Looking for the best yarn for your next knitting or crochet project? Today we compare acrylic yarn vs wool to see which is the best choice for you.
When it comes to knitting, crochet or any other type of yarn-based project, there are a lot of options to choose from. Among the most popular are acrylic yarn and wool yarn.
Both have their own unique benefits and drawbacks, so it can be difficult to decide which is the best option for a given project.
In this article, we will pit acrylic yarn against wool yarn in a head-to-head battle to help you make a more informed decision about which is the best yarn for your needs.
For each fiber we will look at:
- Where the fibers come from
- Characteristics of the fiber
- Durability
- Wrinkle resistance
- Allergies
- Cost
- Care
Then we will cover how to tell the difference between the two and which one works best for different types of projects, so make sure to read the review to the end so you can make the best choice for your next project.
I’ve designed more than 250 patterns, so I’ve used my fair share of all types of yarn, and I’m here today to help you pick the right yarn for you.
Want to see my favorite acrylic yarns? Check them out here – they’ve come a long way since your grandma’s acrylics!
Where do acrylic and wool fibers come from?
Acrylic yarn is made from synthetic fibers, typically acrylonitrile or polyacrylonitrile. It is a completely synthetic fiber, so it doesn’t occur in nature.
Wool yarn, on the other hand, is made from the fleece of sheep. Sheep are sheared once a year, and the fleece is cleaned and processed into yarn. The best wool is sheeps wool from merino sheep. This animal fiber can be spun super fine for some seriously soft fibers, then treated to be superwash.
So, if you are looking for a natural fiber, wool is the way to go. However, if you are looking for a vegan option, acrylic is the better choice.
You can find both acrylic and wool in every yarn weight out there, from delicate lace weight to jumbo yarns.
What are the characteristics of these fibers?
Acrylic yarn is typically less expensive than wool yarn because it is easier to produce synthetic yarn than it is to raise and shear sheep.
Acrylic fabric made from yarn is not as absorbent as wool fibers, so they can be a good choice for projects that will be exposed to water or other liquids.
However, because acrylic fiber is not as absorbent, it can feel a bit clammy next to the skin.
Wool fibers are much more absorbent than acrylic fibers, so they can feel more comfortable next to the skin.
They are also naturally temperature-regulating, so they can keep you warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
However, because wool fibers are more absorbent, they can felt more easily if they are exposed to water or other liquids.
What is the durability of these fibers?
Acrylic yarn is typically more durable than wool yarn because it is less likely to pill or shed, but there are some instances where wool is a better choice, such as socks.
Pilling is when the fibers start to break down and form little balls on the surface of the fabric. The older acrylics were really bad about pilling, but newer ones are not so bad, and you can also find anti-pilling acrylics.
Wool has a tendency to pill because the fibers have “scales” on them that want to grab hold of each other, which also makes wool felt.
Shedding is when the fibers come loose from the fabric and end up everywhere, including on your clothes and in your furniture. (If you have a pet, you know what shedding is!)
Wool yarn is more likely to shed than acrylic yarn because the fibers are not as tightly bound together.
Honestly I’ve found that the best yarns are usually blends, such as an acrylic and wool blend or a nylon wool, acrylic/cotton, etc. This blends the best characteristics of both yarns together, and there are nice blended yarn lines on the market.
Is wrinkle resistance important to you?
Wrinkle resistance is important if you are looking for a fabric that will hold its shape, such as in a garment.
Acrylic yarn is more wrinkle-resistant than wool yarn because the fibers are less likely to absorb moisture and shrink since acrylic is more water repellant.
Wool yarn is more likely to absorb moisture and shrink, so it is not as wrinkle-resistant as acrylic yarn.
Is Acrylic or Wool More Comfortable?
Some people are allergic to wool, but not acrylic. This is because wool fibers have tiny scales on them that can irritate the skin.
If you are allergic to wool, you can still use acrylic yarn and most other fibers without any problems.
Acrylic yarn can feel a bit clammy next to the skin because it does not absorb moisture as well as wool.
Wool is a natural fiber, so it can feel more comfortable next to the skin than acrylic as far as breathability, but some people find wool scratchy or itchy.
What about wool allergy?
Some people are allergic to the lanolin in wool, which is a natural oil that sheep produce to protect their fleece from the elements.
If you are allergic to lanolin, then you will want to choose an acrylic yarn instead of a wool yarn, or even a cotton or polyester yarn.
Allergies are the main reason I don’t like to use wool for baby items, because you never know if baby could have an allergy and it can be rough against sensitive baby skin.
What is the cost difference between wool and acrylic yarn?
The cost of yarn can vary greatly depending on the brand, but in general, wool yarn is more expensive than acrylic yarn because it is a natural fiber.
The price also depends on the quality of the yarn, with higher-quality yarns being more expensive. You can get super bargain basement acrylic (which will feel like it) and also premium acrylics, which are more expensive and really are so good now they don’t even feel like acrylic.
So, if you are looking for a budget-friendly option, acrylic yarn is the way to go. If you are looking for a more luxurious option, wool yarn is the better choice.
How do I care for acrylic yarn vs wool?
Acrylic yarn is very easy to care for because it is machine-washable and can be tumble-dried on low heat. Most acrylics that I have washed come out looking exactly like they did when they went in, but always check the care information on the ball band before washing.
Wool yarn is also usually machine-washable, but it should be washed on a gentle cycle and tumble dried on low heat or laid flat to dry. If you plan on washing your wool item a lot, invest in superwash merino wool, which can be machine washed and dried and holds up a lot better.
You will also want to use a wool wash or gentle detergent when hand washing wool yarn to avoid damaging the fibers.
How do you tell the difference between acrylic yarn and wool?
The easiest way to tell the difference between acrylic yarn and wool is by looking at the fiber content on the ball band. This may sound like common sense, but it’s the best way to learn the fiber content of your yarn.
Acrylic yarn will be 100% synthetic, while wool yarn will be 100% natural. You can also usually tell by looking at the yarn itself. Acrylic yarn is typically shiny and smooth, while wool yarn is usually more matte and has a bit of texture, but with the processing improvements in acrylic yarn it’s not always so easy to tell.
You can also get fiber blends that contain both wool and acrylic, so definitely read your ball band.
Best Options for Different Types of Projects
Now let’s take a look at some different types of items you might want to make and see what the best option for each is.
Socks
Socks are typically not made from acrylic yarn because acrylic doesn’t “breathe” very well, so your feet get all clammy. It is durable, so it would hold up well, it just wouldn’t be very comfortable.
Wool is a great choice for socks because it’s breathable and comfortable next to the skin. You can also get wool yarn that is treated to be machine-washable, so you don’t have to hand wash your socks. A wool nylon blend is the most common for sock yarn.
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Baby items
As I mentioned before, I typically don’t use wool for baby items (clothes or a baby blanket) because of the risk of allergies. However, if you know that the baby is not allergic to wool, a superfine merino wool can make a great choice because it is so soft and gentle against the skin.
Acrylic yarn and cotton yarn are my go-to yarns for baby items because they are machine washable and can stand up to a lot of wear and tear. I also love bamboo yarn for baby items because it is so soft, but it’s not as durable as acrylic or cotton.
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Blankets
This is a tough one, because both wool and acrylic have their pros and cons. Acrylic is cheaper and easier to care for, but it doesn’t have the same warmth retention properties as wool. Wool is more expensive and needs to be handled with care, but it will keep you warmer.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, acrylic is the way to go. If you want a blanket that will keep you warm, wool is the better choice.
See Best Yarn for Blankets Here
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Sweaters
Again, this is a tough one. Acrylic is cheaper and easier to care for, but it doesn’t breathe as well as wool and can pill. Wool is more expensive and needs to be handled with care, but it will keep you warmer and won’t pill as much.
If you are looking for a budget-friendly option, acrylic is the way to go. If you want a sweater that will keep you warm and look nice for a long time, wool is the better choice.
See Best Yarn for Sweaters Here
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Scarves
Scarves are a great way to use up leftover yarn, so you can definitely use either acrylic or wool. If you want your scarf to be super warm and cozy, go with wool. If you want a lighter weight scarf that won’t be as hot, go with acrylic.
Remember, though, that acrylic yarn doesn’t breathe well, but I have used it for several scarves and never had a problem feeling clammy.
See Best Yarn for Scarves Here
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Hats
Hats are another great project for using up leftover yarn. I typically use acrylic for hats because it’s cheaper and easier to care for, but wool would work just as well.
If you want a super warm hat, go with wool. If you want a lighter weight hat that won’t be as hot, go with acrylic. I’ve never had a problem with an acrylic hat feeling clammy, but I have had a wool one make my forehead itch, so choose your wool carefully if you are using one for hats since it will be so close to your skin.
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Amigurumi and Stuffed Animals
The very best choice for these is cotton yarn, but you can also use wool or acrylic yarn to make stuffies or other amigurumi.
Personally, if I’m not using cotton I’m using acrylic. There are some amazing choices for acrylic yarns that make great stuffed animals, such as Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice.
See Best Yarn for Amigurumi Here
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Conclusion
So, what is the best yarn? It really depends on what you are looking for and what your budget is.
Both wool and today’s acrylic yarns are great choices for different projects. Acrylic has come a long way and is much softer than it used to be, making it a great choice for baby items, hats and scarves. Wool is still the best choice for socks and sweaters, though, because it breathes better and will hold up better over time.
What is your favorite yarn to use? Let me know in the comments below!
Ann
Wool does need gentler care thN synthetics but it is fire resistant, making it a safer choice for many items especially baby blankets.