Which knitting yarn or crochet yarn should you buy?
Would you like to buy knitting yarn, buy crochet yarn or order another type of yarn, but are unsure which quality suits your project? Your choice should not be based on colour alone. The fibre content, yarn weight, yardage, recommended needle or hook size, tension and care instructions are also important.
A warm winter sweater requires a different yarn from socks, baby clothes, a lightweight summer top, a scarf, a blanket, amigurumi or a crocheted bag. On this page, you can learn about the differences between the most important types of wool and fibres and discover which knitting or crochet yarn is suitable for your project.
At Verelana, you will find a wide selection of knitting yarn and crochet yarn from brands including Lana Grossa, Lang Yarns, Durable and Tropical Lane. All yarns available to order on our website are in stock.
What is the difference between knitting wool, knitting yarn and crochet yarn?
The terms knitting wool, knitting yarn and crochet yarn are often used interchangeably. However, not every yarn is made entirely from wool.
Knitting wool is a common name for yarn used for knitting. In practice, the term is also used for yarns made from cotton, linen, viscose, acrylic and other materials.
Knitting yarn is a broader term. It can be made entirely from wool, but also from plant-based, animal or synthetic fibres, or from a combination of different materials.
Crochet yarn is yarn suitable for crocheting. Many yarns can be used for both knitting and crochet. The chosen technique, needle or hook size and desired result determine how the yarn is used.
When choosing knitting or crochet yarn, pay particular attention to:
- The fibre content
- The yarn weight and thickness
- The yardage
- The recommended needle or hook size
- The tension or gauge
- The structure of the yarn
- The desired finished result
- The washing and care instructions
View all knitting yarn and crochet yarn
Which type of wool or fibre should you choose?
Merino wool
Merino wool is a fine and soft type of virgin wool obtained from merino sheep. Its fibres are generally finer and softer than those of ordinary virgin wool. It therefore feels comfortable when worn directly against the skin.
Merino wool is warm, breathable and elastic. It is highly suitable for sweaters, cardigans, hats, scarves, baby clothes and other garments worn directly against the skin.
Some merino yarns have received a superwash treatment. Depending on the yarn, this may allow them to be washed in a washing machine. Always check the product information and care instructions.
Virgin wool
Virgin wool is new wool that has not previously been used or processed in another product. It is therefore not recycled wool.
Virgin wool is warm, breathable, resilient and durable. Its softness depends on the breed of sheep, the fineness of the fibres and the way the yarn has been processed.
Ordinary virgin wool may feel somewhat firmer than merino wool. It is suitable for warm sweaters, cardigans, outerwear, hats, scarves, blankets and other knitting and crochet projects.
What is the difference between merino wool and ordinary virgin wool?
Merino wool is a specific type of virgin wool. The main difference is the fineness of the fibres.
Merino wool usually has finer and softer fibres. It is therefore often selected for garments worn directly against the skin.
Ordinary virgin wool may feel more robust, but it is also warm, breathable and resilient. It is suitable for durable garments, warm accessories and blankets.
Alpaca
Alpaca yarn is lightweight, soft and particularly warm. Its fibres retain heat well without necessarily making the finished garment heavy.
Alpaca is often used for sweaters, cardigans, scarves, shawls and hats. It gives knitted and crocheted pieces a soft and luxurious appearance.
Alpaca has less natural elasticity than sheep’s wool. It is therefore often blended with merino wool, cotton, polyamide or other fibres. This gives the yarn additional strength, elasticity or shape retention.
Mohair
Mohair comes from the Angora goat. It is known for its airy, fluffy and slightly lustrous appearance.
Mohair is suitable for lightweight sweaters, cardigans, scarves and shawls. Despite its low weight, it can provide considerable warmth.
Fine mohair yarn can be used on its own, but it is also frequently knitted together with another yarn. This gives the fabric additional volume, softness, warmth and texture.
Cotton
Cotton yarn is breathable, strong and comfortable in warm weather. It is suitable for summer clothing, tops, lightweight cardigans, baby clothes, blankets, bags and home accessories.
Cotton is also widely used as crochet yarn. It is suitable for amigurumi, mochila bags, other crocheted bags, cushions and numerous crochet projects.
Cotton is less elastic than wool. When making garments, you should therefore consider the weight and shape of the finished piece.
Mercerised cotton
Mercerised cotton has undergone a special treatment. This makes the yarn smoother, stronger and more lustrous. The colours appear bright and the stitches remain clearly defined.
Mercerised cotton is particularly suitable for amigurumi, mochila bags, other bags, summer clothing and decorative crochet projects.
Linen
Linen yarn is strong, breathable and suitable for summer knitting and crochet projects. It may initially feel somewhat firm, but usually becomes softer through wearing and washing.
Linen is used for summer tops, lightweight cardigans, scarves and other airy garments. It is also frequently blended with cotton or viscose.
Viscose
Viscose is a soft and supple fibre with an often slightly lustrous appearance. It gives garments an attractive, flowing drape.
Viscose is frequently used in summer yarns and blended yarns for tops, lightweight sweaters, cardigans and other airy garments.
Cashmere
Cashmere is an exceptionally soft, fine and lightweight fibre. It provides considerable warmth without feeling heavy and gives yarn a luxurious appearance.
Cashmere is often blended with merino wool, cotton or other fibres. These yarns are suitable for sweaters, scarves, hats and garments that should feel soft against the skin.
Sock yarn
Sock yarn is made from wool and polyamide. The wool provides warmth, breathability and comfort. The polyamide makes the yarn stronger and more resistant to wear.
Socks are worn intensively and are exposed to considerable friction. The combination of wool and polyamide ensures that they are warm, comfortable and sufficiently durable.
Many sock yarns can be washed in a washing machine. Always check the care instructions for the selected yarn.
Sock yarn can also be used for lightweight sweaters, scarves, hats, gloves, baby clothes and other fine knitting projects.
Synthetic fibres and blended yarns
Acrylic, polyamide and polyester are often combined with natural fibres. They can make yarn stronger, lighter, more elastic, softer or easier to maintain.
A blended yarn can, for example, combine the warmth of wool with the durability of polyamide, or the softness of alpaca with the elasticity of merino wool.
The properties of a yarn are therefore not determined solely by its percentage of natural fibres. The proportions of the different materials, the quality of the fibres and the way the yarn has been spun are also important.
Which yarn suits your project?
Yarn for sweaters and cardigans
For sweaters and cardigans, you can choose from merino wool, virgin wool, alpaca, mohair, cotton and different blended yarns.
When choosing yarn for a sweater or cardigan, consider:
- The softness of the yarn
- The warmth
- The weight of the finished garment
- The elasticity
- The recommended needle size
- The tension or gauge
- The care instructions
- The total required yardage
Merino wool, virgin wool, alpaca and warm blended yarns are suitable choices for a warm winter sweater. For a summer sweater, cotton, linen, viscose or a lightweight summer yarn will usually be more appropriate.
Yarn for socks
For socks, use sock yarn made from wool and polyamide. The wool keeps the feet warm and helps regulate moisture. The polyamide provides strength and resistance to wear.
Also consider the yarn thickness, yardage, recommended needle size and washing instructions.
Yarn for baby clothes
A soft and easy-care yarn is important for baby clothes. Merino wool, cotton and specially developed baby yarns are common choices.
Check whether the yarn feels comfortable, does not itch and can be washed easily.
Yarn for scarves and hats
For a warm scarf or hat, you can choose merino wool, virgin wool, alpaca, mohair or different blended yarns.
A smooth merino yarn produces a very different result from an airy mohair yarn or a thick and voluminous winter yarn. Choose according to the desired warmth, texture and appearance.
Crochet yarn for amigurumi
Cotton or mercerised cotton is usually used for amigurumi. A smooth and firm crochet yarn keeps the stitches clearly visible and helps the figure retain its shape.
Cotton crochet yarn is available in many colours and can be crocheted tightly without making the finished item excessively elastic.
View crochet yarn for amigurumi and other crochet projects
Crochet yarn for mochila bags
A strong and smooth cotton crochet yarn is important for mochila bags. Mercerised cotton is particularly suitable because it is durable, produces clearly defined stitches and is available in many colours.
Yarn for bags and home accessories
For bags, baskets, cushions and other decorative projects, choose a firm yarn that retains its shape well.
Cotton crochet yarn and strong blended yarns are often suitable. Merino wool, virgin wool, acrylic or an easy-care blended yarn can also be used for blankets.
Chunky yarn for blankets and accessories
Chunky knitting yarn is frequently used for blankets, scarves, hats, cushions and other projects where a full and voluminous result is desired.
Thick yarn creates larger stitches and allows the project to take shape quickly. Always check the total yardage stated in the pattern.
Which yarn weight should you choose?
The thickness or weight of the yarn determines how fine or chunky the knitted or crocheted fabric will be. The recommended needle or hook size is usually stated on the label and in the product information.
A fine yarn produces a lightweight and delicate result and generally requires more stitches. A thick yarn forms larger stitches and creates a fuller result.
Use the yarn weight and needle size specified in the pattern whenever possible. Always make a tension swatch before starting a garment.
Why is a tension swatch important?
A tension swatch shows how many stitches and rows you knit or crochet over ten centimetres.
When your tension differs from the pattern, the finished garment may be too large or too small. You can often adjust the tension by using thinner or thicker needles.
A correct tension swatch is therefore particularly important for sweaters, cardigans and other garments.
How much wool or yarn do you need?
The amount of yarn required is determined by the total yardage or metreage needed for the pattern. The weight of a ball does not determine how much yarn you need for a project.
Yarns are supplied as balls, skeins and other packages in many different weights. What matters is how many metres or yards of yarn each unit contains and the total length specified in the pattern.
The required yardage depends on factors including:
- The selected pattern
- The size
- The length of the garment
- The sleeve length
- The yarn thickness
- The tension or gauge
- The knitting or crochet technique used
Follow the total yardage stated in the pattern whenever possible. When using a different yarn from the one originally specified, check that the yarn thickness, structure and tension are sufficiently similar.
Next, calculate how many balls or skeins you need using the yardage of each unit. Order the complete quantity at the same time so that you can receive, as far as possible, yarn from the same dye lot.
Which knitting and crochet yarn brands does Verelana sell?
Lana Grossa
Lana Grossa is a German brand offering a very extensive selection of knitting and crochet yarns. Its collections are developed in Germany and almost all yarns are produced by specialised Italian spinning mills.
Italy has a long tradition in the development and production of high-quality fashion yarns. Lana Grossa combines this Italian yarn expertise with extensive seasonal collections, numerous colours and a wide range of knitting and crochet patterns.
The Lana Grossa range includes:
- Merino wool
- Virgin wool
- Alpaca
- Mohair
- Cotton
- Linen
- Viscose
- Cashmere
- Sock yarn
- Summer yarns
- Chunky winter yarns
- Classic basic yarns
- Fashion yarns and special blended yarns
Lana Grossa offers yarns for sweaters, cardigans, scarves, hats, socks, baby clothes, summer clothing and numerous other knitting and crochet projects.
With its extensive choice of materials, yarn weights, textures and colours, Lana Grossa forms an important part of the Verelana range.
View all Lana Grossa knitting yarn and wool
Lang Yarns
Lang Yarns is a Swiss family business that has been active since 1867. The company is based in Reiden, Switzerland, and develops knitting and crochet yarns for specialist shops in many countries.
Many Lang Yarns products are also manufactured in Italy. The range includes classic qualities, natural fibres, modern fashion yarns and different blended yarns.
Lang Yarns works with materials including merino wool, virgin wool, alpaca, mohair, cotton, cashmere and sock yarn. Its yarns are suitable for clothing, accessories, socks, baby projects and knitting or crochet projects for different seasons.
Durable
Durable is a Dutch yarn brand offering knitting and crochet yarns in different fibre blends and thicknesses.
The brand is particularly known for its cotton crochet yarns and extensive colour selection. Its yarns are used for amigurumi, blankets, bags, home accessories, clothing and other knitting and crochet projects.
Durable also offers different knitting yarns for clothing, accessories and socks.
View Durable knitting and crochet yarn
Tropical Lane
Tropical Lane is an Italian brand of knitting and crochet yarns. Its yarns are developed and produced in Italy.
The range includes classic basic yarns, merino wool, baby yarns, winter yarns and different fashion yarns. Tropical Lane works with virgin wool, merino, alpaca, mohair, cotton, cashmere and various fibre blends.
The yarns are suitable for sweaters, cardigans, baby clothes, accessories, scarves, hats and other knitting and crochet projects.
View Tropical Lane knitting yarn
What should you check when buying knitting or crochet yarn?
When buying knitting yarn, crochet yarn or another yarn online, do not consider the colour alone.
Also check:
- The fibre content
- The yardage per ball or skein
- The recommended needle or hook size
- The tension or gauge
- The structure of the yarn
- The care instructions
- The total required yardage
- The dye lot
- Its suitability for your pattern
A yarn with the same recommended needle size is not automatically a suitable substitute. The tension, structure, elasticity, fibre content and yarn thickness must also be sufficiently similar.
Buy knitting yarn and crochet yarn online
At Verelana, you can buy knitting wool, knitting yarn and crochet yarn online for a wide variety of knitting and crochet projects.
Our range includes:
- Merino wool
- Virgin wool
- Alpaca yarn
- Mohair
- Cotton crochet yarn
- Mercerised cotton
- Sock yarn
- Baby yarn
- Summer yarn
- Chunky knitting yarn
- Yarn for sweaters and cardigans
- Crochet yarn for amigurumi
- Yarn for scarves and hats
- Yarn for blankets and home accessories
All yarns available to order on our website are in stock.
For every yarn, you will find information about its fibre content, yardage, recommended needle size, tension and care instructions. This helps you select a yarn that suits your pattern and the desired result.
View the complete range of knitting yarn and crochet yarn
Which knitting yarn or crochet yarn should you choose?
Begin by deciding what you want to make and which properties are important for your project.
Merino wool is often a good choice for a soft and warm sweater. For a lightweight and luxurious result, you can choose alpaca or mohair. For summer clothing, amigurumi and mochila bags, cotton crochet yarn is particularly suitable. For socks, use sock yarn made from wool and polyamide.
When making your choice, do not consider colour alone. Pay particular attention to the fibre content, yardage, yarn thickness, needle size, tension and care instructions.
This will help you choose knitting or crochet yarn that not only looks attractive, but is also technically suitable for your project.