Best yarn for SCARVES crochet and knitting with scarf yarns
11 of my favorite yarns to use for scarves, plus your scarf yarn questions answered!
Let’s talk scarf yarn!
First, I’ll suggest ELEVEN of my favorite different yarns that would all be a great choice for a new scarf. (Yarns I have really used and loved!)
Then, I’ll answer some FAQ about picking the right yarn for your next cozy scarf!
Disclaimer: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Here are my favorite yarns for scarves:
1. Knit Picks Wool of The Andes Worsted Weight
This is a worsted weight (weight 4) yarn that is versatile for so many projects!
It’s one of my go-to yarns that I LOVE buying, which is why it deserved a place right at the top! (none of these yarns are truly listed in any order, I love them all!)
If you love natural fibers — this is definitely a yarn to consider! The fiber content is 100% Peruvian Highland Wool.
It also comes in a variety of different colors, so if you’re interested in a striped scarf or any type of pattern, you’ll have various color options to choose from.
I have quite a bit of this yarn in my stash right now. It’s a great yarn to choose for a scarf, especially if you think that you’ll have some left over since it’s so versatile to use in a variety of projects!
Because this yarn is not treated with any superwash chemicals, you’ll need to wash your scarf by hand.
You can check it out here.
2. Knit Picks Tuff Puff Super Bulky
Because I think Knit Picks produces the most perfect yarn, here’s another excellent choice for your scarf.
This is a fabulous chunky yarn that also comes in a variety of colors.
It is the softest yarn (you can tell by just looking at it!) and its unique roving-type quality gives it a really great effect once turned into a scarf!
If you want a fun yarn that gives your scarf an extra “puff” — check this one out!
This wool is 100% wool and not machine washable — it is chemical-free so you’ll have to wash your scarf by hand!
This is such a fun and big yarn! See for yourself HERE!
3. Lion Brand Fisherman Wool Worsted Weight Yarn
Lion Brand Fisherman wool is another one of my favorite yarns, period.
Personally, it’s the smell of this yarn that makes me fall in love with it every time.
Fisherman wool has a little bit of natural lanolin left in it (it gives it a little bit of a waterproof effect!), and the scent of it just takes me right to my fiber sheep I lovingly raise.
Maybe a little silly, but I really cannot express just how much I love the scent this yarn produces! (don’t worry — it’s not a strong scent, it’s just seldom that I find a yarn SO natural that it still smells like its original source!)
I made two blankets with this yarn — a big blanket we use on our bed every night, and a baby blanket that’s also being used every night.
So, I think this yarn would make a wonderful scarf!
It’s not the softest yarn in the world, but again, I did make a baby blanket with it, and it’s my little one’s favorite blankey!
This particular yarn also comes in a pretty big skein so you’ll have plenty to work with. Depending on the scarf pattern you’re using, you might only need one skein!
If you want a totally natural yarn that gives you a big bang for your buck, check it out here!
4. Lion Brand Yarn Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn (Bulky Weight)
Here’s a yarn choice that gives you some bulky yarn making it the perfect choice for a quick project!
It’s machine washable and budget friendly.
This premium acrylic yarn has a blend of 20% wool helping add some breathablility that acrylic typically doesn’t have.
Take a look here!
5. Patons Classic Wool Yarn
Here’s another worsted weight (weight 4) 100% wool yarn that I keep in my stash at all times!
Durable and made of natural fibers, it can be found in a variety of colors.
Like some of the other yarns I mentioned, this one is great for a variety of projects, so keep any leftovers you have after making your scarf!
Some people may not like this yarn as it is not itch-free. But personally I prefer having a balance of budget and 100% wool, so this is still always a go-to choice for me!
Check it out here.
6. Patons Classic Wool Roving Yarn
If you want a yarn that’s both made of totally natural fibers and is ridiculously soft, check out this bulky roving yarn!
This is one of the best choices if you want a premium yarn that works up quickly.
I recently used this yarn to make a hat for a kid, and oh by golly, it’s been one of my favorites to work with!
Cozy winter scarves would have a touch of luxury with this beautiful merino yarn!
There’s zero scratch to it!
7. Knit Picks Swish Worsted Weight
Looking for a super soft superwash wool yarn? This merino wool yarn is an excellent choice!
I’m actively using it right now for a sweater — and it’s just begging me to make a matching scarf when I’m done!
It comes in plenty of solid colors to choose from (right now I’m using “garnet heather!”)
Check it out HERE!
8. Patons Highland Bulky
Here’s another acrylic blended with wool that will work up a scarf FAST!
It’s bulky (weight 6!) so it’s definitely one of the thicker yarns!
You can take a look at it here.
9. Patons Norse Yarn
Interested in making a FLUFFY scarf?
Check out this budget yarn!
This “super bulky” yarn will work up super fast, and it will add fluff to the already fluffy fiber content!
It’ll create an easy to care for scarf, too. This can be thrown in the washer and in the dryer!
10. Lion Brand Scarfie Yarn
This Lion Brand yarn speaks for itself in terms of whether or not it would make a good scarf.
It’s literally called “Scarfie,” and it comes with enough yarn to make a whole scarf with just one skein!
It comes in great patterns and colors that would look just right on a scarf, too!
The “Ochre/Navy” color combination is just dreamy in my opinion!
See for yourself HERE!
11. Knit Picks Swish DK Weight
Last but certainly not least (I have some of this in my stash right now!!), if you need a DK weight yarn, I can’t suggest Knit Picks’ Swish yarn enough!
It’s machine washable, but made of 100% merino wool!
Give it a look here!
Now that I’ve mentioned some of my favorites, let’s dive into some frequently asked questions!
Be sure to leave any further questions you might have in the comments below! I’ll be happy to answer them there!
What is the best yarn for a scarf?
The best choice yarn for a scarf is something that will be WARM and SOFT. Merino wool and alpaca blends will be the best type of yarn for creating a scarf that is warm, soft, and breathable. Acrylic yarns tend to be sweaty, but they can also be thrown into the wash. You can also opt for a superwash wool option — but be aware that superwash wools are treated with chemicals and coated in microplastics! It’s a good idea to think about the values that are important to YOU before choosing a scarf! Check your yarn label to see what’s in your yarn!
What weight yarn should I use to make a scarf?
You should use whatever weight yarn your scarf pattern tells you to use, otherwise your scarf will not be the correct size when you’re finished. If you’re not using a pattern, I would suggest using a worsted weight yarn or a bulky weight yarn (anything from weight 4-6). This will give you a nice warm scarf to wear. You can use a lighter yarn weight, but it will result in a lightweight scarf!
Is one skein of yarn enough for a scarf?
It depends on the skein! Some yarns, like Lion Brand’s “Scarfie,” have it designed so you only need one skein to work up a scarf! However, most scarves will require 2-3 skeins of yarn to make.
What are the softest yarns to make a scarf with?
Merino wool, alpaca, and mohair will produce the softest scarves. Acrylic yarns will also create soft scares, but they will not breathe as well as natural fibers. If you use acrylic, although your yarn will be soft, it’ll also be sweaty and staticy.
What is the warmest yarn?
Wool and acrylic yarns are the warmest, with wool also having good breathability. Grab a thicker/bulkier yarn to add extra warmth to your project!
What yarn won’t make you sweat?
Natural fibers will not make you sweat. Acrylic, polyester, polyamide, and nylon yarns are all synthetic, and because of their plastic beginnings have zero breathablilty, causing you to sweat! If you want to have a yarn that won’t leave you stinky, grab a wool or cotton yarn!
What yarn is best for beginners?
Beginners should consider grabbing a worsted weight (weight 4) yarn in a natural fiber that won’t break the bank! Grab your favorite color to encourage you to keep moving along on your first project! A good beginner yarn that offers quality without breaking the budget is this Knit Picks merino wool yarn!
What is the cheapest yarn?
Brands like Lion Brand or Red Heart will usually give you the cheapest yarns to choose from, and can be found even in big department stores like Walmart. It’s a good choice for someone who is just learning to knit or crochet and isn’t sure if they want to invest very much money into their craft quite yet! Picking one of these yarn is a good choice if you’re not entirely positive if your new hobby is going to “stick.”
Is it faster and easier to crochet or knit a scarf?
It’s faster AND easier to crochet a scarf as opposed to knitting a scarf. As someone who has been both knitting and crocheting for many years, crochet will always be an easier and faster project. (Don’t look down on knitting, though! I nearly always prefer the end result of knitted items over crochet!)
Can a beginner make a scarf?
Yes! In fact a scarf is always the first project I suggest to an absolute beginner! Scarves require only the simplest of stitches, and the repetitive nature of these stitches as you’re working up your scarf provides you plenty of practice to master the basics! A scarf is the perfect first project for anyone learning to knit OR crochet!
Leave your questions in the comments
Did I miss anything?
Please leave your questions down in the comments! I’m always happy to help answer them!
Lastly, if you’re interested in free patterns, please take a look around my blog! Put your yarn to good use and find something to make there!
