Which Yarn Is The Least Itchy

Written by Michaela MacBlake Matthews

If you have sensitive skin and love to knit or crochet, you know that finding the perfect soft yarn that doesn’t itch can be a challenge.

In some cases, itchy yarn may be the result of an allergy to the fibers used. In this case, acrylic yarn is your best bet, because acrylic yarn is fully synthetic, and doesn’t contain irritating allergens. However, acrylic yarn comes with a cost: it’s extremely unkind to the earth. Acrylic yarn isn’t biodegradable, and it’s made from coal-based chemicals and petroleum.

Luckily, though, most people aren’t allergic to their yarns! They’re simply irritated by wool. Although commonly used, long wool fibers are rough and scaly, and can often cause that scratchy yarn experience that feels a little too much like picture day all over again.

Before making the leap into full synthetic, consider these baby soft yarn options to ditch the irritation, while still making the projects you love!

Hand Beaded Silk Yarn

Hand beaded silk, soft yarns that aren't itchy.

This soft and shiny silk yarn is sure to be a stunner, while still feeling delightful to the touch!

Banana Fiber Worsted Weight Yarn

Blue banana fiber yarn, soft yarns that aren't itchy.

An unexpected contender, banana fiber yarn has a soft, fluffy texture- and it’s a great conversation starter with your fellow fiber artists!

Herbal Dyed Sport Weight Silk Mini Skein Multipack

Sport weight silk yarn, soft yarns that aren't itchy.

Sport Weight Silk is the perfect everyday yarn, in subdued sunny shades that match well with most outfits and decor styles.

At The Bahamas Sari Silk Ribbon Yarn

Silk ribbon yarn, soft yarns that aren't itchy.

Silk Ribbon Yarn goes above and beyond to solve the scratchy yarn problem, by breaking the mold of typical yarn altogether!

Twist And Shout Bundle

Twisted Silk Yarn, colorful soft yarns that aren't itchy.

And finally, Twisted Sport Weight Silk Yarn- the ultimate win-win. This bundle has the fun colors you love to work with, and the softness you actually want to wear!

Meet the Author

Close up of the author, Michaela Matthews wearing red lipstick and a poofy red scarf with white flower arrangement in background.

"Mac" is on the Lifestyle Team here at Darn Good Yarn, and loves taking a ‘teach a man to fish’ approach to creative therapy. She is certified in neuro-linguistic programming, and is also the surreal artist and author behind Surrealismac.