Cotton yarn is a cool, durable, plant-based fiber. It behaves quite differently from wool, which makes it great for some projects and tricky for others.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fiber | Natural cellulose (plant) |
| Stretch | Low, little memory |
| Warmth | Cool, breathable |
| Durability | High, sturdy |
| Best for | Dishcloths, summer tops, bags |
| Watch out | Splits, shows uneven tension |
Knitting with cotton
Cotton has almost no elasticity, so stitches do not bounce back the way wool does, and uneven tension shows. It is wonderfully durable and machine washable, which suits household items and warm-weather wear.
Mind your tension. Because cotton has no give, work at an even, relaxed tension. Tight cotton knitting is hard on the hands and uneven tension is unforgiving.
See the Wool Yarn Guide and the Choosing the Right Yarn.