List of yarns for crochet and knitting

Yarn size

Depending on the exact yarn weight and the gauge of the knitter or crocheter and how tight or loose the yarn is held, the gauge listed below can vary. For this reason it is important to check the gauge of the pattern being used to be sure so the finished project is the desired size. Most patterns have a listed gauge to create an item of the size(s) indicated in the pattern.

Category name	Symbol	Description	Crochet gauge	Hook size	Knitting gauge	Needle size
Lace		fingering, crochet 10-count thread	33 - 40 sts	1.5mm - 2.25 mm
Super fine		sock, fingering, baby	21 - 32 sts	2.25mm - 3.5 mm
Fine		sport, baby	16 - 20 sts	3.5mm - 4.5 mm
Light		DK, light worsted	12 - 17 sts	4.5mm - 5.5 mm
Medium		worsted, Afghan, Aran	11 - 14 sts	5.5mm - 6.5 mm
Bulky		chunky, craft, rug	8 - 11 sts	6.5mm - 9 mm
Super Bulky		bulky, roving	5 - 9 sts	9mm & larger

Terminology

Common terms used to describe knitting and crochet yarn properties.

Term	Description
Absorbency	The ability of a fiber to hold water, determines sweat absorption and suitability for warm weather wear.
Breathability	How readily air passes through the fiber.
Dyeability	How well the fiber accepts and holds color.
Hand/Handle	Tactile description: softness, resiliency, etc.
Loft	The amount of air between fibers.
Resiliency (elasticity)	The tendency of a fiber to resume its original shape after stretching.
Thickness	The diameter of the fiber in micrometres.

Fiber type

Plant based

Cottons

All varieties of cotton have a dull finish unless mercerized. Cotton yarn has minimal elasticity unless blended with other fibers. Pure cotton is useful for projects that require structure such as purses and tote bags, placemats, and other utilitarian items.

Fiber type	Description
Egyptian cotton	Longest cotton fiber, smoother and softer than other cottons.
Pima cotton	Cross between Egyptian and American cottons. Intermediate properties.
American cotton	Medium-long fiber, readily takes on dye. Available in widest variety of colors.

Other plant fibers

Fiber type	Description
Linen	Strong fiber, good for warm weather items. Wrinkles easily.
Bamboo bast	Similar to ramie, possesses an elegant sheen. Not to be confused with the more common bamboo rayon.

Animal based fibers

Fiber type	Description
Merino wool	Softer than cotton, tends to pill.
Icelandic wool	Strong but scratchy.
Mohair	Lofty and luxurious, best used as an outer layer. May feel scratchy.
Cashmere	Soft, luxurious, expensive.
Alpaca	Very warm. Suitable for accessories such as scarves.
Angora	Very soft, tends to shed. Best used in pure form as an accent material, or blended with other fibers.
Silk	Exceptionally strong, lustrous, and shiny. Good for summer wear.

Synthetics

Fiber type	Description
Acrylic	Washes well, inexpensive. Good choice for beginners and for items designed for babies or pets.
Nylon	Strong, elastic, washes well. Not ideal for garments unless blended with other fibers.
Rayon	Made from processed cellulose (e.g. wood pulp, bamboo, seaweed) extruded into threads. Inexpensive and highly absorbent, natural sheen.

References

• Debbie Stoller, Stitch 'N Bitch Crochet: The Happy Hooker New York: Workman Publishing, 2006.
• Edie Eckman, The Crochet Answer Book, North Adams, Massachesetts: Storey Publishing, 2005.