How to choose the Perfect Yarn for Your Next Project : A Simple Guide from KnottedKnots
Share
Choosing yarn should feel exciting, not overwhelming. As the owner of KnottedKnots, I work with yarn every single day, so I know how confusing the different fibres, weights and textures can be — especially when you're just starting your knitting or crochet journey.
This guide will help you understand exactly what to look for so you can choose the perfect yarn for any project.
1. Start with the Fibre
Every fibre has its own personality. Here are the most popular types and what they're best for:
Wool
Warm and cosy, great for winter items.
Stretchy, durable, but can feel itchy for some skin types.
Merino Wool
My personal favourite.
Super soft, breathable, non-itchy and perfect for both baby and adult garments.
Browse our merino selection here: Merino Yarns
Cotton
Ideal for summer projects and amigurumi.
Non-irritating, strong, keeps its shape, but not very stretchy.
See cotton yarns here: Cotton Yarns
Acrylic
A budget-friendly and easy-care option.
Lightweight, washable and available in many colours, but less breathable than natural fibres. I try to stay away from artificial yarns due to their effect on their environment but that is for a different blog post ;)
Other
I only named a few available fibres but there are many more which you can discover in my shop however I will be making a post that will look into further details of all of them.
2. Understand Yarn Weight
Yarn weight simply means thickness. It tells you what size needles or hook to use and how the finished piece will look.
Most common yarn weights:
- Lace – delicate shawls
- Fingering / 4-ply – socks, baby clothes
- DK – perfect for beginners and very versatile
- Aran – warm hats and jumpers
- Chunky – fast, cosy projects
If you’re new to knitting or crochet, start with DK yarn, it is easy to work with when learning. Choosing yarn is difficult but every yarn has a label which tells you which size of needled or hook to use :)
3. Match the Yarn to the Project
Clothing
Choose soft fibres like merino or premium wool blends for maximum comfort.
Amigurumi
Cotton or cotton blends work best because they create firm stitches that hold their shape.
Winter Accessories
Aran, chunky, wool or merino give you warm, fluffy results.
4. Make a Swatch (It’s Worth It)
A quick swatch shows you:
- your gauge
- how the fabric feels
- whether it stretches or softens after washing
- if you need a different hook or needle size
A small 10-minute swatch can save hours of frustration. I say that now but trust me the amount of times I don't do a swatch and hope for the best definitely exceeds the amount of times I have actually done one :D
5. Think About Colour and Texture
Colour affects the final look:
- Light colours show stitch definition clearly
- Dark colours hide mistakes (and textures)
- Variegated yarn looks fun but can blur detailed stitch patterns
For beginners, solid or lightly speckled yarns work best.
6. Tips for Buying Yarn Online
When shopping for yarn online, always check:
- fibre content
- weight
- meterage/yardage
- recommended hook/needle size
- close-up photos
At KnottedKnots I always try to show true-to-life colours and clear texture photos, so you know exactly what you're getting however you can also check out my social medias where I show the yarns in everyday use so you can see the colours and textures clearer.
Final Thoughts
Choosing yarn doesn't have to be complicated. Once you understand fibre, weight and colour, you’ll naturally know what each project needs.
If you ever need help selecting yarn, feel free to message me — I’m always happy to guide you.