Yarn Weights and Fibres: A Beginner's Guide to Choosing the Right Yarn

Yarns are fascinating. There are so many colours and textures to choose from, and you feel like you’re standing in front of the pick ‘n mix at the candy store. All this talk about yarn can be intimidating for a beginner. Isn't it simply a matter of picking up a pair of sticks or hook and a ball of yarn?  

Not all yarns are created equal. There are different yarn weights and fibre contents to consider. So choosing suitable yarn and needles for the job is essential. 

Yarn Weights  

Yarn weight is the thickness of the yarn, which influences the outcome of your knitting project. As a beginner, it's essential to understand the pros and cons of different yarn weights to help you choose the most suitable yarn for your project. Yarn weights are known by different names around the world. The weights referred to below are from the Craft Yarn Council’s  standard yarn weight system. We’ve got a handy conversion guide to check what it might be called in your country.

Lace Weight Yarn 

Pros: 

• Lace weight yarn is very fine and lightweight, making it ideal for delicate projects such as shawls, scarves, and doilies.
• It creates a delicate, lacy texture that looks beautiful when knitted up.
• Lace weight yarn is perfect for creating intricate patterns and designs. 

Cons: 

• Lace weight yarn is very thin and difficult to work with, especially for beginners.
• It can be challenging to see the stitches and correct mistakes, which can be frustrating.
• Working with lace weight yarn requires a lot of patience and attention to detail. 

Fingering Weight Yarn 

Pros: 

• Fingering weight yarn is also lightweight and fine but slightly thicker than lace weight yarn.
• It's perfect for creating detailed and intricate patterns.  
• It's excellent for making delicate shawls, socks, and lightweight garments. 

Cons: 

• Working with fingering weight yarn can be difficult, especially for beginners who may find it challenging to see the stitches.
• It may take longer to knit up a project with fingering weight yarn because it's so thin.
• It can be challenging to get an even tension with fingering weight yarn. 

Sport Weight Yarn 

Pros: 

• Sport weight yarn is slightly thicker than fingering weight yarn. It is perfect for making lightweight garments such as baby clothes and summer tops.
• It's still lightweight and easy to work with, making it a good choice for beginners.
• Sport weight yarn is suitable for various projects, from scarves to socks. 

Cons: 

• Sport weight yarn may not be suitable for more substantial projects, such as sweaters or blankets, as it's not as thick as other yarn weights.
• Getting an even tension with sport weight yarn can still be challenging.
• Some sport weight yarns may be more expensive than other yarn weights. 

Worsted Weight Yarn 

Pros: 

• Worsted weight yarn is a medium-thick yarn perfect for many projects, from scarves and hats to blankets and sweaters.
• It's easy to work with and creates a beautiful, even texture.
• Worsted weight yarn is widely available and comes in various colours and textures. 

Cons: 

• Worsted weight yarn may not be suitable for delicate projects, as it's thicker.
• Worsted weight yarn may not be the best choice for lace patterns as it's thicker, losing the definition of the lace pattern.
• Some worsted weight yarns may be more expensive than other yarn weights. 

Bulky Weight Yarn 

Pros: 

• Bulky weight yarn is thick, creating a very cosy texture for making winter hats, scarves, and blankets.
• It's quick to knit up a project with bulky weight yarn, making it a good choice for beginners.
• Bulky weight yarn is widely available and comes in a range of colours and textures. 

Cons: 

• Bulky weight yarn may not be suitable for more delicate projects, as it's thick.
• It can be challenging to get an even tension with bulky weight yarn.
• Bulky weight yarn may be more expensive than other yarn weights.  

Yarn Content  

When choosing yarn types for knitting or crocheting, various options are available, each with advantages and disadvantages. As a beginner, navigating the different kinds of yarn can be overwhelming, so understanding each type's pros and cons is essential. This list is not exhaustive, but gives enough examples derived from animals, plants, and synthetic fibres to consider.

Acrylic Yarn 

Acrylic yarn is widely available, affordable, and comes in a range of colours and textures. It's machine washable and dryable, making it easy to care for. Acrylic yarn is lightweight, making it ideal for knitting garments that don't weigh you down. 

It is an artificial fibre, essentially plastic. It has its place, especially when made from recycled materials. It's not eco-friendly or sustainable. As much as we don't like acrylic, it's easy to be a yarn snob when your wallet can afford it. It can be less breathable than natural fibres, making it less comfortable to wear in warmer climates. Acrylic yarn can pill and lose shape over time, which may be a disadvantage for some projects. It can also be less soft than natural fibres, although some high-quality acrylic yarns have a soft feel.

Nylon

Nylon is a strong, durable, and versatile fibre that is commonly used in yarn. It is a synthetic polymer that was first developed in the 1930s and is now widely used in textiles. Nylon yarn is great for beginners because it is easy to work with and has a good stretch. It is often found added to sock yarns to aid durability in the heels and toes.

Polyester

Polyester is another synthetic fibre, known for its strength and durability, that is often used in yarn due to its resistance to wrinkles and shrinking. Polyester yarn is also easy to care for, making it a popular choice for everyday items such as sweaters and blankets.

Wool

Wool comes from the fleece of sheep. Wool yarn is soft, warm, and breathable, making it an excellent choice for cold-weather garments. It has a natural elasticity allowing it to hold its shape well, making it ideal for garments that need to maintain their shape over time. Wool yarn comes in various textures, from smooth to highly textured, making it versatile for different projects.

Wool yarn can be expensive, especially if made from high-quality fibres. Some people are allergic to wool, so it may not be a suitable choice for everyone. Wool yarn requires special care, such as hand washing and air drying, which can be time-consuming. It does require less washing overall due to wool’s self-cleaning nature.

Cotton Yarn

Cotton yarn is soft and breathable, making it a comfortable choice for warm-weather garments. It's durable and easy to care for, as it can be machine washed and dried. Cotton yarn comes in various colours and textures, making it versatile for different projects.

Cotton yarn can be heavy, especially wet, disadvantaging some projects. It has less elasticity than wool, making it prone to stretching and losing shape. Cotton yarn can be more inclined to split than other fibres, making it more challenging to work with.

Linen yarn

Linen yarn is a good choice for beginners as it is easy to work with and durable. Linen is a cool, breathable fibre that is great for warm-weather projects. It has a crisp texture that softens over time and is easy to care for. One downside to linen yarn is that it can be expensive compared to other fibres. 

Bamboo yarn

Bamboo yarn is another good option for beginners because it is soft, silky, and easy to work with. Bamboo is also environmentally friendly, derived from a sustainable plant. The downside to bamboo yarn is that it can be more expensive than other yarn and possibly not as durable as some other fibres. 

Hemp yarn

Hemp yarn is a strong and durable fibre that is great for bags, rugs, and other sturdy items. Hemp is also environmentally friendly and has antibacterial properties. However, hemp yarn can be stiff and scratchy, which may not be ideal for garments or items in contact with the skin. It does make a great yarn for making things like bags and rugs.

Angora yarn

Angora yarn is soft, fluffy, and luxurious, making it a popular choice for winter accessories like scarves and hats. It is also very warm and has good insulating properties. However, angora yarn can shed and may be more challenging to work with than other fibres due to its fluffy texture. This fibre is controversial due to how it is harvested from the Angora rabbit, so be sure to check the label.

Mohair yarn

Mohair yarn is similar to angora yarn in its fluffy texture and warmth; however, it is from the hair of the Angora goat instead of the Angora rabbit. Mohair yarn is durable, resilient, and has a natural sheen. However, it can be itchy and may shed. 

Alpaca yarn

Alpaca yarn is soft, warm, and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for sweaters and shawls. It is also hypoallergenic and has natural water resistance. However, alpaca yarn can be more expensive than other fibres and hard to find in some areas.

Blended Yarn 

Blended yarn combines the benefits of two or more fibres, such as softness and elasticity. It comes in various textures and colours, making it versatile for different projects. Blended yarn can be more affordable than pure wool or cotton yarns. Blended yarn may not have the same characteristics as pure fibres, which may be a disadvantage for some projects. Predicting how a blended yarn will behave can be difficult, depending on the specific fibres and their ratios. Blended yarn may require special care, depending on the fibres used.  

Choosing suitable yarn for your knitting project is crucial. As a beginner, it's essential to understand the pros and cons of each type. It's a good idea to experiment with different yarn weights and content to see which ones you prefer and to consider your knitting style. Ultimately, the best yarn for beginners will depend on the project and personal preference. Starting with a basic yarn like wool or acrylic before trying more exotic fibres like angora or mohair is a good idea. Additionally, choosing yarn that is easy to work with and forgiving of mistakes can help build confidence and skills. With practice and patience, you'll soon find the perfect yarns for your knitting journey.