Learn How to Choose the Right Yarn for Any Project by understanding fibers, weights, and textures to match your knitting or crochet needs.
Different types of yarn have different qualities that affect your project. Depending on its type, texture, thickness, and feel, the yarn you choose decides how your project will turn out. For example, the ply or thickness of the yarn will affect how soft or firm it feels, how clearly the stitches show, how the fabric drapes, and how easy or hard it is for you to knit or crochet. Here you will learn How to Choose the Right Yarn for Any Project.
How to Choose the Right Yarn for Any Project
Yarn color!
Art is all about your own style and what you create with your hands. It shows your skill and creativity. You can pick any color that feels right for your design, but once you get into the flow, you’ll notice that certain colors are harder to find—and those can be the ones that make your project go from good to great. Always remember, you look at a color before you touch the yarn. The best yarn for you is the one that comes in the color you truly love.
Yarn and your needle!
Choosing the right yarn depends on a few factors. The first thing to think about is how your yarn works with your needle or hook. In simple terms, smaller yarns usually go with smaller needles, and thicker yarns go with larger needles. As a beginner, you’ll probably find thicker yarns and bigger needles easier to handle. But as you gain more experience, you’ll sometimes need to mix things up—for example, using a thinner yarn with a larger needle. The best yarn is different for everyone, so don’t be afraid to try different types until you find what feels right for you.
Make a sample!
You’ve bought your yarn and you’re excited to start. Pause! Before you follow the pattern, check your tension (gauge). Once you jump in, it’s hard to fix—especially when the pattern needs many stitches per inch.
Your tension depends on three things: your needle or hook size, the yarn weight, and your own hand tension. If you experiment with different yarns, they won’t all give the same gauge, feel, or texture. Make a small swatch first to be sure everything works. Then start your project and shine.
Tip:
- If you get more stitches per inch than the pattern asks for, go up one needle/hook size and make another swatch.
- If you get fewer stitches per inch, go down one size and swatch again.
Test the two swatches and choose the one that matches the pattern best.
Material
The best yarn for any project depends on the fiber. For example, if you’re making a scarf, choose something soft like merino or cashmere. If you’re a beginner or making something simple like a washcloth, cotton yarn is a better choice. Don’t use expensive yarn for everyday projects—save those high-end fibers for special items. For daily knitting or crocheting, go with simple, affordable yarns. Always think about the material and what you’re making before you decide.
