Animal fibres, plant fibres, and synthetic fibres

Natural or synthetic?

Yarn can be made from many different types of fibres, and, generally speaking, they are divided into three categories: animal fibres, plant fibres, and synthetic fibres. 

There can be many reasons for choosing or avoiding a particular type of fibre. These include allergies, washing requirements, durability, whether it’s intended for summer or winter use, and so forth. It also depends on how the yarn behaves during use—if you're knitting or crocheting garments, an elastic yarn is often preferable; toys, teddy bears, and similar projects might require a sturdier quality; and dishcloths and towels require yarn that can absorb water, etc.

1. Animal fibres
(such as wool, mohair, and alpaca)

Animal fibres have beneficial natural properties derived from the animal they originate from. The most common animal fibres come from sheep, goats, and alpacas.

There is considerable variation among different fibre types depending on the animal species and breed they come from, but, generally speaking, yarns made from animal fibres are naturally elastic, insulating, and warm, while also being incredibly breathable.

Some fibres are softer than others, and their origin, as well as how they are processed and spun, greatly influences the yarn's softness. Therefore, experiences with different fibres against the skin can vary significantly. Some may find almost all wool itchy, while others find it soft and delightful.

Browse our selection of yarns containing animal fibres entirely or partially:

• Alpaca
  
• Cashmere
  
• Merino
  
• Mohair
  
• Wool yarn
  

2. Plant fibres
(such as linen, cotton, and bamboo)

Plant fibres are particularly suitable for textile and yarn production and have been used throughout history.

Yarn made from plant fibres will not provide the same warmth and insulation as wool, for example. Additionally, plant fibres are heavier and less elastic than animal fibres. This doesn't have to be a disadvantage; you just need to be mindful of how best to use this type of yarn—and for which projects!

When the warm knitted jumpers are packed away and spring and summer arrive, cotton, bamboo, and linen become ideal choices for a pretty summer top, a thin T-shirt, or a lightweight cardigan.

Most plant fibres have high absorbency, making them ideal if you're knitting or crocheting washcloths, dishcloths, and towels.

Browse our selection of yarns containing plant fibres entirely or partially:

• Cotton yarn
  
• Tube yarn
  

3. Synthetic fibres
(such as polyester, polyamide, and acrylic)

The term synthetic fibres refers to man-made fibres produced through a chemical process. Once the fibres have achieved their shape, they can be spun into yarn.

Opinions differ regarding synthetic yarn. Some people would never choose it, while others prefer it—it’s a matter of taste, so give it a try! This type of yarn offers many advantages, especially the price, making it an attractive choice for many.

The advantages of synthetic yarn include its lightweight nature, hypoallergenic properties, and its incredible strength and durability, meaning it can be machine washed.

Synthetic fibres do not provide warmth and insulation, so if you're knitting a jumper and replacing wool yarn with synthetic yarn, your finished knitwear won't be as warm—this can be both an advantage and a disadvantage.

Browse our selection of yarns containing synthetic fibres entirely or partially:

• Effect yarn
  
• Acrylic yarn
  

Yarn blends composed
of various fibres

Yarn can consist of a single fibre type (e.g., 100% cotton or 100% merino wool), but it can also comprise two or more different fibres—from within the same fibre group (like a blend of alpaca and mohair) or across fibre groups (e.g., a wool–cotton blend).

Yarn blends offer countless possibilities when choosing materials for your next project. Fibres are blended for various reasons: to enhance durability, increase elasticity, adjust weight (lighter/heavier), increase softness, and so on. In some cases, blending fibres helps reduce the price of the finished product—such as blends with silk or cashmere.

View our entire yarn selection here.