Yarn 101: How to Choose the Right Yarn for Your Project

Yarn is perhaps the most essential component of knitting and crocheting–so how do you know which one is right for your special project?

Fiber Content

The fiber content of the yarn that's right for your project will likely be determined by its end use. Wool and silk yarns are great for warmth–think sweaters, scarves and blankets. Use cotton yarns for durability–great for fashion accessories, window treatments, and home décor accents.

Texture

A good rule of thumb is the more ornate the yarn, the simpler your project’s pattern or shape should be. Novelty yarns like boucle, marled, or variegated are perfect for shawls and blankets whereas more classic, plain varieties like smooth plied yarn are great for more stitching techniques.

Weight

Categorized by the thickness of the thread, yarn weights range from 0 to 7 or “lace” to “jumbo”. Use lighter weights (0-2) for socks and delicate baby apparel. Medium weights (3-4) are great for sweaters, scarves and light outerwear. Heavier weights (5-7) for best suited for blankets and rugs.