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Choosing the right yarn is half the job. Here is an overview of the most common fiber types and what they are best suited for.
Sheep wool is the most widely used fiber in knitting. It is naturally temperature-regulating and can absorb significant moisture without feeling wet.
Extra fine wool from Merino sheep. The fibers are thinner and crimpier than regular wool, making it extremely soft against the skin.
Fiber from alpacas contains no lanolin (wool fat), making it hypoallergenic. It is significantly warmer than sheep wool.
Fiber from Angora goats. Known for its luster and "halo" (fuzzy surface). Often blended with silk or wool.
Plant-based fiber that is durable and breathable. It has no elasticity, making it firm to knit with.
Made from the stalks of the flax plant. One of the oldest textile fibers, it becomes softer and finer with use and washing.
Produced from the cocoon of the silkworm. One of the strongest natural fibers with a fantastic luster.
Wool can itch depending on the fiber's micron count (thickness). Thicker fibers itch more because they poke the skin, while fine fibers like Merino wool bend and feel soft. Some people are also sensitive to lanolin, the natural fat in wool.
Superwash is wool that has been chemically treated or coated with a thin polymer to prevent the fibers from felting. This allows the yarn to be machine-washed without shrinking, but it loses some of its natural breathability and self-cleaning properties.
It is possible, but remember that cotton and wool behave very differently. Cotton lacks elasticity, so a cotton garment will easily sag and lose its shape if the pattern was designed for wool. Cotton also breathes differently and doesn't warm when wet.
Blend yarns combine multiple fiber types to utilize the best of both worlds. For example, a blend of wool and nylon provides a yarn that is warm but also highly durable (perfect for socks). Silk and mohair are often blended to provide luster and strength to the fuzzy mohair.