Your Complete Guide to Wool Yarn
Wool is the most popular natural fiber for knitting and crochet for good reason. It is warm, elastic, forgiving to work with, and comes in an enormous range of weights, textures, and colors. This guide covers the main wool types, what makes wool different from other fibers, how to care for finished projects, and how to pick the right yarn for what you want to make.
In this guide
- What is wool yarn?
- Types of wool yarn
- Wool yarn weight chart
- Best wool yarn for knitting
- Wool yarn for crochet
- Wool yarn vs other fibers
- Wool and skin sensitivity
- Wool yarn care
- Colors and dye styles
- Brands we carry
- Project ideas
- Buying in bulk
- Natural, organic, and recycled wool
- FAQ
What Is Wool Yarn?
Wool yarn is spun from the fleece of sheep. Yarn from other animals like alpacas, goats, and rabbits is technically a separate fiber category (alpaca, mohair, cashmere, angora), although they are often blended with wool. The properties that make sheep's wool so popular include natural elasticity, an excellent warmth to weight ratio, moisture wicking, and a "memory" that helps fabric hold its shape after stretching.
Wool is also naturally flame resistant, odor resistant, and biodegradable. It is a renewable resource because sheep grow a new fleece every year. These qualities have kept wool at the center of textile production for thousands of years, and they are the same reasons hand knitters, crocheters, and weavers keep reaching for it today.
Types of Wool Yarn
The breed of sheep, the processing method, and the spinning technique all affect how the finished yarn feels and performs. Here is a quick comparison of the most common types you will encounter.
| Type | Softness | Best for | Notable lines |
|---|---|---|---|
| Merino | Very soft | Next to skin garments, shawls, baby items | Malabrigo Rios, Cascade 220 Superwash Merino |
| Superwash wool | Soft to medium | Socks, baby clothes, everyday sweaters | Cascade 220 Superwash, Malabrigo Rios |
| Non superwash wool | Variable | Colorwork, felting, structured garments | Cascade 220, Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride |
| Icelandic (Lopi) | Rustic | Traditional yoke sweaters, outerwear | Lettlopi, Alafosslopi, Plotulopi |
| Shetland | Springy, slightly rough | Fair Isle and stranded colorwork | Jamieson's of Shetland Spindrift |
| Wool blends | Depends on blend | Durability (nylon), drape (silk), softness (alpaca) | Berroco Vintage, Malabrigo Silkpaca |
| Chunky / super bulky | Lofty | Quick hats, cowls, blankets | Malabrigo Rasta, Lamb's Pride Bulky |
Merino
Merino is the finest and softest wool widely available. It comes from Merino sheep, and the fibers are thin enough to wear comfortably against the skin. Merino is the go to choice for sweaters, shawls, socks, and baby items. Many of our best sellers, including lines from Malabrigo and Cascade, are spun from Merino or Superwash Merino.
Superwash wool
Superwash wool has been treated to prevent felting and shrinking in the washing machine. It is the most practical option for items that need regular washing. Cascade 220 Superwash and Malabrigo Rios are two of the most popular options we carry.
Non superwash (untreated) wool
Untreated wool retains all of the fiber's natural properties, including its ability to felt. Many knitters prefer it for the loftier hand, better stitch definition, and the way it blooms after washing. Cascade 220, Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride, and Lopi Lettlopi are classic non superwash options.
Icelandic wool (Lopi)
Lopi comes from a breed of sheep that produces two types of fiber: a long, strong outer coat and a soft, insulating inner coat. Lopi yarn is spun from both together, creating a lightweight, incredibly warm fiber that has been used in traditional Icelandic sweaters for centuries.
Shetland wool
Shetland is a springy, lightweight wool with great warmth. It is the traditional yarn for Fair Isle colorwork because the fibers stick together (making stranded knitting easier) and it comes in a gorgeous range of natural and dyed colors. Jamieson's of Shetland is the classic brand.
Wool blends
Blended yarns combine wool with other fibers for specific performance benefits. Wool/nylon blends add durability (ideal for socks). Wool/silk blends add drape and sheen. Wool/alpaca blends add softness and warmth. Wool/cotton blends work well for transitional season garments.
Chunky and super bulky wool
Chunky and super bulky wool knit up fast on large needles. They are popular for quick gift projects like hats, cowls, blankets, and home decor. Malabrigo Rasta and Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Bulky are favorites in this category.
Wool Yarn Weight Chart
Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the strand, not the weight of the skein. Here is a quick reference for matching yarn weight, needle size, and common projects.
| Yarn weight | Standard label | Suggested needle | Suggested hook | Typical projects |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lace | 0 | US 0 to 3 (2.0 to 3.25 mm) | 1.5 to 2.25 mm | Lace shawls, doilies |
| Fingering / Sock | 1 | US 1 to 3 (2.25 to 3.25 mm) | 2.25 to 3.5 mm | Socks, lightweight shawls |
| Sport | 2 | US 3 to 5 (3.25 to 3.75 mm) | 3.5 to 4.5 mm | Baby items, light sweaters |
| DK | 3 | US 5 to 7 (3.75 to 4.5 mm) | 4.5 to 5.5 mm | Light sweaters, hats, blankets |
| Worsted | 4 | US 7 to 9 (4.5 to 5.5 mm) | 5.5 to 6.5 mm | Sweaters, hats, scarves, blankets |
| Aran | 4 | US 8 to 10 (5.0 to 6.0 mm) | 6.0 to 7.0 mm | Cabled sweaters, warm accessories |
| Bulky | 5 | US 10 to 11 (6.0 to 8.0 mm) | 7.0 to 9.0 mm | Thick hats, cowls, throws |
| Super bulky | 6 | US 11 to 17 (8.0 to 12.0 mm) | 9.0 to 15.0 mm | Quick blankets, chunky scarves |
| Jumbo | 7 | US 17+ (12.0 mm+) | 15.0 mm+ | Arm knit blankets, statement decor |
Best Wool Yarn for Knitting
The best choice depends on what you are making.
- Sweaters and cardigans:Â A worsted or DK weight gives the best balance of warmth, stitch definition, and drape. Malabrigo Rios (worsted, superwash), Berroco Vintage (worsted), and Brown Sheep Nature Spun Worsted are all excellent.
- Socks: A fingering weight superwash wool/nylon blend stands up to wear and washing. Malabrigo Sock, Malabrigo Ultimate Sock, and Lang Jawoll are top picks.
- Hats and accessories:Â Worsted to bulky in superwash or non superwash, depending on preference. Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride Worsted and Cascade 220 are go to options with huge color ranges.
- Colorwork: Non superwash with good grip, like Lopi Lettlopi or Jamieson's of Shetland Spindrift, makes stranded knitting much easier because the fibers cling together slightly.
- Lace:Â Lace weight or wool/silk blends like Malabrigo Lace and Malabrigo Silkpaca create lightweight, airy fabrics with beautiful drape.
Wool Yarn for Crochet
Wool works beautifully for crochet. Its elasticity makes it comfortable to work with over long sessions, and it produces fabric with excellent drape and warmth.
- Worsted and DKÂ are the most versatile weights for crochet blankets, amigurumi, and garments.
- Superwash is practical for blankets and baby items that will be washed frequently.
- Non superwash is great for bags and accessories because it can be lightly felted for added structure.
- Bulky and super bulky work well for fast crochet projects like chunky scarves and pillow covers.
Most of the yarns in our wool collection work equally well for knitting and crochet. The best pick is really about matching the weight and fiber content to your project.
Wool Yarn vs Cotton, Alpaca, and Acrylic
Fiber choice changes how a project feels, how it holds its shape, and how it performs in different weather. Here is how wool compares to the other most common knitting fibers.
| Fiber | Warmth | Elasticity | Stitch definition | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wool | High | High | Good | Cold weather garments, socks, hats |
| Cotton | Low | Very low | Crisp | Summer tops, dishcloths, market bags |
| Alpaca | Very high | Low | Soft, slightly fuzzy | Drapey shawls, warm accessories |
| Acrylic | Medium | Medium | Medium | Budget projects, charity knitting, washable items |
| Wool/cotton blend | Medium | Medium | Good | Transitional season garments |
Wool is warm, elastic, and has great memory. It springs back into shape, which makes it ideal for ribbing, cables, and garments that need structure. Cotton is cool, smooth, and has almost no stretch. It produces crisp stitch definition and gets softer with every wash. Wool/cotton blends like Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece split the difference.
Wool and Skin Sensitivity
Some people experience itching or irritation when wearing wool against their skin. This is usually a reaction to the coarser fibers in certain wool types rather than a true allergy (actual wool allergies are rare).
If you are sensitive, try fine Merino or Superwash Merino first. The fibers are thin enough that they bend against the skin rather than poking into it. Malabrigo lines, spun from soft Merino, are a good test. Wool/silk and wool/alpaca blends also tend to feel softer.
For people who truly cannot wear wool at all, we carry yarn in cotton, alpaca, silk, bamboo, and acrylic that offer some of the same properties without the irritation.
Wool Yarn Care
Proper care keeps wool projects looking their best.
Non superwash wool
Hand wash in cool water with a gentle wool wash (like Eucalan or Soak). Do not agitate, twist, or wring. These cause felting. Gently squeeze out water, roll in a towel, and lay flat to dry. Never put non superwash wool in the dryer.
Superwash wool
Machine wash on a gentle or delicate cycle in cool water. Lay flat to dry, or tumble dry on low if the yarn label permits. Superwash will not felt, but high heat can still damage it.
General tips
- Store wool projects folded, not hung, since hanging stretches knitted fabric.
- Cedar blocks or lavender sachets help deter moths.
- Use a fabric comb or sweater shaver to remove pills. Pilling is normal and does not mean the yarn is low quality.
- Most wool garments actually look better after a few washes as the fibers bloom and fill in.
Wool Yarn Colors
Wool takes dye exceptionally well. Our collection includes:
- Solid colors:Â Hundreds of options across all brands. Cascade 220 alone comes in over 100 colors.
- Hand dyed and kettle dyed: Malabrigo is known for rich, complex colorways with subtle tonal variation. Round Mountain Fiber and La Bien Aimee offer hand dyed options as well.
- Variegated and self striping: Noro yarns are famous for long color gradients. Cascade 220 Superwash Effects offers bold multicolor options.
- Undyed and natural:Â Available in natural whites, creams, grays, and browns. Great for dyeing yourself or for projects where you want the wool's natural character to show.
Use the color filter on this page to narrow down the selection.
Wool Yarn Brands We Carry
We stock yarn from over 50 brands. Here are some of the most popular.
- Malabrigo: Hand dyed in Uruguay. Incredibly soft Merino in rich, complex colorways. Available in every weight from lace to super bulky. Our top seller.
- Cascade: Based in Portland, Oregon. The Cascade 220 line (worsted, sport, fingering, and superwash) is one of the best selling wool yarns in the world. Great value, huge color range.
- Brown Sheep: Made in Nebraska. Lamb's Pride (worsted and bulky) and Nature Spun (fingering, sport, worsted) are American classics. Wool/mohair blends with beautiful halo.
- Berroco: The Vintage line (wool/acrylic/nylon blend) is one of the most versatile and affordable yarns we carry. Machine washable with the hand of wool.
- Lopi: Icelandic wool in unspun (Plotulopi), lightly spun (Lettlopi), and plied (Alafosslopi) options. Nothing else matches it for traditional Icelandic sweater construction.
- Noro: Japanese brand known for stunning long repeat color gradients in wool and wool blend yarns.
- Round Mountain Fiber: Small batch, hand dyed yarn from a Montana based dyer. Beautiful colorways on Merino and Merino blend bases.
- Lang: Swiss brand with a wide range of sock yarns, including the popular Jawoll line.
What to Make With Wool Yarn
Wool's versatility means it works for nearly any project.
- Sweaters, cardigans, and pullovers (worsted, DK, or sport weight)
- Socks (fingering weight, ideally with nylon for durability)
- Hats, mittens, and scarves (worsted to bulky weight)
- Blankets and throws (worsted to super bulky)
- Shawls and wraps (lace, fingering, or sport weight)
- Baby items (superwash for easy care)
- Amigurumi and toys (worsted weight, non superwash for structure)
- Woven fabric (yarn on cones for weaving is in our weaving yarn collection)
Buying Wool Yarn in Bulk
For a large project or a stash purchase, a few things matter.
- Buy enough at once. Dye lots vary between production runs, and even small differences can show in finished fabric. Check your pattern's yardage requirements and buy an extra skein as insurance.
- Cones are available for weaving and machine knitting in our cones collection. Cones offer better per yard pricing for large yardage projects.
- International shipping is available, including to Australia, Canada, the UK, and more. See our shipping policy for details.
Natural, Organic, and Recycled Wool Yarn
Natural wool yarn
Natural refers to yarn that has not been dyed. It comes in the natural colors of the fleece, which range from bright white to cream, silver gray, brown, and charcoal depending on the breed. Natural shades are popular for dyeing projects and for knitters who appreciate the character of undyed fiber.
Organic wool yarn
Organic wool comes from sheep raised under certified organic standards: no synthetic pesticides, no routine antibiotics, and pasture based management. Some of our brands offer organic or responsibly sourced options. Check individual product descriptions for fiber origin and certifications.
Recycled wool yarn
Recycled wool is made from post consumer or post industrial wool that has been broken down and re spun. It diverts textile waste from landfills and requires less water and energy than producing virgin wool. The hand is often a bit more rustic, but it performs well and appeals to makers who prioritize sustainability. Availability varies by season.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the softest wool yarn?
Merino is the softest widely available type. Fine and extra fine Merino fibers are thin enough to bend against the skin rather than poke into it, which is why it is the standard for next to skin garments and baby items.
What is the difference between superwash and non superwash wool?
Superwash has been treated to prevent felting and shrinking in the washing machine. Non superwash retains the natural surface of the fiber, giving better stitch definition and the ability to felt or full a fabric on purpose.
Is wool yarn good for beginners?
Yes. Wool is forgiving because it has natural elasticity and grip, which makes mistakes easier to fix and stitches less likely to slip off the needle. A smooth worsted weight in a light solid color is the easiest learning yarn.
Can you machine wash wool yarn?
Only if the yarn label says superwash or machine washable. Non superwash wool will felt and shrink in the washing machine. When in doubt, hand wash in cool water with a no rinse wool wash and lay flat to dry.
What is the best wool yarn for socks?
Fingering weight superwash with a small percentage of nylon (typically 75/25) is the standard sock yarn because the nylon adds durability at the heel and toe. Popular picks include Malabrigo Sock, Malabrigo Ultimate Sock, and Lang Jawoll.
Wool yarn vs cotton yarn: which is better?
Wool is warm, elastic, and has memory, which makes it the better choice for cold weather garments, socks, and anything that needs to hold its shape. Cotton is cool, smooth, and inelastic, which makes it better for summer garments, dishcloths, and market bags.
Does wool yarn shrink?
Non superwash wool will shrink and felt when exposed to heat, water, and agitation. Superwash resists shrinking under normal washing conditions. Always check the yarn label for care instructions before washing a finished project.
What can I make with wool yarn?
Sweaters, cardigans, hats, mittens, scarves, socks, shawls, blankets, baby items, amigurumi, and woven fabric. Wool's elasticity and warmth make it the most versatile fiber for both knitting and crochet.
Ready to Buy Wool Yarn Online?
Browse our full selection of 700+ wool yarns above. Filter by weight, brand, color, or price to find exactly what you need. For help choosing yarn for a specific project, call us at (509) 536-7746 or email help@paradisefibers.com. Free U.S. shipping on orders $99 and up.