarn’ and ‘wool’ are often used interchangeably when talking about yarn. This interchangeable usage reflects the diverse language nuances within the crafting community, where the distinction between these terms may not always be rigidly observed.

How do yarn cakes work?

Yarn cakes are a convenient way to store and use yarn. They are typically formed by winding the yarn into a flat, cylindrical shape. The center of the cake allows the yarn to be easily pulled from the inside without tangling or rolling away. Yarn cakes are popular among crafters as they provide a neat and organized way to work on projects and make crafting a smoother of an experience.

Should yarn be rolled in a ball or a cake?

Rolling yarn into a ball is a personal preference. Some crafters find it easier to work with yarn when it’s in a ball form, as it prevents tangling and allows for smoother knitting or crocheting. However, many commercially available yarns come in skeins, which can be used directly without rolling into a ball or a cake. Hanks, on the other hand, are a whole different beast. Because of the way hanks are twisted into shape, they cannot be worked from directly without turning the yarn into a massive knot of doom. So if you do get your hands on a lovely soft hank of yarn, make sure to look into how to roll it into a ball or a cake to ensure your own sanity.

Can yarn be recycled?

Yes, yarn can be recycled! There are many ways to repurpose yarn, from scrap projects to using yarn scraps as stuffing inside amigurumi. If you have leftover yarn that you don’t know how to repurpose on your own, consider donating them to local crafting groups or charity organisations. They can repurpose the yarn and give it new life in their projects. Recycling yarn not only reduces waste but also promotes sustainability within the crafting community.

I can’t get this yarn where I’m from, what do I do?

If you’re looking for more information on yarn, including yarn substitution, fiber content, or color options, yarnsub.com is an excellent resource. They provide detailed information and recommendations to help you find the perfect yarn for your projects.

Conclusion

Yarn is a versatile and exciting material that opens up a world of creativity. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, understanding the different types of yarn, their care requirements, and how to choose the right yarn for your projects will enhance your crafting journey. So grab your favorite yarn, pick up your needles or hook, and let your imagination run wild!