How to Choose the Perfect Yarn for No Needles Knitting Projects

As you may know, I always recommend eco friendly yarns. This is for a number of reasons which I will talk about later on. But there are a lot of other types of yarn out there to choose from. This post looks at those yarns to help you decide the best ones for your no needles knitting projects.

The main types of yarn are synthetic yarns, natural yarns, animal yarns, and eco friendly yarns. There is also plant based yarns which could fit under both natural and eco friendly yarns.

I will look at each of these in relation to no needles knitting.

Yarn characteristics

Before diving into yarn specifics, it’s important to understand some basic yarn characteristics:

• Weight: Yarn comes in various weights, from super fine to super chunky. For no needles knitting, chunky or super chunky yarns are often the easiest to work with, especially for beginners.
• Fibre Content: Yarns can be made from natural fibres (like wool, cotton, and bamboo), synthetic fibres (like acrylic and nylon), or a blend of both. Each type has its own feel, elasticity, and durability.
• Texture: Yarn can be smooth, fluffy, or textured. Smooth yarns are easier to knit with, while textured yarns add interesting details to your projects.

Now let’s look at the yarns themselves!

Synthetic yarn

These are what most people choose, because they are cheap, easily available and have a lot of colour choices. People choose them for no needles knitting projects because they are highly durable and easy to care for, as they typically resist stretching, shrinking, and mildew. Their consistent texture and vibrant colours can add a polished look to your finished projects. 

But there are issues with them.

Synthetic yarns are typically made from petroleum-based chemicals, which have a significant environmental impact during their production and disposal. These yarns do not biodegrade easily and can contribute to microplastic pollution in the environment.

I didn’t know this until I did a lot more research into the best yarns for the environment.

The facts are shocking. The image below shows the approximate time each type of yarn takes to biodegrade. This is why I only use natural or plant based yarns.

Additionally, synthetic fibres are often not as breathable or comfortable to wear as natural fibres, potentially affecting the final quality of crafted items.

Let’s now look at the other types of yarns.

Natural & plant yarns

There are a lot of choices for these yarns. Natural yarns are fibres that have been derived from natural sources, either from animals or plants. These yarns include wool from sheep, alpaca, and other animals, as well as plant based fibres like cotton, linen, and bamboo. They are known for their breathability, durability, and often hypoallergenic properties.

Natural yarns are biodegradable, making them an environmentally friendly choice for crafters looking to reduce their environmental impact while enjoying the benefits of high-quality, sustainable materials.

Plant Based Yarns

Plant based yarns are a subset of natural yarns, specifically sourced from plant fibres. Examples include cotton, linen (from flax), bamboo, hemp, and Tencel (from wood pulp). These yarns are valued for their softness, breathability, and moisture-wicking abilities.

They are typically more sustainable and eco-friendly compared to synthetic fibres, as they are renewable and biodegradable. Plant based yarns are ideal for those seeking vegan-friendly options and those interested in sustainable crafting practices.

Types of Natural & Plant Based Yarns

Organic Cotton: Grown without harmful chemicals, organic cotton is soft, breathable, and great for making lightweight, washable items like summer scarves and baby blankets.

Bamboo Yarn: Bamboo is a renewable resource that produces a soft, silky yarn. It’s naturally antibacterial and biodegradable, making it a great choice for eco-conscious knitters.

Hemp Yarn: Hemp is a sustainable fiber that’s durable and gets softer with each wash. It’s perfect for projects that need a bit more structure, like bags or home decor items.

Linen Yarn: Linen is derived from the flax plant and, is a fantastic choice for no needles knitting due to its natural strength, durability, and unique texture. It produces lightweight, breathable fabrics that soften with each wash, making it ideal for summer garments, home decor, and accessories. 

Tencel (Lyocell) Yarn: Derived from sustainably managed wood pulp, Tencel is biodegradable, soft, and has excellent moisture-wicking properties.

Animal friendly yarn

Wool from Ethical Farms: Look for wool that is certified organic or comes from farms that practice humane and sustainable farming methods. This ensures the well-being of the animals and the environment.

Eco friendly yarn

Recycled Yarn: Made from recycled materials like plastic bottles or fabric scraps, recycled yarn helps reduce waste and is available in a variety of textures and weights.

Within recycled yarn you can find –

• Recycled Plastic Bottle yarn: Made from recycled plastic bottles, this yarn helps reduce plastic waste and is durable and versatile.
• Recycled T Shirt Yarn: Created from leftover T shirt fabric scraps, this yarn is soft and breathable, perfect for various projects. I love using this yarn for arm knitting and finger knitting as it looks so unique.
• Recycled Wool: Produced from recycled wool garments and textiles, it retains the warmth and softness of wool while promoting circularity. I have used recycled acrylic before, and it has a very different feel to it compared to synthetic acrylic. I also used bio nylon, which is a natural nylon because of the production process it uses.

There are also some other, more specialist eco friendly yarns.

Soy Yarn: Made from the byproducts of tofu manufacturing, soy yarn is soft, silky, and biodegradable.

Milk Fibre Yarn: Created from casein, a protein found in milk, this yarn is luxuriously soft and eco-friendly.

Corn Fibre Yarn: Produced from corn starch, this yarn is renewable, biodegradable, and has a soft, smooth texture.

These are harder to find, but are so soft against the skin, so if you find some for sale, I would snap them up!

Where to shop for these yarns in the UK

In the UK, there are numerous options for sourcing eco-friendly yarns to ensure your no-needles knitting projects are both beautiful and sustainable.

Local yarn shops often stock a variety of eco-friendly options, so start by visiting your nearest independent retailer and asking about their sustainable yarn collections.

Online retailers such as Wool and the Gang, LoveCrafts, and Wild & Woolly offer a wide range of eco friendly yarns, including organic cotton, recycled fibres, and natural materials like bamboo and hemp.

Additionally, consider exploring brands known for their commitment to sustainability, such as Rowan, Debbie Bliss Eco Baby, and Fyberspates.

The Rowan Organic Cotton range is one of the softest yarns I have used. It is perfect for soft scarves and baby accessories. It is harder to find nowadays but Facebook groups may well have some bundles for sale.

For a truly unique selection, check out Etsy for independent sellers offering hand-dyed and ethically sourced yarns. By choosing eco friendly yarns, you can enjoy your knitting projects while contributing to a healthier planet.

I get a lot of my yarns from Facebook groups, or even Facebook Marketplace. If you buy from a shop you will obviously pay more for them, but in my opinion, you get what you pay for.

Tips for Choosing the Right Yarn

1. Consider the Project: Different projects require different types of yarn. For instance, a cozy blanket might need a soft, bulky yarn, while a lightweight scarf might be better with a finer yarn. Always match the yarn weight and texture to the type of project you’re planning.
2. Start with Chunky or Super Chunky Yarn: If you’re new to no needles knitting, start with chunky or super chunky yarns. They are easier to handle, work up quickly, and make it easier to see your stitches.
3. Look for Yarn with Elasticity: Some stretch in the yarn can make it easier to work with, especially for no-needles knitting. Natural fibres like organic cotton often have good elasticity.
4. Check for Softness: Since no needles knitting often involves working directly with your hands, choose yarns that feel soft and comfortable to touch. Avoid yarns that are rough or scratchy.
5. Choose Eco Friendly Yarns: Eco friendly yarns are better for the environment and can be just as beautiful and functional as traditional yarns. Look for yarns made from organic, sustainable, or recycled materials.

I hope this blog post has helped you to think about the right types of yarns for you, and that eco friendly yarns are an excellent choice for your no needles knitting projects.

Find out more about these yarns with my FREE Types Of Yarn digital download.