Planning your next knitting project, but unsure which yarn would work best? The type of yarn you choose depends on what kind of piece or gift you’re crafting, and how much of an experienced knitter you are. As well as giving you access to a wide range of textures, colours and weights available, the type of wool you choose will help you craft beautiful pieces easily and neatly, no matter what you create next.
Best for Hats and Scarves: Wool
Thanks to its soft and cosy feel, wool is a very popular choice for beginner and experienced knitters alike. Because this type of yarn is soft and stretchy, it can be unpicked easily if you make a mistake and holds your pattern and purls well over time.
The flexibility of worsted yarn and wool means that it can also be dyed in a range of colours and patterns, making it a great choice for crafting unique gifts. However, woollen fibres can feel quite itchy on your skin, so it’s best to use this type of yarn for accessory projects like hats and scarves. If you’re unsure which type of wool would suit you or your loved one best, The Foundry Works offer a wide selection of hand-dyed, independent yarn with unique colourways and skeins.
Best for Thoughtful Gifts: Cashmere
If you’re planning on creating an extra special gift, cashmere is a great option. A slightly more expensive choice, this kind of yarn is incredibly soft and fine. Because of these super- comforting qualities, cashmere is the perfect choice for more experienced knitters looking to give a thoughtful handmade gift like a jumper or cardigan. Knitted cashmere has very fine threads, so is a more comfortable option than itchy wool and is light enough for both summer and winter. This also makes it a lovely yarn for clothing for babies or toddlers, keeping them the perfect temperature and giving you the chance to explore working with a finer material.
Best for Showstopping Knits: Merino Wool
Merino wool is one of the most eye-catching yarns out there because of both its softness and versatility. Most often used either for chunkier jumpers or scarves, merino wool is a slightly easier option to knit with, as its larger fibres can be easily untangled. For those knitters looking to take on an even bigger project, merino wool can be made into beautiful, warm blankets that act as real statement pieces.
If you’re looking for a finer knit that’ll stay soft even once it’s been washed, merino wool is also a good choice, so you can create a gift or piece of clothing that will last in perfect condition over the years.
Best for Experienced Knitters: Silk
Silk is slippery-soft and so can be harder to manoeuvre for beginners – many knitters note that this material snags easily, making irregularities in your knitting patterns more noticeable. While this means you might want to put the silk aside until you feel more confident, this more expensive material can help you create beautiful, unique clothes and gifts. Once you’ve mastered your knitting needles, silk is a very worthwhile type of yarn to look into. If you’re making something slightly more luxurious, silk is shiny, durable and feels expensive and luxe.
Best for Macrame: Hemp
If you’re looking for a knitting project that’s a little more adventurous, you could try crafting a more decorative piece. A newer material on the knitting scene, hemp is a sturdy natural fabric that is produced organically. Because of its durability and sturdiness, hemp is a great choice if you’re planning an alternative project, like a macrame potholder, bag or wall hanger. The thickness of hemp fibres makes them an easier option to experiment with, as they won’t lose their shape as easily as softer yarns.
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