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.

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?