Knitters and kittens alike both love yarn. The process of twisting fibers together to make yarn is called “spinning.” Yarn can be made from any combination of natural and synthetic fibers. Some are soft, fuzzy, or thick, while others are thin, smooth, and strong. Metallic yarns have become very popular in recent years as well.
Yarn comes in different weights or thicknesses. The terms “worsted” and “aran” are used to describe the type of yarn, not the weight. Worsted refers to a specific type of yarn spun from wool fibers, while aran is an Irish term for general-purpose yarns of any fiber content or thickness.
Yarn is typically sold in skeins, hanks, or balls. A skein is a loop of yarn wrapped around two or more spools; it may have a center-pull to make unwinding faster and easier. A single-end yarn has a loose end that must be knotted to hold it together. This is used for items that need to be extra strong, such as lace shawls or afghans with intricate stitch patterns. A center-pull ball has a core inside the yarn that can be pulled out and rewound easily after use, much like a yoyo.
Yarn can be knit with the traditional knitting needle or crocheted using a hook. Knitting is typically done in rows, while crocheting may be worked in rounds or back and forth on a straight line.
If you’re looking for yarn that’s good for beginners, look no further than this guide on the best brands of yarn for knitting:
10. Celine Lin Mohair/Cashmere Yarn
This luxurious yarn is made with a blend of mohair and cashmere, which creates an extremely soft effect. It’s available in both solids and stripes, so it will easily match your favorite wardrobe pieces. This lightweight yarn has been hand-dyed to create unique variegated shades that you won’t find anywhere else. It’s easy to care for and machine washable, so it can be used for any project that you’re working on.
9. James C. Brett Chunky Yarn
Brett yarn is a good choice for beginners because it’s easy to work with. The stitch definition is clear, and the acrylic fiber resists pilling. It comes in a variety of colors that vary from light pastels to dark heathers. Brett yarn has been spun using an extra-long staple fiber, which makes it extra soft and warm.
8. Lion Brand Wool-Ease Yarn
With a name like Wool-Ease, it has to be good. And indeed, Lion Brand’s most popular yarn and bestseller is an excellent choice for beginners. It comes in many different color options as well as a range of weights (from worsted to chunky). A number of patterns are available for this yarn, as well.
7. Caron Simply Soft Yarn
Caron Simply Soft is a bulky yarn that’s great for beginners. It comes in 42 solid colors and variegated shades, so there are lots of options to choose from. The fiber content is 100% acrylic. This type of yarn may be used on any size of needles or hooks without splitting the strands. It is easy to knit and crocheted with, and the finished item will have a soft touch.
6. mYak Baby Yak Lace Yarn
This lace weight yarn is 100% yak fiber and has a beautiful sheen that makes it perfect for shawls, scarves, wraps, or sweaters. The hanks were dyed to order in small batches so there will be slight variations between hanks. It’s machine washable on the gentle cycle with cool water and should be air-dried. It comes in a wide range of beautiful colors, including violet, tweedy gray, deep teal blue, bright red-orange, and moss green.
5. Neighborhood Fiber Co. Logan Circle Studio Sock
This superwash merino wool blend is perfect for beginners. It’s relatively inexpensive, durable, and has a nice sheen to it. The Logan Circle Studio Sock yarn is easy to care for and comes in a range of colors from pastels to deep shades of purple or blue. Neighborhood Fiber Co. Logan Circle Studio Yarn is good for beginners because it’s easy to care for, inexpensive, and comes in a range of colors. This is a great option if you’re looking for something that will help make your project stand out. It’s made from 100% superwash merino and comes in an assortment of different colors. If you want to add some extra pizzazz, this is a perfect choice.
4. Purl Soho Tussock Yarn
Purl Soho Tussock yarn is a blend of wool and cotton fibers. It’s soft, easy to care for, and works up beautifully in both knitting and crochet projects alike. The colors are lovely, with a range of light pastels that will flatter any project you choose to work on.
3. Leading Men
The Leading Men Fiber Arts Show Stopper Gradient Set is a beautiful set of yarn that comes in a wide variety of colors. It’s made with 100% merino wool, making it soft and warm while also being machine-washable. The colorways are all gradients, meaning the lightest shade is at one end of the ball and the darkest is at the other. It’s great for traditional knitters but can also be used for more modern techniques such as double knitting, intarsia, and colorwork. The set comes with four balls of yarn that all fall within a similar color family to make it easy to mix and match. The set is a great deal at only $38 for the whole thing.
2. Lily Sugar ‘N Cream’
Lily Sugar ‘N Cream’s yarn has a soft feel, comes in many colors and is great for beginners. It’s easy to work with, which makes it perfect for newbies just learning the art of knitting. Plus, you’ll be able to knit up some great projects before you know it. You’ll just fall in love with this great yarn.
1. Cascade 220 Yarn
Cascade 220 is one of the most popular yarns for beginner knitters. The lightweight, worsted-weight acrylic/wool blend offers a wide array of bright colors and soft textures at an affordable price point. Available in skeins or balls, Cascade 220 comes in tons of colorways to suit almost any project.
Yarn is a great way to enjoy and express your creativity. Whether you’re knitting, crocheting or both at the same time, yarn will be your companion as you create beautiful pieces of art that can be worn by yourself or given away as gifts. Hopefully, this guide has helped answer any questions that you may have had about yarn. If you’re already a knitter or crocheter, what are your favorite brands of yarn to use? Feel free to share in the comments section below.