by M. J. Joachim

Created on: March 11, 2010   Last Updated: March 25, 2012

Yarn is fiber that has been spun together into strands that are thick enough to manipulate, sculpt and shape into a variety of items through the process of weaving, knotting, knitting or crocheting. It is made out of natural fibers like fine cotton, silk and heavy wool. Yarn is also made from synthetic substances like acrylic and metallic looking plastic strands.

Yarn comes in a variety of styles, textures and thicknesses. As a general rule, fine, lightweight cotton and silk fibers make delicate lacy items, medium weighted yarns are good for crafts and practical items, and heavy or bulky yarns work well for warmth and heavily used items like rugs. Ply count indicates how many strands of thread are spun together to make yarn.

Yarn is often categorized by weight and purpose. Each category has a wide range of fibers, textures, colors and uses. Projects, patterns and personal preference ultimately determine which yarn someone chooses when making something. Yarn types can be interchangeable to the extent that the designer or crafter wants them to be.

Weighted Yarns

• Fine Yarn: This is commonly called “Classic Crochet Thread”. It is used for making lightweight clothing, linens and delicate items. Very fine yarn can be made into dainty lingerie, while heavier fine yarn makes beautiful tablecloths. Fine yarn is generally only two or three ply.

• Four Ply Light Weight Yarn: This is a little bit heavier than fine yarn, but not quite medium weight. It is used to make baby items, swimsuits and soft washcloths and pillow covers.

• Sport Yarn: Medium weight yarn qualifies as sport yarn. It comes in many styles and colors and can be used to make lots of different projects including clothing, household accessories and crafts.

• Worsted Weight Yarn: This yarn is a little on the heavy side. It holds its shape better and can be used to make warm garments, household items and many different crafts.

• Bulky, Chunky Yarn: This is the thick, homespun type yarn, often consisting of more than one type of thread or fiber. Many crafters use this with large tools to make big projects quickly. Bulky chunky yarn can be soft and fuzzy, perfect for making warm clothing. It can also be rough and sturdy, great for making doormats and baskets.

• Novelty Yarns: Novelty yarns differ from traditional yarns. They come in funky styles with unique patterns, knots and loose fibers that create a unique effect for any given project. Projects using novelty yarns should stick to basics, allowing the yarn to take center stage, as opposed to the stitchery or craftsmanship.

Yarn manufacturers have created a vast supply of different types of yarn for all your weaving, crocheting, knitting and crafting needs. They combine multiple fibers, blend different styles and offer a vast assortment of textures and colors to their customers, weavers, crafters and artists who enjoy making fine things out of the perfect type of yarn.

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