Different Types of Yarn

There are many different types of yarn, each with its unique fiber content, ranging from natural fibers such as wool, cotton, linen, silk to synthetic fibers such as acrylic or nylon. You may also come across exotic yarn materials like plastics and wires. Often, manufacturers blend more than one types of yarn fibers together for desired characteristics like enhanced elasticity and endurance; the blending process gives yarns varied textures and unique appearances.

Wool: The most popular animal fiber is wool, it is harvested from sheep and is most frequently used in hand knitting. Sometimes you’ll come across Superwash Wool, which has been treated to avoid felting during machine washing.

Lambswool: Lambswool is from the first shearing of a lamb, it is often used in high-grade textiles thanks to its soft, elastic and slippery nature.

Merino wool: A soft, lightweight wool made originally of merino sheep. Merino wool breathes and manages moisture better than any other fiber.

Shetland wool: Shetland wool is obtained from native sheep of Scotland’s Shetland Islands.

Cashmere: Cashmere is made from the fine and soft undercoat of cashmere goats and other types of goat. It is light, soft, more durable than wool, and is considered one of the most luxurious natural fibers.

Mohair: Mohair is made from the hair of Angora goat, the fiber is durable and resilient, it is more expensive than wool.

Alpaca: Alpaca is made from Alpaca fleece, a natural fiber harvested from an alpaca, it is considered a luxurious yarn fiber with soft, durable characteristics.

Angora: Angora is a soft, silky and fluffy fiber made from the Angora rabbit. The yarn made of Angora fiber is lighter and warmer than wool, it’s a popular fiber among knitters.

Cotton: Cotton yarns are excellent at absorbing water and are great for warm weather.

Silk: Silk is a natural protein fiber obtained from the cocoons of the silkworm. Silk fabric has a unique shimmering appearance.

Linen: Ideal for warm weather, linen fibers lack elasticity, so they are not suitable for making a fabric that needs to stretch.

Hemp: It is obtained from the hemp plant, hemp fibers are suitable for weaving, knitting, etc.

Acrylic: Acrylic fibers are derived from the byproduct of crude oil, they are cheap to make and are strong and resistant to moths, more durable than natural fibers.

Nylon: Nylon fabric is lightweight, elastic and strong, it’s ideal for projects of high durability and strength.

Rayon: Rayon yarns have vibrant colors with great durability and soft, silky touch.