Breathable, durable, and perfect for warm-weather projects. The natural choice for summer knitting.
Cotton is the go-to fiber for warm weather knitting and projects that need to withstand frequent washing. Its natural breathability makes it comfortable against the skin, while its durability means kitchen items and baby clothes can handle regular use. Cotton also provides excellent stitch definition for textured patterns.
Treated for increased luster and strength. Mercerized cotton has a slight sheen and holds dye exceptionally well. More formal looking, perfect for garments and accessories.
Matte finish with a softer, more casual look. More absorbent than mercerized, making it ideal for dishcloths and washcloths. Often more affordable.
Premium long-staple cotton that's extra soft and strong. Less pilling and better drape than standard cotton. Worth the investment for garments.
Cotton blended with acrylic adds elasticity. Cotton-linen blends are lightweight and crisp. Cotton-bamboo offers silky softness. Blends often knit easier than pure cotton.
We've tested cotton yarns across categories to find the best options for different projects and budgets.
The classic dishcloth cotton. Affordable, absorbent, and available in tons of colors including fun prints. Gets softer with each wash.
Another excellent dishcloth option with a slightly tighter twist. Great stitch definition for textured dishcloth patterns.
Mercerized for a slight sheen. More refined than kitchen cotton, works well for dishcloths and garments alike.
Premium Egyptian cotton at a budget price. Smooth, strong, and available in beautiful colors. Excellent for summer tops.
Lightweight fingering weight cotton for delicate summer knits. Beautiful drape for shawls and cardigans.
Luxurious pima cotton with beautiful sheen. Drapes wonderfully for garments. A bit more stretch than standard cotton.
60% cotton, 40% modal blend for added softness and drape. Easier on the hands than pure cotton. Beautiful for garments.
Soft cotton blend with slight stretch from the polyester. Machine washable and great for baby items and blankets.
Budget-friendly option with excellent color range. Soft and easy to work with for a pure cotton. Great for amigurumi.
Cotton lacks elasticity, which can cause hand fatigue. Take breaks, use ergonomic needles, and consider wooden or bamboo needles (cotton can slip on metal). Work at a looser gauge to allow drape.
Cotton is durable! Machine wash on warm, tumble dry low. Items may shrink slightly on first wash—consider making a gauge swatch and washing it before starting your project.
Absorbent and durable
Soft and washable
Cool and breathable
Holds shape well