To make it easy to decide which of these sustainable yarn types works best for a variety of projects, we tested 23 different yarns that we received for review. We noted the look, ease of use, durability, drape, and how well each strand of yarn kept its shape after undoing a project. Our top pick, the Echo Fiber Mill Ranger Merino Yarn, impressed us with its soft touch yet firm drape, plus its resistance to tangling. Backed by our testing, these are our top picks for the best sustainable yarn offerings. Slightly on the chunky side, this thick yarn passed every single one of our tests and was a crowd favorite. We especially loved how soft and squishy it was and how it never tangled when it was unwound, unlike some of the other yarns we tested. Despite our many tests, the ends of the yarn never frayed or opened up, and it didn’t split between knitting or crochet needles. While the drape was firm, we could tell it would get softer over time and end up with a sweet little fuzziness. Material: 90 percent merino wool, 10 percent rambouillet wool | Weight: 100 grams each | Length: Starts at 140 yards | Gauge: 15 stitches and 16 rows = 4 x 4-inch square knit on size US 10, Bulky; 21 stitches and 26 rows = 4 x 4-inch square knit on size US 6, DK | Needle: US 9 to 11 (5.5 to 8 millimeter), Bulky, for knit; US 5 to 7 (3.75 to 4.5 millimeter), DK, for crochet; US K to M for crochet (6.5 to 9 millimeter), Bulky; US 7 to I-9 for crochet (4.5 to 5.5 millimeter), DK | Care: Hand wash in lukewarm water using mild, bleach-free detergent The Puna Cotton yarn is a homemade brand that was easily our favorite cotton yarn for its multi-season appeal and medium drape that was neither too firm nor too loose. We never had to worry about tangling or knots, and the strand of yarn kept its shape without unraveling through multiple rounds of testing. We were also impressed with how spots of contrasting colors came together to create a nice visual texture as we worked it into lovely little swatches. Material: 65 percent Merino, 25 percent Alpaca, 10 percent Mohair | Weight: 115 grams | Length: 159 yards | Gauge: 5 to 6 stitches per inch | Needle: US 4 to 6 (3.5 to 4 millimeters) for knit; US E to F (3.5 to 4 millimeters) for crochet | Care: Hand wash in lukewarm water using a mild detergent, soak, rinse, and dry flat Crocheters may struggle with this yarn, not only because it splits on crochet needles, but because it knotted up as we were unwinding it from a crocheted swatch. Also, while trying to pull the knot out, the string of yarn broke in my hands. Since knitted stitches don’t typically tangle when they’re being undone, we think this yarn would suit knitters the best.  You’ll be enticed into knitting all kinds of warm scarves, dresses, sweaters, and beanies for yourself with this yarn, but in our opinion, this was our favorite for knitted gifts because of its enticing softness, warmth, and quality, and would be sure to please any lucky recipient. Material: 100 percent Pima cotton | Weight: 50 grams | Length: 150 yards | Gauge: 6 stitches and 20 rows = 4 x 4 inch square knit on size US 10 (4 millimeter) needles | Needle: US 9 to 11 (5.5 to 8 millimeter) for knit; US K to M (6.5 to 9 millimeter) for crochet | Care: Hand wash gently in cold water using a bleach-free detergent This flagship yarn performed the best in a crocheted swatch as opposed to a knitted one, and we appreciated its pliable drape even more with double and triple crochet stitches. The problem with crocheting with animal fibers is that they tend to stick together or tangle if a project is unwound, but we were very impressed with the smoothness of the strand and the way it kept its shape after repeated rounds of testing. Material: 100 percent hand-spun wool | Weight: 100 grams | Length: 138 yards | Gauge: 14 to 18 stitches = 4 inches | Needle: US 8 to 10 (5 to 6 millimeters) | Care: Hand wash in cold water, dry flat The Franca yarn was hand-dyed to resemble watercolors, and the drape remained soft and squishy without any of the itchiness. The Franca, made of 100 percent superwash merino wool, is also machine washable, a bonus for anyone who prefers to knit with animal fibers but doesn’t love the limitations of hand wash-only fabrics. But do note that because the yarn tends to open up and fray, make sure you’re washing on the delicate cycle. Material: 100 percent superwash merino | Weight: 150 grams | Length: 114 yards | Gauge: 10 stitches = 4 inches | Needle: US 13 to 15 (9 to 10 millimeter) | Care: Hand wash and dry flat Made of 100 percent recycled cotton T-shirts, The Tape is one of many of We Are Knitters’ yarn offerings that promote the slow-fashion movement. Not only is this movement opposed to the harmful effects of fast fashion on garment workers, the environment, and animal safety, but it also promotes working with local artisans. It also promotes the art of hand-making one’s clothes with a focus on eco-friendly materials that will last longer than cheaper, synthetic fast fashion alternatives. We loved that there’s zero plastic in this yarn, and it’s ethically sourced from Peru, with production benefiting local communities. Material: 100 recycled cotton | Weight: 250 grams | Length: 131 yards | Gauge: 11 stitches and 15 rows = 4 inches | Needle: US 8 (5 millimeters) for knit; US 7 (7 millimeter) for crochet | Care: Hand wash, dry flat While testing other yarns, we became accustomed to strands sticking together and knotting up as we undid swatch after swatch, but we never had those issues with the Alpachino Merino, which is why we crowned it the best wool yarn we tested. Made of alpaca yarn and merino blend, this yarn had the softest drape by far, so we think this would make the best yarn for baby blankets and other cozy, chunky knits. Material: 60 percent Merino 40 percent Baby Alpaca | Weight: 100 grams | Length: 110 yards | Gauge: 13 stitches and 18 rows = 4 inches | Needle: US 10.5 (6.5 millimeters) and US 11 (8 millimeter) for knit; US 8 (8 millimeter) for crochet | Care: Hand wash cold, dry flat Although the recommended needles for this We Are Knitters’ Bamboo yarn are on the tiny side at 3 millimeters, we enjoyed knitting and crocheting with larger needles, which created a lace-like drape that would be great for shawls, beach cover-ups, and mesh totes. But if you’re a patient knitter and don’t mind working with smaller needles, you could make some beautiful T-shirts and dresses with this soft and cooling yarn. Material: 100 percent bamboo | Weight: 100 grams | Length: 382 yards | Gauge: 31 stitches and 34 rows = 4 inches | Needle: 3 millimeters | Care: Hand wash, dry flat We not only were enchanted by the vibrant colors in the samples we tested, but we also noticed that all the yarns we received from this company had a pleasing floral scent, making this a great yarn for giftable projects. While other recycled yarns can be a little rough and quick to tangle due to the recycling process, the end result of our testing was a durable, shiny, and soft swatch with a sturdy drape and lots of potential for future crafting possibilities. Material: 100 percent recycled silk | Weight: 50 grams | Length: 75 yards | Gauge: 16 to 20 stitches = 4 inches for knit; 11 to 14 stitches = 4 inches for crochet | Needle: US 7 to 9 (4.5 to 5.5 millimeter) for knit; US I to K (5.5 to 6.5 millimeter) for crochet | Care: Dry clean Our editor invited a group of six friends to her annual yarn party and spent a minimum of half an hour knitting or crocheting with each yarn, noting the look, ease of use, durability, drape, and how well each strand of yarn kept its shape after undoing a project.  Afterward, our editor spent another hour with each type of yarn with both knitting and crochet needles to see how it would fare through a second round of testing, then narrowed down her top picks.

What to Look for in Sustainable Yarn

Level of Sustainability

There are a few things you should keep in mind as you look for sustainable yarn. First, you have to decide the level of sustainability you’re looking for. Not all of the yarn from these companies is 100 percent biodegradable or made with natural materials. Some upcycled or recycled yarns may contain polyester, a small amount of elastane, or nylon. Others contain recycled silk, so if you have a vegan lifestyle or object to the practices of silk production, they may not be right for you.

Price

Keep in mind that sustainable yarns may have a higher price point than standard yarns. Manufacturers who source natural materials from producers that value animal welfare and who use fair labor to create the yarn face higher costs. You can expect to pay more for some sustainable yarns, which can sometimes cost up to double or triple the price of synthetic substitutes.

Care Instructions

Also, consider the nature of the items you’d like to craft, whether they be gifts, clothing, or home accessories. Most of the yarn that made our list, especially the ones created from animal fibers, require hand washing. If you absolutely must, you can throw your project into the washing machine per the brand’s instructions, but make sure it’s washed in cold water and on the delicate cycle.

Why Trust The Spruce Crafts?

Contributor Ruby Grais is an avid knitter and crocheter with over a decade of experience in DIY crafts. She’s spent countless hours researching ethical and sustainable options for yarn crafters when not meticulously untangling balls of yarn or filling up her DIY queue with future projects. She’s also contributed to StyleCaster and SheKnows.com. The best way to look at it is that a heavy, jumbo yarn should generally be limited to arm knitting, whereas bulky, roving, and chunky yarns would best suit those cropped sweaters and cardigans you’ve been eyeing on Instagram as well as cozy scarves, rugs, and throws.  And when it comes to the finer yarns, you can expect that lace and sock (also known as fingering) weight yarns would be best for their namesake projects, while sport and DK weights are better for all-season apparel, like knit tops and dresses. Finally, worsted-weight yarns, which have a medium weight, are ideal for apparel like sweaters, beanies, mittens, and other winter-weather projects. Knowing your yarn weights will also help decipher which needles or hooks you should use. Usually, you can find that info on yarn packaging, but keep in mind that you should use smaller needles for lightweight yarns and larger ones for bulky yarns. Fill a large sink, bathtub, or bucket with cold water and then, according to the detergent or wool wash’s instructions, add in the correct amount of cleaner and swirl to evenly disperse. If you haven’t already, spot treat any stains that need attention, and then submerge the item into the water and take care not to twist, wring, or scrub it; otherwise, it will lose its shape or become damaged.  Gently rub the item between your hands and once it’s clean, rinse it well until the water runs clear. Squeeze the item dry without wringing too much and lay flat on a dry towel. Press down firmly as you roll it up into the towel. Place the item face down on another dry towel and reshape it but avoid tugging or pulling it too much. Let dry for 12-24 hours, turning the item over if you need to.