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Know Your Yarn: An Introduction to Yarn Types

February 3, 2025

Welcome to the start of your fiber journey! If you’ve ever wandered through a yarn store, squished a skein, and wondered, “What makes this so soft?” or “Will this yarn survive a washing machine? (Or what is Superwash?) —you’re not alone. Choosing the right fiber for your project is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming) parts of knitting. But don’t worry—I’m here to help!

 

This blog series will break down everything you need to know about yarn fibers. Whether you’re making socks, shawls, sweaters, or plush toys, understanding fiber types will help you choose the perfect yarn for your project.

 

Ready to find out more? Let’s start with the basics.

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What Are Knitting Fibers?

Knitting fibers are the foundation of every yarn. They’re what give your knits their unique texture, drape, and durability. We will also talk about plies and how they impact texture. Fibers come in two main categories:

Natural Fibers: Derived from plants or animals. Examples include wool, alpaca, cotton, and silk.

Synthetic Fibers: Man-made materials like nylon, acrylic, and polyester.

Each fiber has its own personality—some are soft and cuddly, others are strong and stretchy. Fiber content plays a big role here with the addition of nylon.  Yarn twist (high or low) also plays a part.  

Why Does Fiber Choice Matter?

Think of yarn as the secret ingredient in your knitting recipe. Choosing the wrong fiber is like using salt instead of sugar—your project won’t turn out the way you planned! Here’s why fiber matters:

Durability: Socks need tough, long-lasting yarn, while shawls can be more delicate. Here you’ll want 4-ply with 20% or more nylon and probably a Superwash yarn so it can hold up in laundry and be next to skin soft. 

Elasticity: Fibers like wool bounce back into shape, perfect for fitted garments. Nylon helps keep the structure and elasticity here too. 

Drape: Silk or alpaca create flowing fabrics, ideal for shawls and wraps. You may want to size up your needle for an airy effect.  But keep in mind these yarns aren’t Superwash so special care is needed. They are great though for people with wool allergies.

Warmth: Wool and alpaca will keep you cozy, but cotton is better for summer knits. Pima cotton is my go-to for summer knits.  Plus the yarn makes amazing washcloths and coasters to give as gifts. 

Why Does Fiber Choice Matter?

1. Wool

Wool is the MVP of fibers, known for its elasticity, warmth, and versatility. There are many types of wool, but here are two popular ones:

Merino Wool: Soft (microns matter - more on that later), lightweight, and perfect for next-to-skin wear. It’s a favorite for socks, sweaters, and even baby knits.

Bluefaced Leicester (BFL): Slightly sturdier than merino, with a lovely sheen. Great for durable projects like socks and cardigans.

Merino Cashmere Nylon (MCN): to me, this is the gold standard for socks. It’s hard to beat the softness, durability, and pleasure to knit.  But, it does average a couple of dollars more per skein - but you are worth it

Pros: Elastic, breathable, and warm.
 

Cons: Some types can pill or felt if not cared for properly. Let’s chat Superwash yarn and caring for your hand knits later in the series. 

2. Cotton

Cotton is lightweight and breathable, making it perfect for summer projects. However, it lacks elasticity, so it’s not the best choice for fitted garments. Cotton has a tendency to “grow” in length.  But with cotton, it’s easy to block and reshape your garment.  It’s my go-to summer tee knitting yarn. 

 

Pros: Durable, machine-washable, and great for warm weather.

 

Cons: Can feel heavy and lacks stretch.

3. Alpaca

Alpaca fiber is soft offering excellent warmth without the itch of some wools. It’s a fantastic choice for scarves, shawls, and cozy sweaters. Alpaca is warmer than wool.  The yarn traps the air in the fiber to keep you warm.  Alpaca socks are great for people with wool allergies and what I make for my family for socks when we hike. Quite honestly nothing beats a cozy Suri alpaca hat or cowl for coziness during winter.

 

Pros: Soft, warm, and hypoallergenic.

 

Cons: Less elastic than wool, so it can stretch out over time.

4. Silk

Silk is the diva of the fiber world—shiny, smooth, and drapey. It’s simply luxuriant. 
 

Pros: Gorgeous drape, strong, and lightweight.

 

Cons: Expensive and can be slippery to knit with. For silk, you may want a “grippier” knitting needle like bamboo instead of metal which is more slippery. Silk isn’t machine washable, so plan on hand washing on cool water and special care.

5. Nylon

Nylon is usually blended with natural fibers to add strength and durability. It’s a must-have for sock yarn, helping your knits stand up to wear and tear. For socks, you’ll want at least 20% nylon on your yarn.  

 

Pros: Increases longevity and elasticity in blends.

 

Cons: Can feel slightly synthetic on its own. But you won’t even notice it once it’s blended into the yarn. 

Natural vs. Synthetic: Which Is Better For Your Project?

There’s no right or wrong answer—it depends on your project and budget! Natural fibers tend to feel softer and more breathable, while synthetic fibers add strength and affordability. In my personal opinion, using natural fibers is the most eco-friendly and sustainable.  In many cases, blends of both offer the best of both worlds.

 

For example:

Socks often use a merino-nylon blend for comfort and durability.

Sweaters benefit from pure wool for elasticity and warmth.

Plush toys made from cotton or acrylic are soft, sturdy, kid-friendly, and machine-washable. 

Fiber Characteristics at a Glance

Let’s look at this fiber guide cheat sheet!

 

NOTE: If you want to save this Fiber Guide Cheat Sheet to your computer, just right click and click ''Save As''. 

How to Choose the Right Fiber for Your Project

Feeling overwhelmed? Don’t be! Here are a few tips to simplify your decision:

1:

Consider the Use: Will your project get a lot of wear (like socks) or be more decorative (like a shawl)? Choose a fiber that suits its purpose.

2:

Think About Care: If your project needs to be machine-washable, stick to superwash wools or blends with nylon or acrylic.

3:

Experiment and Learn: Don’t be afraid to try new yarn! It is all about the journey, and every project teaches you something new.

What’s Next?

Over the next few weeks, we will chat more in-depth on the following:

The perfect sock yarns.

Fibers that make shawls drape like a dream.

Sweater yarns that balance warmth and durability.

The best yarns for hats, plush toys, and more.                                                                    

You don't want to miss our next post in our ''Choosing the Best Fiber Type for Your Project'' series! To stay up to date on this series and all the fun things happening at Southern Skeins, make sure you follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube! 

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Hi, I'm Jenna!

I am owner and dyer behind Southern Skeins and a lifelong creative with a passion for helping others bring their visions to life. Through every endeavor, my goal is to make the creative process easier, more enjoyable, more productive, and more successful for everyone!
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