Choosing a yarn fibre
Cotton, wool, acrylic, linen and blends: how each behaves, and which to reach for.
The fibre changes how a project wears, washes and feels in the hand, often more than the colour or brand.
| Fibre | Character | Best for | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | No stretch, absorbent, holds its shape, cool to wear | Coasters, bags, baskets, amigurumi, dishcloths, summer tops | Can be hard on hands, heavy when wet, may split |
| Wool | Elastic, warm, springs back, blocks well | Hats, sweaters, blankets, cosy accessories | Can itch on some skin, may need hand-washing, may felt |
| Acrylic | Light, affordable, colourful, machine-washable | Toys, blankets, projects that get lots of washing | Can pill, does not breathe, melts under a hot iron |
| Linen | Crisp, strong, drapes and softens with age | Market bags, table runners, summer garments | Stiff at first, less forgiving of loose tension |
| Blends (wool/cotton, cotton/acrylic, bamboo) | Combine strengths of their fibres | Baby items, garments, anything that needs easy care | Check the care label; blends behave differently in the wash |
A short guide
- For shape (bags, baskets, amigurumi): choose cotton or linen, in a tight-plied yarn.
- For warmth (hats, blankets): choose wool or a wool blend.
- For babies: choose a soft, machine-washable yarn. A cotton or cotton-acrylic blend is a safe choice.
- For learning: choose a smooth, light-coloured worsted yarn, so the stitches are easy to see.