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We’ve all been there - standing in front of a mountain of yarn, unsure of what to choose. It’s like picking a companion for your project - you want the right one that’ll see you through the fiddly bits, the frogging, and the final flourish. But don’t worry - with a few simple guidelines, you’ll be picking yarn like a pro in no time.
Whether you’re casting on your first jumper or plotting a lace shawl that’ll take you all winter, this guide will help you choose the perfect yarn for the job.
1. Understand Your Project
Before you even start browsing for yarn, think about what you’re making. Different types of projects call for different kinds of yarn, and the right choice can make a huge difference to the finished piece - and your enjoyment along the way.
What’s the project type?
If you’re making a delicate lace shawl, a finer, lightweight yarn like our Number 1 is ideal - smooth, soft, and perfect for showing off detail. If it’s a chunky cardigan you want to live in all season, something with a bit more body, like Gwlad, is a better fit.
What weight should you choose?
Yarn weights refer to how thick the yarn is - and that affects everything from the look and feel of your project to how long it takes to knit. Here’s a quick refresher:
You might also come across some of the more unusual in-between weights, like cobweb, light fingering, heavy sport, chunky-light, jumbo. These don’t have strict definitions, so if in doubt, swatch and see what works best for your project. The heavier weights especially get a bit blurry in their definitions.
Check your pattern first - most will suggest a specific weight. If you’re going off-piste, try to swatch with a few options before you commit.
2. Choosing the Right Fibre
Next, think about what the yarn is made from - because the fibre content plays a big role in how your finished piece feels, wears, and behaves.
Wool, wool, glorious wool
Naturally, we’re a bit wool-obsessed. (Alright, very wool-obsessed.) It’s breathable, biodegradable, endlessly versatile, and just plain lovely to work with. Our certified organic, breed specific yarns - from Manx Loaghtan to Shetland - each bring their own unique character, whether it’s bounce, softness, or a bit of rustic charm.
What about other fibres?
While wool is firmly our wheelhouse, there’s a whole world of other fibres out there. We may not spin them ourselves, but we fully support a fibre-curious life.
Plant-based fibres like cotton, linen, and bamboo offer cool, breathable options - great for summer garments, folks with wool sensitivities, or vegan knitters. Linen brings crispness and drape, cotton is soft and sturdy, and bamboo has a silky sheen and beautiful drape (though it can be a bit slippery on the needles).
On the animal side, you’ve got some real luxury options. Think alpaca, mohair, cashmere, silk, and angora - each with their own distinct feel. Alpaca is smooth and warm with a gentle halo, mohair adds fluff and lustre, and cashmere… well, you know. It's like knitting with a cloud (a very posh cloud). Silk adds shine and strength, while angora offers a lightweight, downy softness.
There are plenty of more unusual fibres out there too - yak, camel, even possum. The key is to think about what kind of feel and function you want in your finished piece - then match the fibre to the job.
Whatever you choose, take a moment to consider how it’s been produced. Not all fibres are created equal - and like wool, plant and luxury fibres can vary wildly in terms of ethics and sustainability.
3. Texture and Appearance
Now, onto the look and feel of your yarn. Texture can be just as important as colour when it comes to the overall effect of your project.
Smooth vs. rustic
Smooth, worsted-spun yarns give excellent stitch definition - perfect for intricate lace or cables. More rustic woollen-spun yarns have a loftier texture and a bit more visual depth. Each has its place - it all depends on the story you want your project to tell.
Dyed vs. undyed
Undyed yarn lets the natural beauty of the wool take centre stage - it’s subtle, timeless, and pairs beautifully with textured stitches. If you’re after something punchier, a dyed shade in one of our exclusive colours might be the way to go. (We won’t judge if you want a bit of both.)
Let one thing be the main character
When thinking about how your finished project will look, we always suggest picking one standout feature to lead the way:
⠀Let one of these take the spotlight, and let the other two play a supporting role. That way, your knit has clarity and confidence. Want to push it further? More advanced makers might enjoy choosing two - but tread carefully, or things can start to clash.
4. Practical Considerations
It’s not just about aesthetics - a few practical details can save you a lot of frustration later on.
Budget
Good yarn is an investment, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. Think about cost per project, not per skein, and choose a yarn that fits your needs. Our undyed bundles are a great way to get started with breed-specific wool without going all-in on a jumper quantity straight away.
Care instructions
Always check how the yarn needs to be cared for - especially if it’s a gift. Most of our yarns are hand wash only, but the effort is worth it. A bit of gentle soaking goes a long way.
Stock and availability
Make sure you’ve got enough yarn for your whole project before you cast on. Especially with limited editions like our recent Botanical Collection, once it’s gone, it’s gone - and dye lots can vary even within our naturally dyed yarns.
Conclusion: A Simple Way to Get It Right
Choosing the right yarn doesn’t have to be complicated. Start with your project, think about fibre, texture, and structure, and consider what you want to stand out. If you’re ever unsure, just ask yourself: What’s the main character here? Is it the texture, the colour, or the silhouette?
Let that lead the way, and keep the other elements a bit quieter. That little bit of thought at the start will make your finished project sing.
And if you’re still feeling unsure, we’re always happy to help. Drop us a message, or browse our collections to see what catches your eye. We’ve got yarns full of personality, ready to bring your next idea to life - one stitch at a time.