Types of Yarn: Weights, Fibers, and How to Choose

TL;DR: “Types of yarn” usually means two different things — weight (thickness: lace through jumbo) and fiber (wool, cotton, acrylic, blends, and specialty fibers). Start with the Craft Yarn Council weight symbol on the label, then match fiber to the project’s care, drape, and warmth needs (Craft Yarn Council).
By: YarnCompass Editorial Team
Published: 2026-10-24

Quick answer

Types of yarn by weight

Yarn weight is thickness, not how heavy a skein feels in your hand. The Craft Yarn Council uses numbered symbols from 0 (lace) to 7 (jumbo) (Craft Yarn Council).

Worsted (#4) is the most common “default” for beginners. See our beginner yarn guide and full weight chart.

Types of yarn by fiber

Animal fibers

• Wool — elastic, warm, great for garments; may need hand wash unless superwash.
• Merino — fine wool; soft next-to-skin options; compare merino vs acrylic.
• Alpaca — warm and drapey; less springy than wool.
• Mohair — fluffy halo; often held double with a companion yarn.
• Silk — shine and strength; often blended.

Plant fibers

• Cotton — sturdy, cool, great for dishcloths and summer tops; less stretch than wool.
• Linen / hemp — crisp, softens with washing; warm-weather garments.
• Bamboo / rayon from bamboo — soft drape; follow care labels closely.

Synthetic and blends

• Acrylic — affordable, widely available, often machine washable; strong beginner choice.
• Nylon / polyamide — added to sock yarns for durability.
• Blends — combine strengths (e.g. wool+nylon socks, cotton+acrylic dishcloths).

Types of yarn for crochet

Crocheters often prefer yarns that show stitch definition: smooth, plied worsted or DK cotton and acrylic are popular for amigurumi, garments, and home goods. Fuzzy or highly variegated yarns hide stitches — fine once you’re comfortable reading fabric. Weight still follows the same CYC symbols; match hook size to the pattern gauge, not only the label’s suggested range.

How to choose a type (YarnCompass checklist)

1. Read the weight symbol and recommended needle/hook range.
2. Read fiber % and care symbols.
3. Check yardage per skein so you buy enough of one dye lot.
4. Compare price per yard, not just skein price — deal search.
5. If substituting, match weight + gauge first (substitution guide).

FAQ

What are the main types of yarn?

Most shoppers mean yarn weights (lace to jumbo) and fibers (wool, cotton, acrylic, blends). Construction (plied, single-ply, bouclé) is a third “type” that affects texture and stitch visibility.

What type of yarn is best for beginners?

Smooth, light-colored, plied worsted (#4) acrylic or wool blend. Details: best yarn for beginners.

What type of yarn is best for blankets?

Worsted or bulky acrylic, wool blends, or cotton blends depending on washability and weight. Compare prices with deal search filtered by weight.

Is yarn type the same as yarn weight?

No. Weight = thickness category. Type often also means fiber or texture. Always check both on the ball band.

Sources

• Craft Yarn Council yarn weight system: https://www.craftyarncouncil.com/standards/yarn-weight-system
• YarnCompass weight chart, substitution, and fiber guides linked above

Yarns to price-check on YarnCompass

Compare yarn prices on YarnCompass → · Yarn weight chart · Deal search