The yarn index
Know your yarn.
Everything you need to choose the right yarn for your project — from fibre types and weights to care, texture, and what works best for crochet.
Where to start
Yarn can feel overwhelming when you're starting out. There are hundreds of fibres, weights, and brands — and the wrong choice can make a project frustrating rather than joyful. This guide breaks it all down simply, so you can shop and stitch with confidence.
Fibre types
The fibre a yarn is made from affects everything — how it feels, how it wears, how it washes, and how it behaves on the hook.
The most popular natural fibre for good reason. Merino is soft against skin, has beautiful drape, and comes in a huge range of colours. It's warm, breathable, and a joy to work with. Look for superwash merino if you want machine-washable projects.
Best for: Garments, shawls, baby items
Cotton is smooth, strong, and holds its shape well. It has no stretch, which makes it ideal for structured items like bags and dishcloths. It's also breathable and great for warm-weather projects. Can be harder on the hands for long sessions.
Best for: Bags, home goods, summer tops
Modern acrylics have come a long way. They're machine washable, colourfast, and incredibly affordable — making them ideal for gifts, children's items, and large projects like blankets. Quality varies widely, so feel before you buy.
Best for: Blankets, toys, everyday items
Alpaca is incredibly soft, warmer than wool, and has a beautiful natural lustre. It has less elasticity than wool, so it's best blended or used in projects that benefit from drape. Baby alpaca is the softest grade.
Best for: Scarves, cowls, luxury accessories
Plant-based fibres like linen and bamboo are breathable, sustainable, and get softer with every wash. They have a lovely drape but little stretch. Ideal for warm-weather garments and home accessories.
Best for: Summer garments, dishcloths, market bags
Mohair comes from the Angora goat and creates a beautiful halo effect. It's often held alongside another yarn to add texture and warmth. Kid mohair is the finest and softest grade. Not ideal for beginners as it's difficult to frog.
Best for: Layered garments, shawls, textured pieces
Yarn weights
Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn. It affects the size of hook you'll use, how quickly a project works up, and the drape of the finished piece.
Very fine yarn for delicate shawls and intricate stitch work. Slow to work up but creates beautiful, lightweight fabric.
Fine yarn popular for socks, lightweight garments, and detailed colourwork. Great stitch definition.
The most versatile weight. Works for almost anything — garments, accessories, baby items, and home goods. A great starting point.
A satisfying medium weight that works up quickly. Ideal for blankets, jumpers, and accessories. Very beginner-friendly.
Fast and satisfying to work with. Great for cosy blankets, scarves, and home décor. Visible stitches make it easy to learn.
The quickest projects of all. Dramatic, cosy, and great for beginners wanting fast results. Ideal for chunky blankets and baskets.
Tips for buying yarn
Always check the dye lot
If you need multiple skeins of the same colour, buy them all at once from the same dye lot. Even subtle differences between lots are visible in a finished piece.
Feel it before you buy
If you can, always touch yarn before purchasing. What looks soft online can feel scratchy in person. Your hands will be working with it for hours.
Read the ball band
The ball band tells you the fibre content, weight, recommended hook size, meterage, and care instructions. It's the most important label in your stash.
Buy a little more than you need
Running out of yarn mid-project is one of the most frustrating experiences in crochet. Always buy an extra skein — you can always use it for something else.
Ready to start making?
Head to the blog for project ideas, pattern recommendations, and honest yarn reviews.