What Kind Of Yarn Should A Beginner Buy?

Written by Michaela MacBlake Matthews

Learning to knit or crochet? There are so many amazing options for yarn out there, all in different colors, patterns, weights, fibers- and even textures! If you’re wondering what kind of yarn to buy as a beginner, don’t stress! There are a few simple rules to keep in mind for getting started with knitting or crochet, and learning the basics with ease.

Weight: Worsted Or Bulky

Yarn that is too thick can be hard to work with for beginner knitters and crocheters, while yarn that is too thin can make it hard to see your stitches. Save the lace weights for when you have the muscle memory down pat, and practice with a worsted or bulky weight yarn in the meantime.

Worsted Weight Silk Yarn Pack

Worsted Weight Silk Yarn Starter Pack for beginner knitters and crocheters.

Color And Pattern: Simple, Bright, Engaging

When choosing your yarn as a new knitter or crocheter, avoid complex patterns that can confuse the eye while you’re working. Keep the colors light, so you can see the stitches! Too dark of a yarn is like working with sunglasses on, and we don’t need to start learning on hard mode! However, do choose a color you love. Beige may be the easiest color to learn with, but working with a shade you truly love will help you stay engaged and motivated more easily!

Sparkle Worsted Weight Silk Yarn

Worsted weight silk yarn for beginners learning how to knit and crochet.

Texture And Ply: Time Flies With Smooth Yarn And 2 Plies

Avoid textured yarn as a beginner, which can be overwhelming to keep track of. Instead, opt for a simple, smooth yarn with at least two plies to avoid splitting. (It should look twisted like rope, with diagonal lines where the two plies meet!)

Circulo Natural Cotton 4/8

Simple budget friendly yarn for beginners learning how to knit or crochet.

For more help getting started, check out our Darn Good Tutorials!

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.