Wool is the classic knitting fiber: warm, elastic, and forgiving. Its natural springiness makes it a joy to work with and very beginner-friendly.
| Property | Detail |
|---|---|
| Fiber | Natural protein (sheep) |
| Stretch | High, great memory |
| Warmth | Very warm, insulates damp |
| Durability | Resilient, can felt |
| Best for | Sweaters, hats, blankets |
| Watch out | Felts with heat and agitation |
Knitting with wool
Wools elasticity evens out tension and helps stitches sit neatly, so beginners get good results. It blocks beautifully, opening up lace and smoothing fabric, but heat and agitation will felt it permanently.
Block it to finish. Wet-blocking wool relaxes the stitches and sets the shape, transforming a finished piece. Just wash gently and dry flat to avoid felting.
See the Cotton Yarn Guide and the Wool Fabric Properties.