Yarn fibres
What each fibre feels like, how to care for it and which yarns to compare.
- Fibres
- 14
- Families
- 3
The classics
Wool & animal fibres
Warm, elastic and breathable — the backbone of most knitwear.
Wool
109 yarnsWarm, elastic and forgiving — the classic knitting fibre
- Warm when damp
- Elastic
- Can felt
Merino
95 yarnsFine, soft wool that is comfortable next to the skin
- Soft on skin
- Often machine washable
- Great stitch definition
Alpaca
52 yarnsSilky, drapey and warmer than wool
- Very warm
- Drapey
- Soft halo
Silk
19 yarnsLustre, drape and strength
- Lustrous
- Drapey
- Strong
Mohair
18 yarnsAiry halo, lustre and strength from the Angora goat
- Light halo
- Held double
- Lustrous
Cashmere
8 yarnsExceptionally soft luxury fibre from cashmere goats
- Ultra soft
- Luxurious
- Delicate
Yak
3 yarnsRare down fibre, soft as cashmere
- Very warm
- Soft
- Rare
Plant fibres
Cool, crisp and breathable — made for summer and drape.
Cotton
95 yarnsCool, breathable and washable for summer knits
- Breathable
- Machine washable
- Crisp stitches
Bamboo
18 yarnsSilky, cool and soft plant-based yarn
- Silky
- Cool
- Drapey
Linen
11 yarnsCrisp, cool flax that softens with every wash
- Cool
- Softens over time
- Very strong
Viscose
1 yarnsPlant-based fibre with shine and drape
- Shiny
- Drapey
- Cool
Synthetics & blends
Strength, easy care and lower prices, often blended with natural fibres.
