I want to knit a sweater this year, but I'm lost when it comes to choosing yarn. I used to just grab whatever at the store, but now I realize that not all types of yarn work for a sweater. What density and composition work best?
Actually, it doesn't really matter which exact density you go for - it all depends on what kind of sweater you're picturing :) If you want something thick and warm for winter, look for thicker yarn, around 200-400 meters per 100 grams. Thin yarn like 600+ meters will take forever to knit, and the finished piece won't be very warm. Composition - that's where you really need to pay attention. Acrylic alone holds its shape well, but it doesn't breathe and can pill. Wool is warm, but it can be scratchy if you don't get lucky with the quality right away. I personally prefer a blend - like polyacrylic mixed with wool or wool with acrylic 50/50. It keeps you warm, doesn't irritate your skin, and lasts longer.
If you're a total beginner at knitting - go for acrylic or polyester, they're easier to work with, don't slip through your hands, and mistakes are less noticeable. If you're more experienced, you can take a chance on cashmere or merino - they need more attention, but you'll get an amazing sweater :) Before you buy, feel the yarn with your hands, check if it's scratchy. And look at the label - it should have info about yardage and weight so you can figure out how many skeins you need for the whole thing. Good luck with your knitting!
You also need to think about how exactly you're planning to wear this sweater - indoors or outside, because that changes everything. For winter outdoors, you really need warm yarn, preferably wool or wool blends, because synthetic fibers don't insulate as well, even if they're thicker. Merino wool is honestly ideal for winter - it doesn't itch, it keeps you warm and it still breathes.
For the composition, I'd recommend at least 50% natural fiber, ideally more. If pure wool seems expensive or scratchy, then wool mixed with acrylic in a 70/30 or 80/20 ratio works well. By the way, check the information on the label - it'll tell you the yarn weight. For a sweater, look for something in the range of 100-150 meters per 100 grams; yarn in that range is already dense, but not so thick that it takes forever to knit.
What kind of knit density are you thinking - tightly knit, practically felted, or more open and airy? And will the sweater be fitted or more loose? That also affects what thickness you should pick out at the store.
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