The Joy of Knitting With Cotton Yarn - Darn Good Yarn

The Joy of Knitting With Cotton Yarn

Written by Kate Curry

The world of yarn is vast and exciting now days.  There are so many different types of yarn on the market and here at Darn Good Yarn we like to pay tribute to some of the best natural fiber yarn products!  In this post we are focusing on cotton yarn, and knitting with cotton yarn.

The history of cotton as a textile is rich. The use of cotton for fabric is known to date back to prehistoric times; fragments of cotton fabric dated from 5000 BC have been excavated in Mexico and the Indus Valley Civilization in Ancient India (modern-day Pakistan and some parts of India). It is amazing that today, such a HUGE amount of all clothes are still made from cotton. 

Here are just a few things about cotton that you may not have known:

Moisture Control

Cotton fabric is breathable and transmits moisture away from the body and is absorbent and removes liquid from the skin, like a towel, according to Cotton Incorporated. Cotton allows you to remain comfortable as you exercise, keeping moisture from building up between your skin and clothing. The International Forum for Cotton Promotion states that cotton can take up to one-fifth of its weight in water before feeling damp.

Insulation

Cotton clothing protects against from heat in the summer and cold in the winter by providing thermal insulation as the cotton fabric traps air between the fabric fibers. The cotton fibers in clothing hold the fabric away from the skin, further allowing for more air to be trapped between the skin and fabric which helps with insulation and comfort.

Hypoallergenic

Wearing cotton is often recommended for those with skin allergies because cotton fabric rarely causes allergic reactions, notes Cotton Incorporated. Because cotton is hypoallergenic and does not irritate skin, it is used in medical products like bandages and gauze, and is the fabric of choice when it comes to baby clothing.

Comfort

Cotton clothing is soft and easily stretchable, making it a comfortable fabric to wear. Due to its softness and comfort, it is often used in underwear and undershirts, according to the International Forum for Cotton Promotion.

Durability

Cotton has a high tensile strength, making it strong, durable and less likely to rip or tear. It is 30 percent stronger when wet, withstanding many washing's in hot water.

Cotton is a pretty incredible fiber right?!  Are you asking yourself if there are different kinds of cotton yarn?  And what can I knit or crochet with cotton? We have some super fun 100% original cotton yarn and ribbon.

Here is a sampling of what we have to offer:

Yarn & Ribbon 5 Color Sample Cards - Perfect Cotton

Yarn & Ribbon 5 Color Sample Card in Perfect Cotton on a white background

Looking to start small? Our perfect cotton sample card comes with 5 different cotton colors for you to test out! 

 Chakra Beaded Cotton Yarn 

Multiple skeins, each a color of the rainbow, spread out in a star explosion pattern.
Made by artisans in India, this yarn also has small stones and crystals spun into it to add a touch of sparkle to your project. These yarns come in 7 colorful options to represent stability, passion, confidence, love, expression, intuition, and spirituality.

Circulo Natural Cotton 4/8

Looking down the hole of a large cake of white cotton yarn.
Looking for something au natural? Made from fine Brazilian cotton, this yarn is perfect for crafting in the warmer months and is one of the cuddliest things I've ever felt! 

Circulo Cotton Maxcolor 4/4

a 3/4th view of a large cake/spool of red raspberry cotton yarn.
Circulo Cotton Maxcolor 4/4 is the perfect choice for warmer weather crafting! Made of fine Brazilian cotton, it's available in four bright colorways that are sure to add a pop of personality to your projects. They also come in 4 gorgeous color options!

100% Cotton Worsted Weight Yarn Pack

Multiple hand-dyed skeins of cotton yarn in various rainbow colors.

 Looking for a versatile, easy-to-care-for yarn that comes in a beautiful array of colors? Then check out our 100% Cotton Worsted Weight Yarn. The cotton fibers make this yarn super strong yet buttery soft, and it's easy to clean, making it a great choice for everyday wear

If you are are knitting with cotton yarn, crocheting with cotton yarn, or just having some crafting fun I know you will love working with this fiber!!

Meet the Author

Profile picture of the author, Kate Curry, wearing a dark red Nanda Poncho sitting on concrete stairs in front of brick wall.

Kate has been on the Darn Good Yarn team since 2018.

They have their degree in Creative Art Therapy & Psychology - and like crafting and animals a little too much.