Yarn & Fiber Arts Guide: Materials, Types & Techniques
What is Yarn?
Yarn is a continuous strand of twisted or spun fibers used for knitting, crocheting, weaving, and other textile arts. Created by spinning natural or synthetic fibers together, yarn comes in countless varieties of weight, texture, colour, and composition. The choice of yarn fundamentally affects the appearance, feel, durability, and care requirements of your finished project, making yarn selection one of the most important decisions in fiber arts.
Fiber Content Types
Natural Animal Fibers
| Fiber Type | Source | Key Properties | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wool | Sheep | • Naturally elastic and forgiving • Excellent stitch definition • Temperature regulating • Naturally flame-resistant • Takes dye beautifully • Felts when agitated in hot water |
Sweaters, hats, blankets, beginner projects, colourwork |
| Alpaca | Alpaca fleece | • Exceptionally soft and lightweight • Warmer than wool • Hypoallergenic • Less elastic than wool • Natural water resistance • Limited colour range in natural state |
Luxury garments, scarves, baby items, warm accessories |
| Cashmere | Cashmere goats | • Extremely soft and lightweight • Excellent insulation • Expensive and delicate • Requires careful handling • Pills easily if not high quality • Limited elasticity |
High-end garments, special occasion pieces, luxury accessories |
| Silk | Silkworms | • Natural sheen and drape • Strong and durable • Temperature regulating • Takes dye brilliantly • Can be slippery to work with • Excellent stitch definition |
Summer garments, dress-up items, blend with other fibers, lace work |
| Mohair | Angora goats | • Distinctive fuzzy texture • Very strong and durable • Natural luster • Excellent dye absorption • Can be scratchy initially • Creates warmth through air trapping |
Textured sweaters, blankets, accent pieces, blended with other fibers |
Natural Plant Fibers
| Fiber Type | Source | Key Properties | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cotton | Cotton plants | • Breathable and cool • Machine washable • Durable and strong • No natural elasticity • Excellent stitch definition • Variety of textures available |
Summer garments, dishcloths, baby items, home decor |
| Linen | Flax plants | • Very strong and durable • Becomes softer with use • Naturally antimicrobial • Limited elasticity • Can be stiff initially • Excellent for structured items |
Summer tops, bags, home textiles, structured garments |
| Bamboo | Bamboo plants | • Soft and silk-like feel • Naturally antibacterial • Moisture-wicking • Environmentally sustainable • Good drape • Less durable than cotton |
Baby items, summer wear, activewear, eco-friendly projects |
Synthetic Fibers
| Fiber Type | Composition | Key Properties | Best Uses |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acrylic | Synthetic polymer | • Machine washable and dryable • Hypoallergenic • Lightweight and warm • Consistent quality • Can pill with wear • Less breathable than natural fibers |
Afghans, children’s items, charity knitting, beginner projects |
| Nylon | Synthetic polyamide | • Extremely strong and durable • Adds elasticity to blends • Resistant to abrasion • Quick drying • Can be less breathable • Often used in sock yarns |
Socks, reinforcement in heel/toe areas, activewear |
| Polyester | Synthetic polymer | • Wrinkle resistant • Colourfast • Quick drying • Maintains shape well • Can feel less natural • Good for specialty textures |
Home decor, outdoor items, novelty yarns, blends |
Blended Fibers
Many yarns combine different fibers to optimize properties, such as wool-nylon blends for sock durability or cotton-bamboo blends for softness and breathability.
Yarn Weight Classifications
| Weight Category | Number | Gauge (per 4”) | Needle Size (US) | Needle Size (mm) | Typical Uses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lace | 0 | 33-40 stitches | 000-1 | 1.5-2.25 | Lace shawls, doilies, delicate accessories |
| Super Fine/Fingering | 1 | 27-32 stitches | 1-3 | 2.25-3.25 | Fine knits, baby items, socks, lightweight shawls |
| Fine/Sport | 2 | 23-26 stitches | 3-6 | 3.25-4.0 | Light sweaters, baby blankets, lightweight accessories |
| Light/DK | 3 | 21-24 stitches | 6 | 4.0 | Light sweaters, blankets, toys, accessories |
| Medium/Worsted | 4 | 16-20 stitches | 7-9 | 4.5-5.5 | Sweaters, afghans, mittens, hats, scarves |
| Bulky | 5 | 12-15 stitches | 10-13 | 6.0-9.0 | Quick projects, chunky sweaters, rugs, heavy blankets |
| Super Bulky | 6 | 7-11 stitches | 15-17 | 10.0+ | Super quick projects, thick blankets, home decor |
| Jumbo | 7 | 6 or fewer stitches | 19+ | 15.0+ | Arm knitting, extreme chunky projects, statement pieces |
Yarn Textures and Constructions
| Construction Type | Description | Characteristics | Best Applications |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plied Yarns | Multiple singles twisted together | Balanced, round yarn, traditional construction | General knitting and crochet, even stitch definition |
| Single Ply | One continuous strand | Softer but less durable, can bias | Gentle projects, may require special handling |
| Chainette | Constructed like a crochet chain | Stretchy, springy texture | Projects requiring stretch, unique texture effects |
| Roving/Thick and Thin | Unspun or lightly spun fibers | Irregular, rustic texture | Artistic projects, rustic styling |
| Boucle | Looped construction | Nubby, textured surface | Textured garments, accent pieces |
| Eyelash/Fun Fur | Novelty with protruding fibers | Fuzzy or furry textures | Novelty projects, trim, children’s items |
| Ribbon/Tape | Flat, wide construction | Unique stitch appearance | Summer tops, bags, decorative elements |
| Metallic | Incorporates metallic threads | Sparkle and shine | Holiday items, evening wear, accent work |
Choosing Yarn for Different Projects
| Project Type | Primary Considerations | Recommended Fibers | Key Features to Look For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Garments | Drape, stretch, breathability, care requirements | Natural fibers (wool, cotton, silk) | Appropriate drape, comfort, washability |
| Accessories | Texture, colour, appropriate weight | Varies by function | Durability, visual appeal, comfort |
| Home Decor | Durability, washability, colour-fastness | Synthetic blends, cotton | Easy care, colour retention, wear resistance |
| Baby Items | Softness, hypoallergenic, easy care | Soft cotton, bamboo, baby-specific yarns | Machine washable, gentle on skin, safe |
| Gifts | Recipient preferences, care limitations | Consider recipient’s lifestyle | Easy care if needed, appropriate luxury level |
Popular Yarn Brands
| Price Category | Brand Name | Specialty | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Premium | Madelinetosh | Hand-dyed luxury yarns | Unique colourways, high-quality bases |
| Premium | Quince & Co | High-quality natural fibers | Sustainable sourcing, classic styling |
| Premium | Brooklyn Tweed | American wool specialists | Farm-to-needle traceability, natural colours |
| Premium | Malabrigo | Argentinian luxury yarns | Hand-dyed excellence, soft textures |
| Mid-Range | Cascade | Quality wool and blends | Reliable quality, wide colour range |
| Mid-Range | Berroco | Innovative blends and textures | Creative fiber combinations |
| Mid-Range | Universal Yarn | Sustainable and diverse options | Eco-friendly focus, varied weights |
| Mid-Range | Plymouth Yarn | Traditional and specialty yarns | Long-established quality, classic options |
| Budget-Friendly | Red Heart | Reliable acrylic workhorse | Consistent quality, widely available |
| Budget-Friendly | Lion Brand | Wide variety and availability | Extensive colour selection, accessibility |
| Budget-Friendly | Caron | Affordable synthetics and blends | Good value, beginner-friendly |
| Budget-Friendly | Patons | International brand consistency | Reliable quality across markets |
Yarn Care and Storage
Storage Solutions
- Climate Control: Keep in cool, dry conditions
- Pest Protection: Use cedar or lavender to deter moths
- Organization: Sort by weight, fiber, or project
- Protection: Store in breathable containers or bags
Preventing Damage
- Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading
- Don’t store in plastic bags long-term (can trap moisture)
- Handle skeins carefully to prevent tangling
- Keep sharp objects away from delicate fibers
Working with Different Yarn Types
Preparation Techniques
- Winding: Convert skeins to center-pull balls
- Swatching: Always create gauge swatches
- Joining: Learn appropriate joining methods for each fiber type
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Splitting: Use appropriate needle size and type
- Pooling: Understand how variegated yarns behave
- Pilling: Choose quality yarns and appropriate care methods
- Tangling: Use yarn bowls or proper storage methods
Sustainable and Ethical Considerations
Eco-Friendly Options
- Organic cotton and wool
- Recycled fibers
- Sustainably sourced bamboo
- Local and regional producers
Ethical Sourcing
- Fair trade certified yarns
- Mulesing-free wool
- Cruelty-free animal fibers
- Support small producers
Advanced Yarn Topics
Hand-Dyed vs. Mill-Dyed
Understanding the differences in colour consistency and variation patterns.
Yarn Substitution
How to successfully substitute yarns while maintaining project integrity.
Custom Dyeing
Basic techniques for dyeing your own yarns.
Spinning Your Own
Introduction to creating yarn from raw fibers.
Care Instructions by Fiber Type
| Fiber Type | Washing Method | Water Temp | Drying Method | Special Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wool | Hand wash preferred | Cool water | Lay flat to dry | Use wool-specific detergents, store with moth protection |
| Cotton | Machine washable | Warm to hot | Machine dry or hang | May shrink on first wash, iron on appropriate settings |
| Silk | Hand wash or dry clean | Cool water | Lay flat, avoid direct sun | Use gentle detergents, may water spot |
| Alpaca | Hand wash only | Cool water | Lay flat to dry | Very gentle handling, reshape while damp |
| Cashmere | Hand wash or dry clean | Cool water | Lay flat to dry | Minimal agitation, store carefully to prevent moths |
| Synthetic | Machine washable | Follow label | Machine dry low heat | May attract static, pills more than natural fibers |
| Blends | Follow most delicate fiber | Cool to warm | Method for most delicate component | Consider all fiber components in care |
Final Tips for Fiber Arts Success
- Match Yarn to Pattern: Always check the pattern recommendations for yarn weight and fiber content to ensure proper fit and drape.
- Test Before Committing: Swatch, wash, and block before starting major projects, this prevents surprises later.
- Document Your Projects: Keep notes on yarn brands, hook or needle sizes, and results. It’s a helpful reference for future creations.
- Join a Community: Whether online or local, fiber arts communities offer inspiration, support, and answers to tricky questions.
- Experiment and Have Fun: Don’t be afraid to try new textures, fibers, and techniques, some of the most beautiful results come from bold experimentation.
Where to Buy Yarn in Canada
If you’re in Canada, you’re in luck, there are many great options both online and locally to support your fiber arts journey:
- YXE Creations Craft Hub – Your local source for premium and budget-friendly yarns, accessories, and support (Saskatoon-based).
- Etsy Canada – Great for hand-dyed yarns and indie dyers.
- We Are Knitters – Offers full kits and ethically-sourced materials.
- YarnCanada.ca – Wide range of brands and weights with nationwide shipping.
- Local Yarn Shops (LYS) – Always worth exploring for personal guidance and tactile selection.
Whether you’re a beginner selecting your first skein or a seasoned fiber artist diving into luxury blends, knowing your materials empowers you to craft with confidence and creativity. The world of yarn is vast, vibrant, and endlessly inspiring, happy stitching!