Wool comes from the fleece of sheep, and its natural crimp gives it the elasticity that crochet and knitting love. That stretch means stitches even out as you work and the fabric springs back into shape, which is why wool is the classic choice for fitted garments, hats, and mittens. Wool is also warm even when damp, and it blocks better than any other common fiber, opening up lace and settling stitches into place.
The main care decision is felting. Regular wool felts when exposed to heat, moisture, and agitation, so it needs gentle hand washing and flat drying. Superwash wool has been treated to be machine washable, which makes it practical for socks and baby items. Some people find untreated wool itchy, in which case merino, a fine and soft type of wool, is the usual answer.
Quick reference
- Care
- Hand wash and dry flat unless the label says superwash. Regular wool felts with heat and agitation.
Best for
- Sweaters
- Hats
- Mittens
- Socks (superwash)
- Lace that needs blocking
Not sure which weight to use for your project? Try the free yarn weight converter to find the closest substitute for any yarn in your stash.