Different Types of Yarn | A Complete Guide to Yarn Types

A yarn is a continuous strand of twisted textile fibers and is used in weaving and knitting. The majority of the textile materials are made with yarns.

Yarns are available in various sizes and textures and have many characteristics. The performance, end-use, and care of the fabric depending on the yarn characteristics.

In this article, we have covered all the different types of yarn. Pictures of the yarns will help you to get some idea of the texture and quality of different yarns.

Types of yarns

Yarns are actually different fibers spun together like strands. There are different types of yarns available to create various types of textiles.

Yarns come from 3 origins:

1. Plant Origin
2. Animal Origin
3. Synthetic

1. Plant origin yarns

Cotton yarn

Cotton yarn is extracted from the cotton plants, grown widely in warm climates. The biggest producers of cotton are India, the USA, and China. A cotton yarn keeps the body cool and is breathable and is ideal to knit summer wear.

Bamboo yarn

Bamboo fiber is a natural fiber, obtained from a bamboo plant. It is soft and has anti-bacterial properties. The good flow of the fabric makes it ideal for draping. It makes a light breathable fabric, which makes it an excellent pick for summer wear.

Hemp yarn

Hemp is a delightful natural fiber. It is silky soft and pretty sturdy for stitching. Hemp is thus the perfect choice for making sweaters, coats, and socks. Each plant of hemp produces more fiber compared to that of a cotton plant. So, hemp is cheaper when compared to cotton. Hemp is widely used in macrame.

2. Animal origin yarns

Wool

Wool is made from the fleece of sheep.  It is the most popular pick for beginner knitters. It is best suited to make winter wear. However, few people can feel itchiness while wearing wool.

Silk yarn

Silk yarn is extracted from silkworms, fed on mulberry leaves. Silk is also expensive, as the quantity extracted from a single worm is too less and it is a tedious process. Silk is world-renowned for its shine and majestic flow. It is a slippery fabric, making it unsuitable for knitting.

Merino yarn

Merino yarn is a type of wool extracted from a special breed of sheep called the Merino Sheep. Merino yarn is famous for its softness and non-allergic properties. However, the threads of merino can collect a fuzz on the fabric called “piling”. Still, Merino is the most popular choice for knitting winter wear.

Cashmere yarn

Cashmere is a very soft and mushy wool, extracted from Cashmere goats. The extraction process of Cashmere from the Cashmere goats is quite tedious. The wool has to be combed and collected and hence requires a lot of time and extensive manual work. Also, the amount of fiber collected per animal is quite less. So, it is a very exclusive and expensive type of wool.

3. Synthetic yarns

Polyester:

Polyester is made from a blend of plant extract and synthetic chemicals. It is used in making clothing items and other products like furniture, mousepads, linen, etc. When blended with cotton, polyester makes the fabric stronger, and wrinkle-free.

Rayon yarn:

Rayon yarn is a manufactured fiber, from the pulp of wood. However, wood is a natural substance, but the chemical process used for the processing of the pulp makes it a semi-synthetic fiber. Rayon is a breathable yarn, ideal for summer wear.

Novelty yarn:

Novelty yarn is available in various colors and textures, making the fabric more appealing and interesting. It comes in various types like Chenille, with a smooth and velvety touch, Boucle which is loopy, and fluffy Faux fur and railroad ribbon.

Closing words

Choose the yarn that is best suited to your project. It is entirely your choice to select the best and cheap yarn in Australia for a knit piece.