by Beth Mckinney

Created on: March 07, 2010

Yarn is sensuous. Some yarn wraps around the fingers like a child's soft hair. Others tickle the knuckles or dance down the wrists. Yarn can recall the sheep that shed it or the style it inspired. Its texture, feel and thickness affects the gauge of a pattern, the look of the finished product and the joy of the experience. Therefore, yarn crafters are more likely to enjoy the challenge of trying a new yarn if they have some knowledge of how it works.

Best Yarns for Beginners

In general, the best yarn for someone who is just starting to craft is one that is comfortable to the touch, doesn't cost too much and is bright in color. Beginners who are working with a pattern may find it much easier to use the recommended yarn than to experiment with something of a different weight or texture. Also, it may be best to save yarns with added embellishments such as “feathers,” puffs or “fur” for a future project.

Many people start with wool or wool blends. Wool is a good choice because it is flexible, soft and versatile. Some disadvantages of working with pure wool is that it tends to be more expensive and can be difficult to wash. Some people find it irritating. Therefore, wool blends can be a great choice for beginners because they are often less expensive than pure wool and are easy to care for. A four-ply worsted weight wool blend yarn can be great for beginners who want to make cozy socks, afghans or scarves.

The same considerations apply to cotton. Pure cotton can be a great choice for dishcloths, place mats and some clothing items. However, it can seem stiff and often requires special care. Therefore, beginning crafters may want to start with a cotton blend.

Eco-friendly yarns

Few crafters want to harm the environment. Since finding yarns that help reduce waste, pollution and destruction of the natural environment is much easier than it used to be, trying Eco-friendly yarns can be fun. Eco-friendly yarns come in varieties that are very similar to familiar synthetic yarns and often don't cost much more. Most yarn brands offer options such as organic cotton yarns, recycled silk and bamboo yarn. These yarns are often processed without harsh chemicals.

Another fun way to help the environment while crafting is to buy yarn that is produced locally. This can often decrease the amount of carbon emitted when transporting yarns great distances and can also encourage biodiversity. Local farms often raise sheep or other animals that are nearly extinct

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