Yarn 101: Which Wool Should I Pick? 🧶

The yarn aisle is one of my favourite places in the whole world — but it can also be seriously confusing. Here's my friendly cheat-sheet to the most common yarn types and what they're best for.

Acrylic

Best for: beginners, plushies, blankets, anything you'll wash a lot.

Cheap, comes in every colour imaginable, and machine-washable. Brands like Stylecraft Special DK and Red Heart Super Saver are go-tos.

Cotton

Best for: washcloths, market bags, dishcloths, summer tops, amigurumi (stuffed toys).

Cotton has no stretch which makes amigurumi stitches look crisp and tidy. Slightly harder on your hands, but worth it.

Merino Wool

Best for: scarves, hats, mittens.

Soft, warm and a little bit fancy. Hand-wash only — don't put it in the washing machine or it'll shrink into a tiny felted potato. 🥔

Chenille / Velvet Yarn

Best for: super-cuddly plushies and pillows.

Looks gorgeous but slippery to work with, so save it for when you're more confident. Great for gifts!

Bamboo & Silk Blends

Best for: drapey shawls, fancy scarves.

Buttery soft and a little shiny. A treat for special projects.

Yarn weights — what do those numbers mean?

My top tip? Always read the ball band (that paper label around your yarn). It tells you the weight, the recommended hook size, and how to wash it.

Happy yarn-hunting! 🌈