How to Choose Yarn for New Knitters

When you pick up your first pair of knitting needles, the excitement is real, you’re about to turn a yarn skein into something beautiful and handmade. But before you cast on that very first stitch, there’s one important decision to make: what yarn should you use?

For beginners, choosing the right yarn can feel overwhelming. Rows of skeins in every color, weight, and fiber stare back at you from the store shelf, and it’s hard to know where to start. To help you make the right choice, in this blog we’ll walk you through the essentials of choosing yarn for knitting, so your early projects are smooth, successful, and full of joy. And if you’re drawn to the beauty of handmade, we’ll also introduce you to hand-dyed yarns, from Symfonie yarn collection designed by knitters and crocheters who know exactly what beginners (and seasoned makers) need.

Why Yarn Choice Matters

Knitting is all about the relationship between your yarn and your knitting needles. As a maker, you’ll be shaping loops of yarn, row by row, into scarves, hats, blankets, or sweaters. The feel of the yarn in your hands, the way it glides across your needles, and the look of your finished fabric all depend on the yarn you choose.

Just like learning the basic knitting stitches, understanding your yarn is part of becoming a confident knitter. The golden rule for beginners is this: match your yarn weight to your needle size. Small needles work best with light yarns; large needles pair naturally with heavier yarns. While you can play with combinations for creative effects, most patterns will tell you exactly what yarn weight and needle size to use.

Also read - Complete Guide to Yarn Weight and Sizes

Tips for Choosing Yarn as a Beginner

1. Yarn Weight

Yarn comes in a range of thicknesses, from thin lace weight to super bulky. As a beginner, it’s best to start with a medium-weight yarn. This yarn is good to see your stitches clearly, matches with common knitting needle sizes and creates fabric that works for a wide range of projects. DK (weight 3), double knitting yarn or worsted/aran (weight 4) are the best choices. If you are seeing all season projects, DK is best suited while worsted-weight yarn is a good choice for cozy, winter projects. They are versatile, easy to knit with, and perfect for practicing stitches without your fabric being too delicate or too bulky.

2. Fiber Content

Yarns are spun from many fibers, each with unique qualities. Wool is a natural, elastic fiber that’s warm, breathable, and grips stitches nicely. It is suited for beginners and easy projects. Merino wool is of finer quality. Contrary to the myth that it’s just for winter; wool can be worn year-round. Wool mixed with polyamide, silk, or other fibers combines the best qualities of each. Merino-polyamide yarn in fingering weight is a good sock yarn. Merino-silk is best for shawls and premium projects.

3. Texture

Smooth yarns are a beginner’s best friend they slide easily on the needles and let your stitches stand out. Fuzzy or textured yarns look beautiful but can be tricky to manage when you’re just starting out.

4. Colour

Pick colors that inspire you! Bright shades add energy, neutrals create timeless pieces, and variegated yarns (with shifting tones) give stunning effects without needing complicated stitch patterns.

5. Read the Labels

Every yarn label holds valuable information: weight, fiber content, care instructions, and recommended knitting needle sizes. This guide will help you choose the yarn best suited for your project and skill level.

Also read - Complete Guide to Reading Yarn Labels: Decoding the Symbols

The Charm of Hand-Dyed Yarns

Once you’ve learned the basics, you may find yourself drawn to yarns with a little more character. That’s where hand-dyed yarns come in. Each skein is carefully dyed by hand, making it unique. No two are ever exactly alike, and that individuality passes into your project, giving it a charm that machine-dyed yarns can’t replicate.

Symfonie’s Hand-Dyed Yarn Collection is designed by lifelong knitters and crocheters who understand what crafters need. Their collection is both beginner-friendly and inspiring, with options for every project
Choosing yarn is one of the most exciting parts of knitting. For beginners, stick with medium-weight yarns in soft, smooth fibers that match your needle size. Don’t be afraid to try colors that spark joy, and take time to touch and explore different textures. As your confidence grows, treat yourself to the beauty of hand-dyed yarns, like those from Symfonie. Each skein carries the mark of human hands, passing its uniqueness into your project and making even the simplest stitches feel extraordinary.

So, grab your needles, choose your yarn, and start knitting—the adventure begins with that very first loop.

Before heading out to shop for yarn, here are few things to know first:

Yarn Weight Guide: All Your Questions Answered

10 Easy Knitting Projects for Beginners