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The Benefits of Plant-Based Yarn: A Maker's Guide to Fibres from the Ground Up
Cotton, linen, hemp, bamboo and a growing family of more unusual fibres like eucalyptus, banana and seaweed all offer something a little different from wool and alpaca. They're soft, breathable and wearable, with the kind of drape that suits warm-weather makes. Here's what plant-based yarn is, how these fibres behave and how to choose the right one for your next project.

Caterina Sullivan
Jul 19 min read


Six Things to Look For in a High-Quality Yarn | Fancy Yarns Australia
Not all yarn is equal. That's not a controversial statement. Most makers know it intuitively after a few projects. But knowing why one yarn outperforms another isn't always obvious, especially when you're shopping online and can't pick the skein up and feel it. Quality in yarn isn't just about price. It comes down to a combination of factors: what the fibre is, where it came from, how it was processed and who made it. Once you know what to look for, the signals are easier to

Caterina Sullivan
Jun 35 min read


Pima Cotton Yarn: A Premium Plant-Based Fibre | Fancy Yarns Australia
Pima cotton is a genuinely distinct fibre from regular with specific properties that set it well apart from the cotton most of us are familiar with. For makers who value softness, stitch definition and wearability, it's a very satisfying fibre to work with. What exactly is Pima cotton, how is it grown, and why does it behave differently in your hands?

Caterina Sullivan
May 65 min read


EcoVero Yarn: A More Considered Viscose for Mindful Makers | Fancy Yarns Australia
If you've come across the name EcoVero on a yarn label and wondered what it actually means, you're not alone. We've broken down this guide into what EcoVero is, how it's made, what it feels like, how it can be used and what are some of the incredible benefits of this innovative fibre.

Caterina Sullivan
Apr 84 min read


Soybean Yarn: An Incredibly Soft Alternative Plant-Based Yarn
What exactly is soybean yarn? How is it made? What does it feel like to work with, and why might it find a place in your next project?

Caterina Sullivan
Mar 105 min read


What is the Difference Between Wool and Yarn?
Wool and yarn are often used to mean the same thing, but they're not quite interchangeable. Wool is a fibre that comes from sheep, while yarn is the spun strand you knit or crochet with, which can be made from all sorts of fibres. Understanding the difference helps you read a yarn label with confidence and choose the right material for your project. Here's what sets them apart, and why it matters when you're deciding what to make.

Caterina Sullivan
Feb 105 min read


How to Adapt Patterns for Different Yarn Weights | A Practical Guide for Knitters and Crocheters
Ever fallen for a pattern only to realise it calls for a different yarn weight than the one in your stash? The good news is you can often adapt it. With a little understanding of gauge, hook or needle size and a willingness to swatch, you can knit or crochet many patterns in a weight that suits you. Here's a practical guide to adapting patterns across yarn weights, so the yarn you love isn't off-limits.

Caterina Sullivan
Dec 16, 20256 min read


How to Look After Hand-Dyed Yarn: Your Complete Guide to Colour, Care and Longevity
If you’ve ever wondered how to care for hand-dyed yarn, how to keep those colours radiant or how to ensure your finished project lasts for years, this is your go-to guide. Whether you’re new to indie-dyed skeins or have a whole shelf devoted to Australian hand-dyed yarn, these tips will help you protect your investment and your creativity. This article covers everything you need to know, including washing, storage, colour preservation, project preparation and long-term fibre

Caterina Sullivan
Sep 24, 20255 min read


What Is Mulesing? An Informative Guide for Yarn Crafters | Fancy Yarns Australia
If you've shopped for wool, you've likely seen "non-mulesed" on a label and wondered what it means. Mulesing is a practice that comes up often in conversations about wool and sheep welfare, and it's one where makers deserve clear facts rather than a sales pitch in either direction. Here's what mulesing is, why it exists, the welfare debate on both sides and what non-mulesed wool actually means when you're choosing yarn.

Caterina Sullivan
May 28, 20256 min read


Understanding Yarn Weights and Plys: A Maker’s Guide to Getting It Just Right
Let’s untangle the mystery of yarn weight and ply and make it simple, so you can choose your yarn with confidence every time.

Caterina Sullivan
Feb 25, 20254 min read


How to Choose the Best Yarn for Baby Projects
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to consider when choosing yarn for baby projects, from fibre content and washing instructions to lesser-known factors like breathability, antibacterial properties and durability.

Caterina Sullivan
Jan 28, 20255 min read


The Best Fibres for Summer Crafting: Knitting and Crocheting through Warmer Months
In this guide, we’ll explore the best fibres for summer crafting, their unique properties and why they’re ideal for staying cool while you knit, crochet or weave during the hottest months of the year.

Caterina Sullivan
Nov 26, 20245 min read


How to Substitute Yarns in Your Project
Learn everything you need to know about yarn substitution, from understanding yarn weights and fibre content to matching gauge.

Caterina Sullivan
Jun 19, 20245 min read


What Does It Mean to Be GOTS-Certified? | GOTS-Certified Yarn Explained
In this article, we’ll dive into the meaning of GOTS certification, what it stands for and why it matters for conscious crafters like you.

Caterina Sullivan
May 22, 20245 min read


Superwash vs Non-Superwash Wool: What’s the Difference and Which Should You Choose?
If you've ever stared at a yarn label wondering what "superwash" actually means, you're not alone. Superwash and non-superwash wool behave quite differently as you work with them and in the wash, and knowing the difference helps you choose the right one for your project. Here's what sets them apart, and which to reach for depending on what you're making.

Caterina Sullivan
Apr 24, 20244 min read


Seaweed Yarn: A Distinctive Fibre for Sensitive Skin | Fancy Yarns Australia
Yarn made from seaweed sounds unlikely, but it's a real fibre with a genuine place in the plant-based yarn world. Brown algae is embedded into a soft cellulose base to create a breathable yarn that's especially good for sensitive skin. Here's how it's made, what makes it a thoughtful choice for baby garments and next-to-skin wear, and what to expect when you work with it.

Caterina Sullivan
Mar 26, 20244 min read


OEKO-TEX Certified Yarns: What it Means and Why it Matters
The OEKO-TEX Standard 100 is a globally recognised certification that ensures textiles and textile products are tested for harmful substance

Caterina Sullivan
Jan 30, 20244 min read


Exploring Yarn Colour Combinations and Trends
In the vibrant world of yarn and fibre arts, colour is a powerful tool that can transform a project from ordinary to extraordinary. The...

Caterina Sullivan
Oct 24, 20232 min read


Understanding Wraps Per Inch (WPI) and its Practical Applications
Choosing the right yarn for your knitting or crochet projects can be a daunting task, especially with the wide array of options...

Caterina Sullivan
Jul 26, 20233 min read
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