Best Yarn for Sweaters

Quality yarns with excellent stitch definition, comfortable drape, and lasting beauty.

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Choosing Sweater Yarn

Sweaters are significant time investments—40+ hours of knitting. Choosing the right yarn ensures your hard work results in a garment you'll love wearing for years. Quality matters more here than for quick projects.

Key Considerations

  • Stitch Definition: Your cables and textures should show clearly. Choose plied yarns.
  • Drape: The yarn should create fabric that moves with your body, not stand stiffly.
  • Gauge Consistency: Quality yarns maintain even gauge throughout your project.
  • Care: Consider how you'll wash the finished garment. Superwash adds convenience.

Our Top Sweater Yarn Picks

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Cascade

220 Superwash

Worsted Workhorse

The go-to sweater yarn. Consistent gauge, great stitch definition, machine washable.

~$12 View on Amazon
Malabrigo

Rios

Worsted Hand-Dyed

Stunning hand-dyed superwash merino. Soft, beautiful, and reliable.

~$16 View on Amazon
Brooklyn Tweed

Shelter

Worsted US Wool

American wool that blooms beautifully. Rustic, heathered look. Heirloom quality.

~$16 View on Amazon
Berroco

Ultra Wool

Worsted Great Value

Bouncy superwash wool at a great price. 219 yards per skein.

~$11 View on Amazon
Rowan

Felted Tweed

DK Classic

Iconic tweedy yarn. Beautiful depth for colorwork and texture.

~$14 View on Amazon
Drops

Baby Merino

DK Budget

Quality merino at budget prices. Soft enough for next-to-skin wear.

~$4 View on Amazon

Sweater Planning Tips

Calculate Yardage

A typical adult sweater needs 1200-1800 yards. Buy all yarn from the same dye lot. Order extra—you can return unopened skeins.

Swatch Seriously

Knit a 6"x6" swatch. Wash and block it exactly as you would the sweater. Measure after drying. This prevents sweater disasters.