My Scarf Yarn Guide – The Best Yarn For Scarves – Knitting Facts

By Jodie Morgan

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Knitting scarves is great, but it’s hard to find the right yarn. It’s difficult to know what scarf you want or how much yarn you’ll need. You could end up with too little and have to buy more! I review the best yarns for scarves.

Scarf Yarn, The Best Yarn For Scarves

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My Quick Recommendations

Read on for more information and a couple of yarn recommendations.

I reviewed, fact checked and updated this post on May 16, 2023.

Table Of Contents

The Best & Softest Yarn For Scarves

Swish Worsted Yarn

Knit Picks Swish Worsted Yarn in multiple colors

This yarn makes for a great scarf yarn because it’s soft, has a nice drape, and comes in a variety of colors. The 100% merino wool is also machine-washable, making it easy to care for.

How Does It Compare?

  • Care Instructions – Machine Wash on gentle and cold – Tumble Dry on low
  • Made Of – 100% Fine Superwash Merino Wool
  • Yardage – 110 yds
  • Yarn Weight – Worsted
  • Skein Weight – 50 g
  • Knitting Gauge – 4.5 – 5 sts = 1″ on #6-9 (4-5.5mm)
  • Crochet Gauge – 11–14 sc = 4’’ on I-K (5.5-6.5 mm)

Product Design: Because of the baby merino used, the natural fibers are lustrous and smooth. You’ll be delighted with how it knits, washes, and wears. The yarn is exceptional quality and easy to knit with. It has consistent colors.

Product Evolution: The yarn has gone through some design changes since its inception. The color palette now includes more classic and sophisticated colors. It’s easy to make orders, and the site includes everything you could need for knitting.

Pros

  • Machine-washable
  • Affordable shipping
  • Super soft look and feel
  • These versions have a great drape
  • Excellent for many knitting projects, including the brioche stitch
  • Available in a variety of colors
  • Customers love it
  • Doesn’t split easily

Cons

  • The garment looks already worn when washed for the first time
  • Requires blocking
  • May pill
  • Some of the darker colors don’t have great stitch definition
  • Picks up dust and lint

Brava Worsted Scarf Yarns

Brava-Yarn

This is another great option for the perfect yarn for making scarves. It’s made of 100% premium acrylic, making it machine-washable and easy to care for. The yarn is affordable. It’s a great for budget-minded knitters.

How Does It Compare?

  • Care Instructions – Machine Washable/Tumble Dry Low
  • Made Of – 100% Premium Acrylic Yarn
  • Yardage – 218 yds
  • Yarn Weight – Worsted
  • Skein Weight – 100 g
  • Knitting Gauge – 4.5 – 5 sts = 1″ on #7-8 (4.5-5mm)
  • Crochet Gauge – 11–14 sc = 4’’ on I-K (5.5-6.5mm)

Product Design: The colors are consistent, and it doesn’t have any harsh smells. The yarn is also soft to knit with. Would be great for clothing too.

Product Evolution: The same acrylic yarn is available in different yarn weights. From the 14th of January, 2020, Brava Cream has a warmer, peach undertone compared to previous ones. Old yarns don’t match the current colorway.

Pros

  • Machine-washable
  • This version is affordable
  • Great softness
  • Beginner friendly, suitable for many knitters
  • Great stitch definition and creates great results
  • Available in a variety of colors

Cons

  • Some inconsistency with the colors, order all you need in one go so they’re in the same dye lot
  • Sometimes has obvious joins
  • Acrylic might not last as long as other yarns, like a wool blend

Chroma Fingering Knitting Yarn

Knit Picks Chroma Fingering Yarn

This is a great option if you’re looking for a soft and colorful yarn for your scarf project. The wool blend is machine-washable, making it easy to care for.

How Does It Compare?

  • Care Instructions – Machine Wash/Tumble Dry Low
  • Made Of –  70% Superwash Wool, 30% Nylon
  • Yardage – 396 yds
  • Yarn Weight – Fingering
  • Skein Weight – 100 g
  • Knitting Gauge: 7 – 8 sts = 1″ on #1-3 (2.25-3.25mm)
  • Crochet Gauge: 21 – 32 sc = 4’’ on B-E (2.25-3.5mm)

Product Design: Would make a brilliant choice for a lightweight scarf. The colors are also vibrant and consistent.

Product Evolution: The Chroma Fingering Yarn is part of a newer line of yarns from the company. The colorways are cleverly named and create beautiful garments, like shawls and other clothes.

Pros

  • A favorite of many crocheters
  • Nice color selection
  • These wool blends are pretty soft
  • KnitPicks has many patterns specifically for this yarn for you to try
  • Put it in the washing machine

Cons

  • Only three solid color options, bare, gray and black
  • Has many joins in the skein, might not be good for socks
  • Some found it hasn’t been spun properly, so it splits easily
  • Slightly expensive to purchase

Caron Simply Soft Solids Yarn

Caron Simply Soft Solids Yarn Check Price On Amazon

This yarn is a great option if you’re looking for an affordable, machine-washable and easy-to-care-for yarn. It’s also available in a variety of colors.

How Does It Compare?

  • Care Instructions – Machine wash and dry
  • Made Of – 100% Acrylic
  • Yardage – 315 yds
  • Yarn Weight – Worsted weight yarn (Medium Weight)
  • Skein Weight – 170 g
  • Knitting Gauge: 18 sts – 24 rows – 5mm (US 8)
  • Crochet Gauge: 13 sc – 14 rows – 5mm (US H/8)

Product Design: It lives up to its name! Makes a good scarf if you want something super soft.

Product Evolution: Use them for knitting or crocheting many accessories.

Pros

  • These scarf yarns are great for your first project
  • Feels warm and soft when you wear it around the neck
  • Excellent affordability for the amount of yardage in one skein
  • Made in the USA

Cons

  • Might not last as long as other yarns
  • Some found the yarn got tangled or had knots
  • Not as much warmth as cozy natural fibers like alpaca

Comfy Cotton Blend Yarn

Comfy Cotton Blend Yarn

If you’re looking for a soft and machine-washable yarn, this might be a good option for you. The cotton blend makes it breathable, making it ideal for warmer weather scarves.

How Does It Compare?

  • Care Instructions – Machine Wash and Machine Dry
  • Made Of – 50% cotton, 50% polyester
  • Yardage – 392 yds
  • Yarn Weight – 3 (Light or DK weight yarn)
  • Skein Weight – 200 g
  • Crochet Gauge – 13 sc x 16 rows – J-10 (6mm)
  • Knit Gauge – 20 sts x 20 rows – #7 (4.5mm)

Product Design: Available in a variety of colors, making it easy to find the perfect one for your project. It’s a soft, lightweight and affordable yarn.

Product Evolution: The colorways are cleverly named and create beautiful garments, like shawls and other clothes.

Pros

  • Make an entire scarf pattern only using one skein of this polyester and cotton yarns
  • Variety of colorways to choose from
  • Affordable price, especially for the amount of yarn you get
  • Lovely for summer garments

Cons

  • Some might find the cotton a little scratchy
  • Great for those with wool sensitivities

Red Heart Boutique Sashay Yarn

Red-Heart-Boutique-Sashay-Disco Check Price On Amazon

This yarn is a metallic ribbon yarn that makes a beautiful scarf.

How Does It Compare?

  • Care Instructions – Hand wash
  • Made Of – Acrylic 97% and Metallic Polyester 3%
  • Yardage – 30 ys
  • Skein Weight – 3.68 oz
  • Suggested Needle/Hook – 6.5mm needle & 8mm ahook

Product Design: This product makes an easy and fun scarf. The metallic in the yarn makes it dressier than other options.

Product Evolution: The sashay yarn comes in different shades and styles, so you can find an excellent option for your project.

Pros

  • The strands are fun to knit or crochet with
  • Makes a beautiful, unique scarf

Cons

  • Not suitable for beginners, as it’s fiddly and challenging to knit with
  • Only good for scarves and frilly edging
  • Small yardage – need multiple skeins to make one thing

Heartland Yarn

Lion Brand Heartland Yarn

If you’re looking for a tweeded, acrylic yarn, this might be a good option for you. It’ll keep you warm on those cold winter days.

How Does It Compare?

Care Instructions – Machine Wash, Machine Dry

  • Made Of – Solids – 100% Acrylic | Tweeds – 94% Acrylic, 6% Rayon
  • Yardage Size – 251 yds
  • Yarn Weight – 4 (Medium)
  • Skein Weight – 5 oz

Product Design: The heathered texture makes it the best choice for autumn-inspired wraps and blankets. A sign for those ready to make fall garments!

Product Evolution: Lion Brand is great! Not sure whether you’re sensitive to the yarn, or want to see the details by touching it? No matter. One tip is to buy a knitted yarn swatch! The customer service team also wants you to have a wonderful experience and will answer questions you have in times when you need help.

Pros

  • These things are easy care
  • This knitting yarn features excellent durability

Cons

  • Some found knots in the skein, keeping them from using it

Red Heart Soft Yarns

Red Heart Soft Yarns Check Price On Amazon

This is one of the most popular yarns in the market, and for good reason. It’s a versatile, affordable option that comes in a wide variety of colors. I recommend it if you’re making items for kids or babies.

How Does It Compare?

  • Care Instructions – Machine wash
  • Made Of – 100% Acrylic
  • Yardage – 256 yds
  • Skein Weight – 5 oz
  • Suggested Needle/Hook – 5mm needle & 5.5mm hook

Product Design: Red Heart, (one of many brands owned by Yarnspirations) creates yarn to enjoy making with and ones that look pleasing to the eye.

Product Evolution: This yarn has been on the market for longer than most and there are many color options to choose from. In this case, it’s a great choice!

Pros

  • Suited to any person or use, even something for the home
  • Easy to work with, and soft on your fingers
  • Available in most craft stores and a bunch of online retailers

Cons

  • Prone to splitting
  • Some noticed an inconsistent thickness
  • Users need to make an account to buy on their browser

Vanna’s Choice

Vanna’s Choice

This yarn is designed by Vanna White, who is a well-known TV host in the US, and is the spokesperson for Lion Brand. It’s a versatile, affordable yarn scarves.

How Does It Compare?

  • Care Instructions – Machine Wash and Machine Dry
  • Made Of – 100% Acrylic
  • Yardage – 170 yds
  • Yarn Weight – 4 (Medium)
  • Skein Weight – 3.5 oz
  • Crochet Gauge – 12 sc x 15 rows – J-10 (6mm)
  • Knitting Gauge – 16 sts x 22 rows on #9 (5.5mm) needles

Product Design: Perfect for making a ton of things for the giving season, and other special occasions in someone’s life!

Product Evolution: Plenty of colors to choose from.

Pros

  • This quality yarn isn’t difficult to use
  • The ball doesn’t fade with washes
  • This material is great value for money
  • This type of yarn suits a loose or tight tension

Cons

  • Some found it tricky to use as it split easily
  • Some had skeins that weren’t the color picture, meaning their experience was spoiled
  • You need an account to purchase these tools

Pin For Later

Scarf Yarn Pin

What To Look For In The Best Yarn For Scarves

Here are some key decision-making factors to consider when choosing the best scarves yarn. Read through my tips to decide.

What Kind Of Care Does It Need?

Some yarns need to be hand-washed, while others can be machine-washed. If you don’t have time for a lot of hand-washing, then choose a yarn that is machine-washable.

What’s It Made Of?

This is the most important factor to consider. There are many yarn materials, each with benefits and drawbacks. Acrylic yarns are durable and machine-washable, while wool is soft and insulating. Consider what’s important to you.

How Much Yardage?

Check the label for how many yards (or meters) are in each skein. You don’t want to run out of yarn in the middle of your project! Always err on the side of more balls than less.

What Yarn Weight Is Best?

The weight of your yarn affects the gauge (how many stitches per inch) of your scarf. A heavier yarn = a thicker scarf, and a lighter yarn = a thinner scarf.

What’s Your Budget?

Yarn prices can range from a few dollars to over $20 per skein. Decide how much you’re willing to spend on your scarf yarn before you shop.

Which Is Best For You?

  • Swish Worsted Yarn – It’s a good all-around yarn, and it’s machine washable
  • Brava Worsted Yarn – This product is excellent for budget knitters
  • Chroma Fingering Yarn – Great if you love lots of color!
  • Caron Simply Soft Solids Yarn – Get this if softness in yarn is the most important thing for you
  • Comfy Cotton Blend Yarn – Great if you love a natural fiber against your skin
  • Red Heart Boutique Sashay Yarn – Makes a great novelty scarf
  • Lion Brand Heartland Yarn – Excellent if you love the effect of speckled yarn
  • Red Heart Soft Yarn – An affordable, super soft alternative to wool yarn
  • Vanna’s Choice Yarn – Perfect for other garments like sweaters

Comparable Products To Consider

Want to try something else? Look at the Patons alpaca blend. for a good example. Patons Alpaca Blend Yarn

Or try the impressive range of great yarns for your stash from Mary Maxim. They sell wonderful alpaca yarn. Mary Maxim Natural Alpaca Tweed Yarn

You can also get kits with the yarn and tools you need to knit your first scarf.

FAQS About Yarn For Scarves

How Much Yarn For A Scarf?

For an average sized scarf, about 200 yards of worsted weight.

How To Make A Scarf Pattern With Yarn?

Here’s a tutorial.

For more advanced knitters, here are some tutorials.

Get some great ideas on what scarf to make with the Pinterest or Etsy app.

How Many Skeins Of Yarn For A Scarf?

It depends on the yardage, but 2-3 is a good number for a nice length.

What Yarn Is Good For Scarves?

There are a lot of different yarn, but worsted weight is a good choice for scarves.

What Is The Softest Yarn To Make A Scarf?

It depends on your preferences, but Red Heart Soft Yarn is a good option.

Is Bulky Weight Yarn Good For Scarves?

No, bulky weight yarn is too thick for scarves. It’s better suited for a cowl, blanket or beanie, which make great gifts.

Is Acrylic Good For Scarves?

Yes, it’s good as it’s affordable, easy to find and comes in many colors. It’s also machine washable and dryable. However, it’s prone to splitting.

How To Wash Yarn Scarf?

It depends pm the yarn, but you either machine or hand wash it in cool water and hang it out to dry.

How To Knit Scarf With Leftover Yarn

Here’s a great tutorial on a way to do it.

Wool Scarf Vs Acrylic Scarf

Here’s a quick comparison. Wool has more stretch, is more expensive, and is warmer. Acrylic holds its shape well, and the fibers stay in place, it’s cheaper, and not as breathable.

Where To Buy Ruffle Scarf Yarn

Buy ruffle scarves yarn at most local yarn stores or purchase it on Amazon.

Yarn Scarf How Long?

It can be as long or as short as you’d like!

What Can I Make With Leftover Yarn For Scarves?

You can make a cowl, beanie/hat, headband or a blanket.

Conclusion

Scarves are the perfect accessory to keep warm and add style to any outfit. With so many types of yarn, there’s one for everyone! Hope you found the right yarn. Know a great one I haven’t included? Tell me in the comments! Or have a question about the blog content? Get in touch here or on social media.

Read Next – Want the cheapest place to buy yarn? See here.

About The Author

Jodie Morgan From Knit Like Granny

Jodie Morgan (Author & Founder)

jodie@knitlikegranny.com | Lives In: Regional Australia

Author: Jodie Morgan is a passionate knitter and blogger with 40+ years of experience currently living in regional Australia. Taught by her mother and wonderful grandmother “Mama”, she fell in love with crafting from a young age. When she’s not knitting, you’ll find her enjoying a cup of coffee with cream, or sharing helpful resources and tips with the online knitting community. Get to know Jodie and the team on our meet the team page.

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