Best Knitting Yarn of 2026

Ann Hale Avatar
Ann Hale
Last Updated: Jan 19, 2026

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Knitting yarn is an essential material for anyone who loves to knit or crochet. It is a versatile and durable material that is available in a wide range of colors, textures, and weights. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced knitter, there is a knitting yarn that is perfect for your project. The most popular types of knitting yarn include wool, cotton, acrylic, and blends of these materials. Each type of yarn has its own unique qualities and benefits, making it easy to find the perfect yarn for your project. With so many options available, it's no wonder why knitting yarn is a favorite among crafters.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Red Heart Super Saver Yarn Kit Cover #TOP 1
Red Heart Super Saver Yarn Kit
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Red Heart Bitty Stripes Worsted Acrylic Yarn 2-Pack Cover #TOP 2
Red Heart Bitty Stripes Worsted Acrylic Yarn 2-Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Red Heart Super Saver Yarn, Black 3 Pack Cover #TOP 3
Red Heart Super Saver Yarn, Black 3 Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Knitting Yarn

#TOP 1

Red Heart Super Saver Yarn Kit

RHSSKIT.001
Multicolor
Red Heart Super Saver Yarn Kit Cover
Red Heart Super Saver Super Yarn Craft Kit for Crochet & Knitting & Amigurumi Projects

The Red Heart Yarn Kit is an ideal choice for your knitting and crocheting projects. Made from 100% premium acrylic, this yarn is both versatile and durable, ensuring your creations last. With 12 balls of medium worsted yarn in beautiful colors, you can easily express your creativity. Each ball provides 93 yards, giving you plenty of material for various projects, from cozy sweaters to delightful amigurumi. Plus, this yarn is machine washable and dryable, making cleanup a breeze while allowing you to focus on your crafting without worry.

What We Like
Wide color variety
Great value for beginners
Compact, easy storage case
Consistent Red Heart quality
Durable and easy to work with
What We Don't Like
Smaller skein size
Slightly scratchy texture
#TOP 2

Red Heart Bitty Stripes Worsted Acrylic Yarn 2-Pack

E900.0108P02
Crayon Box
Medium
Red Heart Bitty Stripes Worsted Acrylic Yarn 2-Pack Cover
Red Heart Super Saver Bitty Stripes Crayon Box Yarn - 2 Pack of 10oz/283g - 100% Acrylic - #4 Worsted (Medium) - 515 Yards - Knitting/Crochet

The Red Heart Bitty Stripes Yarn is perfect for your knitting and crocheting projects. Made from 100% acrylic, this yarn is easy to care for—you can machine wash it gently and tumble dry it on low heat, saving you time and effort. Each ball is a generous 10 ounces, giving you plenty of yarn to complete your creations. The medium weight (#4 worsted) makes it versatile for many patterns, and the included knitting and crochet gauges help you achieve the right size and tension. Enjoy vibrant, colorful stripes that add a fun touch to anything you make with the Red Heart Bitty Stripes Yarn.

What We Like
Beautiful colorways
Affordable price
Great stitch definition
Easy to work with
No splitting issues
What We Don't Like
Slightly scratchy texture
Occasional yarn thickness variation
#TOP 3

Red Heart Super Saver Yarn, Black 3 Pack

E300B.0312P03
Black
3 pack
Red Heart Super Saver Yarn, Black 3 Pack Cover
Red Heart Super Saver Black Yarn - 3 Pack of 198g/7oz - Acrylic - 4 Medium (Worsted) - 364 Yards - Knitting/Crochet

This knitting yarn comes in a pack of three and is available in solids, stripes, prints, and variegates. The balls come in different sizes, depending on the content. The yarn is made of 100% acrylic, except for the flecks, which are made of 96% acrylic and 4% other fibers. It can be machine washed and dried. The gauge for this yarn is 4 - Worsted, with a specific knitting gauge of 17 sts and 23 rows using a 5 mm needle, and a crochet gauge of 12 sc and 15 rows using a 5.5 mm hook.

What We Like
Vibrant and beautiful colors
Affordable price
Soft and comfortable texture
Easy to work with
Consistent skein quality
What We Don't Like
May feel slightly rough
Can get fuzzy after washing
#TOP 4

Lion Brand Yarn Feels Like Butta Soft Yarn

215-140
Dusty Pink
1 Pack
Lion Brand Yarn Feels Like Butta Soft Yarn Cover
Lion Brand Yarn Feels Like Butta Yarn, Velvety-Soft Yarn for Crocheting and Knitting, 1 Pack, Dusty Pink

Lion Brand Yarn Feels Like Butta Soft Yarn is a worsted-weight yarn that is super-soft and velvety, perfect for creating scarves, sweaters, and blankets. This yarn is made of 100% polyester and is machine washable. With a fiber count of CYC #4 Medium weight, each skein weighs 3.5 oz. (100 g) and is 218 yd. (199 m) long. Lion Brand Yarn is committed to providing high-quality yarn to both beginner and expert crafters.

What We Like
Ultra-soft texture
Easy to work with
No splitting or fraying
Beautiful color selection
High quality finish
What We Don't Like
Small skein size
Price slightly high
#TOP 5

Red Heart Super Saver Yarn, 3 Pack

E300B.0311P03
White
3 pack
Red Heart Super Saver Yarn, 3 Pack Cover
Red Heart Super Saver White Yarn - 3 Pack of 198g/7oz - Acrylic - 4 Medium (Worsted) - 364 Yards - Knitting/Crochet

This knitting yarn comes in a 3-pack and is made with 100% acrylic (96% acrylic for flecks) that's machine washable and dryable. The solids have a ball size of 198g/7oz, while the prints, variegates, and stripes have a ball size of 141g/5oz. The gauge is 4 - Worsted, with 17 stitches and 23 rows measuring 4” x 4” using a 5mm knitting needle, and 12 single crochet stitches and 15 rows measuring 4” x 4” using a 5.5mm crochet hook.

What We Like
Vibrant color selection
Affordable price point
Soft and comfortable texture
Easy to work with
Consistent yarn quality
What We Don't Like
Slightly rough texture for sensitive skin
May pill after machine washing
#TOP 6

Red Heart Super Saver Aran Yarn

E300B.0313P03
Aran
3 pack
Red Heart Super Saver Aran Yarn Cover
Red Heart Super Saver Aran Yarn - 3 Pack of 198g/7oz - Acrylic - 4 Medium (Worsted) - 364 Yards - Knitting/Crochet

The Red Heart Yarn is an excellent choice for all your knitting and crocheting projects. Made from 100% acrylic, it is easy to care for, allowing you to machine wash and dry your creations without worry. Each ball weighs 198 grams and offers a generous length of 364 yards, perfect for larger projects. With a recommended gauge of 17 stitches and 23 rows for knitting, you'll find it easy to achieve consistent results. Red Heart is a trusted brand, known for offering a wide variety of colors and styles, ensuring you can find the perfect match for your crafting needs.

What We Like
Vibrant color options
Soft and comfortable texture
Great value for price
Easy to work with
Consistent skein quality
What We Don't Like
Slightly rough texture for sensitive skin
May fuzz after machine washing
#TOP 7

Red Heart Super Saver Yarn - Purple Tones

E300B.0546P03
Purple Tones
3 pack
Red Heart Super Saver Yarn - Purple Tones Cover
Red Heart Super Saver Purple Tones Yarn - 3 Pack of 141g/5oz - Acrylic - 4 Medium (Worsted) - 364 Yards - Knitting/Crochet

The Red Heart Yarn - Purple Tones is perfect for all your knitting and crocheting needs. Made from 100% acrylic, this yarn is easy to care for—just toss your finished projects in the washing machine. Each ball weighs 5 ounces and offers 236 yards of vibrant color, ideal for a variety of crafting projects. With a recommended knitting gauge of 17 stitches and 23 rows on a size 8 needle, you’ll find this yarn versatile for different patterns. Plus, it’s OEKO-TEX certified, ensuring it’s free from harmful substances, making it a safe choice for you and your loved ones.

What We Like
Soft and thick texture
Vibrant color selection
Durable and dependable
Easy to work with
Convenient multi-pack purchase
What We Don't Like
Slightly stiff or waxy feel
Color variation in black yarn
#TOP 8

Inscraft 52 Colors Acrylic Yarn Skeins

INSCRAFT 52 Acrylic Yarn Skeins
Inscraft 52 Colors Acrylic Yarn Skeins Cover
Inscraft 52 Acrylic Yarn Skeins, 1820 Yards 52 Colors, 2 Crochet Hooks, 2 Weaving Needles, 10 Stitch Markers, 1 Bag, for Crocheting & Knitting, Gift Beginners and Adults

The Inscraft 52 Colors Acrylic Yarn Skeins set includes 52 bright and lustrous 100% acrylic yarns with no duplicates, 2 crochet hooks, 2 weaving needles, 10 stitch markers, and a storage bag. The yarn is soft, strong, and knot-free, making it perfect for knitting lovers, beginners, and kids. It is suitable for a variety of DIY crafts projects such as gift making, toys, and mini crafts. The storage bag is transparent, waterproof, and lightweight, making it easy to store and transport your crochet yarns, knitting tools, and small finished projects.

What We Like
Wide color variety
Great for small projects
Includes useful accessories
Convenient carrying case
Beginner-friendly kit
What We Don't Like
Small skein size
Bag quality could improve
#TOP 9

MAQIHAN 15x20g Acrylic Yarn

CH-knitting yarn02
multiple colors
15PCS
MAQIHAN 15x20g Acrylic Yarn Cover
MAQIHAN 15x20g Acrylic Yarn for Crocheting - Soft Knitting Yarn for Crafts Multicolor Skeins for Crocheting DIY Bulk for Handicraft Knitting Scarves Ideal Gift for Beginners Adults

MAQIHAN Acrylic Yarn is a vibrant collection of 15 different colors, perfect for beginners in crocheting and knitting. This soft, elastic yarn is easy to work with, allowing you to create everything from dolls to blankets without worrying about breakage or pilling. You can enjoy quality time crafting with family, making handmade gifts like scarves or gloves that show your thoughtfulness. Plus, this yarn is easy to maintain—just machine wash in cold water and air dry. With MAQIHAN Acrylic Yarn, your creative projects will look beautiful and last long.

What We Like
Vibrant color variety
Soft acrylic texture
Good for beginners
Affordable price
Convenient for small projects
What We Don't Like
Small skein size
Tends to split occasionally
#TOP 10

Red Heart Super Saver Lapis Acrylic Yarn 3 Pack

E300B.3977P03
Lapis
3 Pack
Red Heart Super Saver Lapis Acrylic Yarn 3 Pack Cover
Red Heart Super Saver Lapis Yarn - 3 Pack of 5oz/142g - Acrylic - 4 Medium (Worsted) - 364 Yards - Knitting/Crochet

The Red Heart Super Saver Yarn is a versatile choice for all your knitting and crocheting projects. Made from 100% acrylic, this yarn is easy to care for since you can machine wash and dry your finished items without worry. Each ball offers a generous length, perfect for creating large or multiple projects. The yarn's medium weight (#4 Worsted) ensures your stitches come out consistent, making it great for both beginners and experienced crafters. With a clear knitting and crochet gauge, you can easily follow patterns and create beautiful, even designs every time.

What We Like
Vibrant color selection
Affordable price
Soft texture
Easy to knit
Generous skein size
What We Don't Like
Occasional stiffness
Rare odor issues
Buying Guide Image

Choosing the Best Knitting Yarn for Your Lifestyle

Factors to Consider When Choosing Yarn

Knitting is a relaxing and enjoyable hobby, but choosing the right yarn for your project can be overwhelming with all the different options available. Here are some factors to consider when selecting yarn for your next knitting project.

Fiber Content

The fiber content of yarn is an important factor to consider, as it determines how the yarn will behave while knitting and how it will feel against your skin. Common fibers used in yarn include wool, cotton, and acrylic. Wool yarn is warm, insulating, and breathable, making it a good choice for winter garments. Cotton yarn is cool and lightweight, making it ideal for summer garments and accessories. Acrylic yarn is affordable and easy to care for, but it can be less breathable and not as warm as wool.

Weight

Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn, and it is usually labeled on the yarn label with a number from 0 to 7, with 0 being the thinnest and 7 being the thickest. Thinner yarns are good for delicate projects such as lace, while thicker yarns are better for quick-to-knit projects such as blankets and scarves.

Color

The color of the yarn is an important factor to consider, as it can affect the overall appearance of your finished project. Consider the project you are working on and the colors that will complement it. If you are working on a complex pattern, a solid color yarn may be the best choice to allow the pattern to shine. If you are working on a simple project, a variegated yarn can add interest and depth.

Brand

The brand of yarn you choose can also make a difference in the quality of your finished project. Look for reputable brands that have a good reputation for producing high-quality yarn. Consider purchasing yarn from local yarn stores, as they often carry a wider variety of yarns from different brands and can offer valuable advice on which yarns are best for your project.

Price

Yarn can range in price from affordable to expensive, depending on the fiber content, weight, and brand. Consider how much you are willing to spend on yarn for your project, and look for yarns that fit within your budget. Keep in mind that higher-priced yarns may be of higher quality and can result in a better-finished project.

In conclusion, choosing the right yarn for your knitting project involves considering a variety of factors, including fiber content, weight, color, brand, and price. By taking the time to carefully select the right yarn, you can ensure that your finished project will be of the highest quality and that you will enjoy the knitting process.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is it harder to learn to knit or crochet?

Crochet is generally considered easier to learn than knitting. This is because crochet uses a single hook to directly hook the loops together on the piece, which makes it more convenient and versatile for beginners. The tools and techniques required for crochet are also minimized, making it slightly more accessible for beginners.

2. What is the downside of knitting?

One downside of knitting is that you can't use the same pair of knitting needles for two projects simultaneously. Once you've cast onto a pair of needles, it's challenging to take them out until the project is finished. While this may be more of an inconvenience than a true disadvantage, it's something to keep in mind when working on multiple knitting projects.

Editor's Notes

During our knitting yarn research, we found 24 knitting yarn products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 440,044 customer reviews through our big data system to write the knitting yarn list. We found that most customers choose knitting yarn with an average price of $16.93.

The knitting yarn are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of knitting yarn, including Red Heart, Lion Brand Yarn, INSCRAFT, MAQIHAN. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ann Hale Avatar

Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.

Knitting Yarn Comparison Table

#TOP1
#TOP2
#TOP3
#TOP4
#TOP5
#TOP6
#TOP7
#TOP8
#TOP9
#TOP10
Brand Red Heart Red Heart Red Heart Lion Brand Yarn Red Heart Red Heart Red Heart INSCRAFT MAQIHAN Red Heart
Material Acrylic Acrylic Acrylic Polyester Acrylic Acrylic Acrylic Acrylic Acrylic Acrylic
Color Multicolor Crayon Box Black Dusty Pink White Aran Purple Tones 52 multiple colors Lapis
Item Weight 50 Grams 10 Ounces 5 Ounces 3.5 Ounces 5 Ounces 5 Ounces 5 Ounces 832 Grams 20 Grams 5 Ounces
Item Length 3346.46 Inches 515 Yards 215 Meters 218 Yards 8464.57 Inches 333 Meters 8464.57 Inches 1260 Inches 40 Yards 236 Yards
Product Care Instructions Machine Wash Machine Wash Machine Wash Machine Wash & Dry. Machine Wash Machine Wash Machine Wash Machine Wash Machine Wash Machine Wash
Compatible Knitting Needle US Size 8 8 8 7 8 8 8 8, 9 4 8
Compatible Knitting Needle Metric Size 5 Millimeters 5 Millimeters 5 Millimeters 4.5 Millimeters 5 Millimeters 5 Millimeters 5 Millimeters 6.5 Millimeters 4 Millimeters 18 Millimeters
Compatible Crochet Hook US Size 5.5 mm US I-9 I/9 G-6 U.S I-9 5.5 I-9 8, 9 4 to 8 5.5 mm
Unit Count 1.0 Count 2.0 Count 3.0 Count 654.0 Feet 3.0 Count 3.0 Count 3.0 Count 5460.0 Feet 1.0 Count 3.0 Count
Material Composition Acrylic 100 100% Acrylic 100% Acrylic 100% Polyester Acrylic 100 Acrylic 100 Acrylic 100% Acrylic 100 - Acrylic 100%
FTB Score
ftb score rating icon 9.9
ftb score rating icon 9.8
ftb score rating icon 9.6
ftb score rating icon 9.5
ftb score rating icon 9.4
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.3
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
ftb score rating icon 9.2
Where to Buy