Yarn Fibers Explained – Natural, Animal & Synthetic Fibers

Choosing yarn isn’t just about color and thickness. It’s about feeling.

Do you want the garment to embrace, cool, shimmer, or hold structure?
Do you want something soft as a whisper, or something with a more rustic character?

The material determines how your garment lives over time. How it drapes. How it breathes. How it ages. And perhaps most importantly, how it feels when you wear it.

Here, we guide you through the fibers so you can choose with both heart and intention.

This text is part of our Yarn School series, designed to help you understand yarn with confidence.

Animal Fibers

Merino Wool

Soft, supple, and temperature-regulating. One of the most versatile fibers available.
Merino works year-round and is especially appreciated for garments worn close to the skin.

Available with us in:
Rauma Lun Merino
Filcolana Arwetta
Kaos Luxury Soft Merino

Peruvian Highland Wool

A more rustic wool with natural bounce and clear structure.
Provides body and a classic look that holds its shape over time.

Available with us in:
Filcolana Pernilla
Filcolana Peruvian
Kaos Skinny Andean

Alpaca

A silky-soft and very warm fiber with natural luster.
Less elastic than wool, which gives a softer and more fluid drape.
Alpaca fiber contains no lanolin, making it perfect for those sensitive to lanolin.

Available with us in:
Kaos Halo Brushed Alpaca
Rauma Alpakka Lin
Lang Yarns Alpaca Soxx Tweed

Mohair

Mohair comes from the Angora goat.
The fiber is strong, lightweight, and naturally lustrous.

It creates an airy halo around the stitches, adding both texture and shine. Mohair is often used as a companion strand to bring life and depth to knitting.

Available with us in:
Filcolana Tilia
Fluffy Mohair from Strikkefeber
Rauma Tjukk Mohair

Angora

Angora comes from the Angora rabbit and is one of the softest natural fibers available.

It is lightweight, very warm, and creates a soft, fluffy surface with subtle luster. Angora is often used in blends to add extra softness and a dreamy expression.

In the past, angora production has been associated with animal cruelty. Today, responsible producers work with significantly improved animal welfare and more ethical methods. It is always important to choose suppliers who take responsibility for animal well-being.

Available with us in:
Fonty Coeur d’Angora

Cashmere

An exclusive fiber with exceptional softness relative to its weight.
Provides lightweight warmth and a subtle sense of luxury, perfect for garments worn close to the skin.

Available with us in:
Lang Yarns Cashmere Premium

Non-Animal Natural Fibers

These fibers are often cooler, less elastic, and perfect for warmer climates or summer garments.

Cotton

Soft, durable, and stable.
Cool against the skin and easy to wear.

Available with us in:
Rauma Petunia

Linen

Crisp, cool, and naturally textured.
Becomes softer and more beautiful over time.

Available with us in:
Lang Yarns Lino

Silk

Smooth, glossy, and cool.
Creates beautiful drape and an exclusive feel.

Viscose

A regenerated fiber with elegant luster and fluid drape.
Adds movement and soft elegance.

Synthetic Fibers

Often used in blends to add strength, durability, and shape retention.

Nylon / Polyamide

Adds durability, especially in sock yarns.

Available with us in:
Filcolana Arwetta
Lang Yarns Mille Colori
Lang Yarns Alpaca Soxx Tweed

Polyester

Shape-retaining and resilient.

Available with us in:
Mere Garn

Overview – Animal Fibers