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.

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.

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.