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.

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

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?

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.

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?

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.

Every year brings new directions in what makers are reaching for, and 2026 is no different. From a growing appetite for recycled and plant-based fibres to bold colour, textured novelty yarns and a return to slow, considered projects, there's plenty shaping the year ahead. Here's a look at the materials, techniques and shifts we're seeing in the fibre world, and how you might weave a few of them into your own making.

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.