Whether you're a seasoned stitcher or just beginning your fibre journey, choosing the right yarn is like choosing the right companion for a creative adventure. Each fibre has its own personality—its own rhythm, texture, and story. At LaLaWool, we believe that understanding these nuances deepens your connection to the craft and brings more joy to every loop and stitch.
Here’s a gentle guide to the most beloved yarn types for knitting and crocheting, with a few heartfelt notes on how they behave, what they’re made of, and what they bring to your hands.
Natural Fibres: Earth’s Softest Gifts
1. Wool (Merino, Shetland, Alpaca, etc.)
- Made from: The fleece of animals—primarily sheep (Merino, Shetland), alpacas, and sometimes goats (like mohair or cashmere)
- Feel: Warm, springy, and breathable
- Best for: Garments, accessories, and heirloom pieces
- Why we love it: Wool is nature’s hug—resilient, insulating, and forgiving. Merino is especially soft and ideal for sensitive skin, while Shetland offers rustic charm and structure. Alpaca, with its silky drape, adds a touch of luxury.
2. Cotton
- Made from: The fluffy fibres surrounding the seeds of the cotton plant
- Feel: Cool, smooth, and sturdy
- Best for: Summer wear, dishcloths, baby items
- Why we love it: Cotton is crisp and clean, perfect for defined stitches and warm-weather projects. It’s less elastic than wool, so it holds shape beautifully but may require a gentler touch.
3. Linen and Hemp
- Made from: The stalks of flax plants (linen) and hemp plants (hemp)
- Feel: Crisp, airy, and increasingly soft with use
- Best for: Lightweight garments, market bags, home décor
- Why we love it: These plant-based fibres start with a rustic texture and soften like a well-loved book over time. They’re strong, sustainable, and full of character.
4. Silk
- Made from: The cocoons of silkworms, spun into shimmering threads
- Feel: Smooth, lustrous, and fluid
- Best for: Elegant shawls, drapey tops, special occasion pieces
- Why we love it: Silk glides through your fingers like moonlight. It’s delicate yet strong, with a natural sheen that elevates any project.
Blended Yarns: Harmony in Every Strand
- Made from: A combination of two or more fibres—often natural and synthetic (e.g., wool + nylon, cotton + acrylic, alpaca + silk)
- Feel: Varies depending on the blend—can be soft, stretchy, durable, or drapey
- Best for: Versatile projects that balance beauty with practicality
- Why we love it: Blends combine the best traits of multiple fibres—think wool’s warmth with silk’s shine, or cotton’s breathability with linen’s strength. These yarns are versatile and often more affordable, making them ideal for everyday crafting with a touch of magic.
Synthetic Fibres: Practical and Playful
1. Acrylic
- Made from: Petroleum-based polymers, spun into soft, lightweight strands
- Feel: Soft, lightweight, and budget-friendly
- Best for: Beginners, charity projects, colourful experiments
- Why we love it: Acrylic is accessible and easy to care for. While it lacks the breathability of natural fibres, it’s great for learning and for projects that need to withstand frequent washing.
2. Nylon, Polyester, and Microfibres
- Made from: Synthetic polymers—engineered for strength, stretch, and durability
- Feel: Smooth, stretchy, and durable
- Best for: Socks, activewear, novelty yarns
- Why we love it: These fibres add strength and elasticity. Often used in blends, they help garments hold their shape and resist wear.
Choosing with Intention
When selecting yarn, consider:
- Purpose: Will it be worn, washed, or displayed?
- Feel: Do you want softness, structure, or drape?
- Values: Are you drawn to sustainability, local sourcing, or animal welfare?
At LaLaWool, we curate yarns not just for their beauty, but for the stories they carry—from ethical farms to artisan mills. We believe that every skein is a thread connecting you to something deeper: nature, tradition, and your own creativity.