Smart Knit Crocheting: Comprehensive Guide to Yarn

Comprehensive Guide to Yarn by Janice Jones, Updated August 14, 2026

Walk into a yarn store, or browse one online, and you will find yarns made from many different fibers, in weights ranging from fine lace yarn to thick jumbo yarn. The choices can be exciting, but they can also feel overwhelming when you are learning to knit or crochet.

This beginner’s guide explains the yarn characteristics that matter most: fiber, weight, ply, construction, color, care, and gauge.

You will also learn how to read a yarn label and how to choose a yarn that will work well for your pattern and finished project.

You do not need to memorize every yarn term before beginning. Start by matching the yarn weight recommended by your pattern, checking the fiber and care instructions, and making a gauge swatch. You can then use the sections below to learn more as questions arise.

A young Shih Tzu puppy is sitting on a basket of yarn and swatchesComprehensive Guide to Yarn

If you are new to knitting or crocheting, you may be struggling with what type of yarn to use. All it takes is one trip to your local yarn shop to make it even more confusing.

Before you go out and purchase the cheapest skein of yarn, let's examine a few factors that will help you make a decision.

Choose Yarn by Project
Project Useful Yarn Characteristics Common Yarn Choices What to Watch For
Practice swatch Smooth, light-colored yarn with good stitch definition Acrylic, wool or a wool blend Avoid fuzzy yarn, dark colors and novelty textures that make stitches difficult to see
Dishcloth Absorbent, washable and able to tolerate repeated use Cotton or a cotton blend Acrylic is not very absorbent and can be damaged by high heat
Baby blanket Soft, washable and durable Easy-care acrylic, cotton or washable wool blend Avoid difficult care instructions, scratchy fibers and yarns that shed loose fibers
Warm scarf Soft, warm and comfortable against the skin Wool, alpaca blend or soft acrylic Check for scratchiness, difficult care and excessive stretching or drape
Summer garment Breathable, lightweight and comfortable with suitable drape Cotton, linen or a plant-fiber blend Some plant fibers have limited elasticity and may stretch under the garment's weight
Textured stitch pattern Smooth yarn with clear stitch definition Plied wool, cotton, acrylic or a smooth blend Fuzzy, variegated or highly textured yarn may hide cables and stitch patterns
Socks Elastic, durable and resistant to abrasion Wool and nylon blend or another yarn specifically labeled for socks Fibers with limited elasticity may sag, while delicate yarns may wear through quickly

Quick Beginner Tip

In a hurry? If you are learning with practice swatches, choose a smooth, light-colored, medium-weight yarn labeled 4 Medium. Avoid very dark, fuzzy, loosely spun, or highly textured yarn until you can identify your stitches easily.

Whether you are just now learning to knit or crochet, you might be wondering what type of yarn would be best to use to learn the crafts.  Don't worry, I have you covered.  Check out these articles about the Best Yarn for Beginner Crocheters and the best yarn for knitting beginners before trying out some of these more expensive yarns.  You'll be glad you did. 

The best yarn for beginners in crochet or knitting is smooth, light-colored yarn that lets you see your stitches.  Stitch definition is a term we use to describe how distinct individual stitches stand out in a finished fabric.  When you see a stitch pattern with high stitch definition, you know that you will be able to identify individual stitches.

Explaining Yarn Terminology

Here are a few terms you will encounter as you learn more about yarn for your knitting or crochet projects.

What is Yarn Weight?

You might think that the weight of the yarn refers to how heavy the skein or ball is, but that is not the case. Yarn weight describes the approximate thickness of the yarn strand. It does not tell you how much the ball or skein weighs.

A yarn's weight is defined as the thickness or diameter of one strand of yarn.

Understanding the weight of yarn can be confusing because depending on where the yarn is made, the names may be different.

In the US, The Craft Yarn Council also provides typical gauge ranges and suggested hook and needle sizes for each weight category. These are starting points, not guarantees, so follow the gauge given in your pattern.

The Craft Yarn Council Weight of 0 or lace weight
Weight-1-SuperFine.jpg
Weight-2-Fine.jpg
Weight-3-Light.jpg
Yarn Craft Council, number 4, worsted weight yarn
Weight-5-Bulky.jpg
Weight-6-SuperBulky.jpg
Weight-7-Jumbo.jpg
Standard Yarn Weight Categories
Yarn Weight Number Standard Category Common Yarn Names
0 Lace Lace yarn and size 10 crochet thread
1 Super Fine Sock, fingering and baby yarn
2 Fine Sport and baby yarn
3 Light DK and light worsted yarn
4 Medium Worsted, Afghan and Aran yarn
5 Bulky Chunky, craft and rug yarn
6 Super Bulky Super bulky and roving-style yarn
7 Jumbo Jumbo and roving-style yarn

Source: Craft Yarn Council Standard Yarn Weight System .

A Quick Word About "Worsted"

“Worsted” can mean:

  • A medium-weight yarn category in common North American usage
  • A method of preparing and spinning wool fibers
  • A type of smooth, firmly spun wool yarn produced by that method

Learn about Baby Yarn

Learn all about Fingering Weight Yarn

Read more about Worsted Weight Yarn

Learn about Jumbo Yarn

How Do You Know What Yarn Weight You Have? Understanding Wraps Per Inch (WPI)

The label will tell you, but what if you lose the tag and pick up the yarn months later?

Wraps per inch can help you estimate the weight of an unidentified yarn. Wrap the yarn so the strands sit next to one another without gaps, stretching or overlapping. Because yarns vary in loft and construction, use WPI as a guide rather than a substitute for making a gauge swatch.

Wrap the yarn around until you have one inch or more around the object you've chosen. Measure off one inch and then count the number of wraps within one inch.

Wraps Per Inch (WPI) by yarn weight

CYC weight WPI

0 Lace 30-40+
1 Super Fine 14-30
2 Fine 12-18
3 Light 11-15
4 Medium 9-12
5 Bulky 6-9
6 Super Bulky 5-6
7 Jumbo 1-4

You can find more information about wpi at Ravelry.

An infographic showing yarn weights, different names to describe each weight, and the number of wraps per inch for each weight categoryAn infographic showing yarn weights, different names to describe each weight, and the number of wraps per inch for each weight category

What Does Ply Mean in Yarn?

Another term often confused with the weight of yarn is ply, and you might hear the yarn is 1-ply or 4-ply. These numbers refer to the number of twisted strands to make the yarn. A 2-ply yarn is made up of two strands twisted together and a 4-ply yarn has four strands twisted together.

  • More plies do not automatically mean thicker yarn.
  • Ply can affect roundness, durability and stitch definition.
  • A single-ply yarn can be bulky, while a four-ply yarn can be very fine.
  • In some countries, traditional terms such as “4-ply” may refer loosely to a yarn size rather than the yarn’s literal construction.

    • Does Ply Affect the Yarn Weight?

    Yes and No.

    You would assume that the higher the ply, the thicker the yarn. But it doesn't really correspond with weight. Some bulky weight yarns are only 2 ply, and some very thin yarns are 4-ply.

    Understanding Different Fibers of Yarn For Knitting and Crocheting

    Yarn comes from three sources: animal, plant, and synthetic. Each type is then subdivided into specific sources.

    Animal-Derived Fibers

    We obtain different types of yarn from other animal hair or fur. The most common animals used for yarn are sheep, goats, rabbits, silkworms, and alpacas. But you can also find yarn sourced from bison, yak, camel, llama, and others.

    To further break it down, some yarn is named after the breed of animals used.

    Wool Yarn

    Several sheep are looking forward towards the camera

    Wool is warm, resilient and elastic, making it useful for garments, accessories and blankets. Many untreated wools can felt when exposed to heat, moisture and agitation. Softness, durability and care requirements vary according to the sheep breed, yarn construction and whether the wool has been treated.

    A downside to wool yarn is that it's often more expensive than other yarn types, and it's commonly dyed by nature.

    Learn More About Wool Yarn

    Best Cleaner for Wool Yarn

    Difference Between Wool and Alpaca Yarn

    Knitting with Alpaca Yarn

    Guide to Superwash Wool Yarn

    Silk Yarn

    Collection of silk worms

    Silk yarn is a type of yarn made from silk, a naturally occurring protein found in the mulberry silkworm. This yarn is soft, delicate, and has a rich sheen.

    Silk yarn is exceptionally soft, making it perfect for projects like sweaters, scarves, and bedding. It's also lightweight, making it ideal for dresses, leggings, and jackets.

    Silk is strong, smooth and lustrous, with excellent drape. It is often blended with wool, cotton or other fibers. Follow the yarn label because washing instructions vary among silk yarns and blends.

    Alpaca Yarn

    An alpaca is facing forward towards the camera

    Alpaca yarn is a type of yarn made from alpaca fibers, a type of South American camelid . Alpacas are often used for clothing and blankets in the South American Andes, and alpaca yarn is typically produced from this region.

    Alpaca is warm, soft and known for its drape. Compared with many wool yarns, it generally has less elasticity and memory, so heavy garments made from alpaca may stretch or lose shape. Blending alpaca with wool can add resilience.

    A downside to alpaca yarn is that it's not as durable as other yarn types and has a slightly weaker stitch than different yarns. It's also not machine washable, so it needs to be hand washed.

    More about Alpaca and Wool Yarn

    Angora

    An angora rabbit sitting in a pile of straw

    Angora wool is sourced from the angora rabbit. Yarn spun from angora rabbit fiber is exceptionally fluffy and many fibers are breathable and felts easily. It is also costly, so it is typically blended with other types of threads to keep costs down.

    Mohair

    Angora Goat whose fleece is used to make Mohair yarn

    Mohair is derived from the angora goat (not to be confused with the angora rabbit), as above. It is incredibly soft and has an excellent drape. It also has a large halo, making it perfect for imitating fur trim or as doll's hair.

    Cashmere

    Himalyan Cashmier Goat

    Cashmere wool is spun from the fibers of the cashmere goat's or pashmina goat's coat. Cashmere wool is fine, warm, and has excellent drape. It is also very expensive.

    Less Common Animal Sources

    • Qiviut (kiv-ee-oot) is the down coat of the musko
    • Lhama
    • Chiengora (French for "dog and angora") Dog Hair
    • Camel
    • Bison
    • Guanaco – South American camelid similar to Lhama
    • Vicuña – another camelid native to the Andes Mountains
    • Yak from the Himalayas

    Blends

    Blends are what you would expect, more than one type of yarn spun together to produce something new. Many of the more expensive natural yarns are manufactured together to bring the cost down.

    If the yarn is a blend, you will see the percentages written out on the yarn label. For example, you might see something like this: 50% merino wool, 25% cashmere, and 25% alpaca.

    Yarns Sourced from Plants

    Several types of plants are used to make yarn, the most common being cotton. Other plant-based yarns are hemp, bamboo and linen.

    Cotton Yarn

    Cotton plant

    Cotton yarn is spun from the soft fibers that grow around the seeds of the cotton plant. After harvesting, the fibers are separated from the seeds, cleaned, processed and spun into yarn.

    Cotton is absorbent, breathable and strong, making it useful for dishcloths, bags, summer garments and household projects. It has less elasticity than wool, so it can be tiring to work with and may stretch under the weight of a large project. Cotton yarns vary considerably in softness, price, construction and care.

    A benefit of cotton yarn is that it can be machine washed, making it easier to clean than other yarn types. Plus, it's relatively inexpensive, making it a great option for beginners.

    Compare Cotton Yarn with Acrylic Yarn

    Bamboo Yarn

    Bamboo plants growing in a bamboo forest

    Most of the soft yarn marketed as bamboo is rayon or viscose made from bamboo cellulose rather than yarn spun directly from bamboo fibers. These manufactured fibers can produce smooth, cool, drapey yarns that work well for shawls, summer garments and blends.

    Bamboo-derived rayon often has limited elasticity and may split or stretch, depending on how the yarn is constructed. Follow the individual yarn label for fiber content and care instructions.

    A downside to bamboo yarn is that it's not as durable as other yarn types. It also tends to split easily, so it can't be used for garment items. Plus, it's not machine washable, so it needs to be hand washed.

    Everything you need to know about Bamboo Yarn

    Hemp

    Hemp plant closeup growing in the wild.

    Hemp fibers are from the stems of the hemp plant. The yarn is strong, does not shrink or pill, and is considered the most durable natural textile fiber. Like bamboo, hemp is a hardy and renewable resource.

    Linen Yarn

    Linen comes from the flax plant, which gives us flaxseed oil. It's strong and inelastic, with a good decent of sheen. But it easily wrinkles, which is very noticeable in lighter colors. It takes dye beautifully and is available in many colors.

    Synthetic Yarn

    Manufactured yarns include acrylic, polyester and nylon. Their characteristics vary, but many are affordable, durable and easy to wash. Acrylic is widely used for blankets, toys and everyday garments, while nylon is often added to sock yarn for strength.

    Some manufactured yarns may pill, retain odors, create static or feel less breathable than natural fibers. Because they can soften or melt when exposed to high heat, they are not the best choice for potholders or other items used near hot surfaces.

    Compare Acrylic Yarn with Cotton Yarn

    Comprehensive Guide to Homespun Yarns

    Have You Tried the Red Heart Granny Square Yarn?

    What you should know about Ombre Yarn

    What You Need to Know About Working with a Skein of Yarn

    The Benefits of Different Types of Yarn

    Yarn Fiber Comparison
    Yarn Fiber Key Characteristics Best Uses What to Watch For
    Wool Warm and elastic with moderate absorbency and drape Sweaters, hats, mittens, scarves, socks and blankets Untreated wool may felt. Softness and care requirements vary.
    Alpaca Very warm and soft with low elasticity and excellent drape Shawls, scarves, cowls, hats and lightweight sweaters Heavy garments may stretch or lose shape. Blends often have better resilience.
    Silk Strong, smooth and lustrous with low elasticity and excellent drape Shawls, scarves, elegant garments and luxury blends Silk can be slippery and expensive. Care instructions vary.
    Angora Exceptionally warm, lightweight, fluffy and soft Scarves, hats, trim and lightweight luxury garments It may shed, felt or hide stitch details. It is often blended for stability.
    Mohair Warm, lightweight and drapey with a noticeable fuzzy halo Airy sweaters, shawls, scarves and decorative fabric The halo hides stitches and makes unraveling difficult. It may irritate sensitive skin.
    Cashmere Very warm, lightweight, soft and drapey Scarves, cowls, hats, sweaters and luxury accessories Cashmere is expensive and may pill in areas exposed to friction.
    Cotton Breathable and absorbent with low elasticity and moderate drape Dishcloths, bags, summer tops, baby items and home accessories Cotton can become heavy and may stretch under its own weight.
    Linen Strong, breathable and absorbent with very little elasticity Summer garments, market bags, table linens and household projects Linen may initially feel stiff and wrinkles easily. It often softens with use.
    Hemp Strong, absorbent and breathable with very little elasticity Bags, summer garments, dishcloths and household projects Hemp may initially feel firm or rough but often softens with washing.
    Rayon or viscose made from bamboo Smooth, cool and absorbent with low elasticity and excellent drape Shawls, summer tops, scarves, baby items and drapey accessories It may split, stretch or become heavy. Check the label for the correct fiber name.
    Acrylic Affordable, warm, lightweight and easy to wash Blankets, toys, hats, scarves, garments and practice swatches It may pill, create static or feel less breathable. Keep it away from high heat.
    Polyester Durable, easy-care and low in absorbency Blankets, toys, chenille projects and home accessories It may retain odors. Plush constructions can shed or hide stitches.
    Nylon Strong, elastic and resistant to abrasion Socks and durable yarn blends Nylon is normally blended with another fiber and can be damaged by high heat.
    Blended yarns Combine characteristics from two or more fibers Garments, socks, blankets, baby items and accessories Check the fiber percentages and care instructions. The dominant fiber usually has the greatest influence.

    These descriptions are general guidelines. Yarn weight, twist, ply, construction and fiber percentages can change how a particular yarn behaves. Always check the yarn label and make a gauge swatch before beginning a large project.

    A Word About Novelty Yarns

    Novelty yarns have unusual textures, added fibers or changing thicknesses. Examples include eyelash, ribbon, boucle, chenille, metallic, scrubby and some thick-and-thin yarns. They can create interesting effects, but they may hide stitches and make mistakes difficult to see. Beginners generally have an easier time learning with a smooth, evenly spun yarn.

    See these resources for more information:

    What is homespun yarn?

    What is ombre yarn?

    What is scrubby yarn?

    Granny Square Color Changing Yarn

    Do you Have a Specific Project in Mind?

    Perhaps you want to learn to knit or crochet so you can make a baby blanket for an expecting mom?

    Your choices are more limited because you want to find the yarn that makes the best blanket fabric for an infant. You will likely be working from a pattern so the type of yarn will be specified in the instructions. If it is a yarn that you can purchase easily and is in your price range, stick with what the designer recommends.

    If it's not affordable, or you can't find the yarn recommended, you can make substitutes. Before you choose a different yarn, ask yourself these questions:

    • What is the yarn fiber? Synthetic, wool, plant-based? Try to find a substitute that has the same fiber content.
    • What is the yarn weight? Choose a yarn within the same weight category.

    If you are worried about making the wrong substitution decision, check out this website for guidance. It lists almost all yarns and provides suggestions for substitutes.

    Do you Want to Learn to Knit or Crochet, but Don’t Have a Pattern or Project in Mind?

    The best way to learn the basics of knitting or crocheting is by practicing simple swatches. For example, learn how to make knit or purl stitches if knitting is your goal or basic crochet stitches.

    For the best results, I recommend an inexpensive acrylic yarn in a light or pastel color. You are not creating a project but learning the fundamentals of a new hobby. As you begin to gain confidence, try other brands or types of fibers and graduate to making your first project.

    Visit my comprehensive guide to knitting stitches.

    Visit my comprehensive guide to crochet stitches.

    Care and Maintenance of Different Types of Yarn

    Not sure whether you must handwash an item you created or whether it can be machine laundered?   

    No Worries. 

    Always follow the care instructions on the yarn label. Untreated wool can felt when exposed to heat, moisture and agitation, while some superwash wool yarns are designed for machine washing. When several yarns are used in one project, follow the instructions for the most delicate fiber.

    Instructions for Using Bleach

    Washing Instructions Provided by the Craft Yarn Council

    Instructions for Using an Iron

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    Instructions for How to Dry

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    Instructions for Dry Cleaning

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    Instructions for Washing

    standards-2018-care-washing.gif

    By becoming familar with the symbols used on the Yarn label, you will always know how to care for your finished product.  If you make a project to give as a gift, you should also pass on these directions to the recipient.

    How to Care for Wool

    If your finished product is made from 100% wool, you will want to assure that you use a good wool cleaner and hand launder the product.  Washing in the Washing Machine may lead to felting which you may or may not want to do.

    Check out the Best Way to Clean Wool Items.

    How Many Ways Can You Purchase a Ball of Yarn

    A large assortment of yarn in many different colors

    If I haven't confused you enough, here are at least 7 ways yarn is wound to create a ball of yarn:  Learn about hanks, skeins, cakes, cones, balls and more.

    Jump to my article, A Ball of Yarn

    Comprehensive Guide to Yarn
    Pin for Future Reference

    A pin image showing an assortment of different types of yarn

    Frequently Asked Questions About Yarn

    What yarn is best for beginners?

    A smooth, light-colored, medium-weight yarn is usually easiest for beginning knitters and crocheters. Look for yarn labeled 4 Medium, which includes many worsted-weight yarns. A smooth wool, acrylic or blended yarn will make individual stitches easier to see. Avoid very dark, fuzzy, loosely spun or highly textured yarn while you are learning.

    What does yarn weight mean?

    Yarn weight describes the approximate thickness of the yarn strand, not the physical weight of the ball or skein. The Craft Yarn Council divides yarn into eight categories, ranging from 0 Lace to 7 Jumbo. Yarn weight helps you select an appropriate hook or needle, but you should still follow the gauge stated in your pattern.

    Does the number of plies determine the yarn’s thickness?

    No. Ply tells you how many individual strands were twisted together to make the yarn. A single-ply yarn can be thick, while a four-ply yarn can be fine. Ply can affect the yarn’s strength, roundness, durability and stitch definition, but it does not reliably identify the yarn’s weight.

    Can I substitute one yarn for another?

    Yes, but matching the yarn-weight number is only the beginning. Compare the fiber content, yardage, gauge, texture, elasticity, drape and care instructions. The replacement yarn should create a fabric that behaves similarly to the yarn recommended by the pattern. Always make and measure a gauge swatch before beginning the complete project.

    Can the same yarn be used for both knitting and crochet?

    Most yarns can be used for either knitting or crochet. The important considerations are the pattern, yarn weight, fiber characteristics, gauge and finished fabric you want to create. Crochet often produces a denser fabric and may use more yarn than knitting, but the exact difference depends on the stitch pattern, hook or needle size, and the individual crafter’s tension.