The Secret Power of Texture. Part II
The Role of Yarn in Highlighting Texture for Crochet and Knitting
The special touch that the addition of texture gives a piece of art could be described as unique and distinctive, and thus it deserves a special place in discussions about fibre art.
When we think about texture in crochet and knitting, we immediately think about two main elements you can use to play: yarns and stitches. In Part One of The Secret Power of Texture, I focused on explaining why texture matters. In this essay, I will discuss basic types of yarn and how they can influence a design by adding texture and volume to the finished product, definitely enriching it with tactile and visual effects.
I don't intend to do an academic analysis, nor a technical classification, but rather a basic guide to understanding the main types of yarn you can consider to add a particular signature to your projects.
The Diverse World of Yarn Textures
When we talk about the texture of a yarn, we're really talking about its character and how it feels and looks. In the world of fibre, yarns can be broadly categorised into a few main families based on these characteristics.
Smooth Yarns
A smooth yarn is one with a flat, even, and often slick surface. It has no fuzziness or thick-and-thin bumps. These qualities make them the ideal choice for projects where you want to highlight stitch definition, the design itself, or intricate patterns such as cables, lace, colourwork, filet crochet, and more.
Smooth yarns also tend to have a beautiful drape, meaning they flow and hang gracefully, making them a fantastic choice for garments like sweaters, shawls, and scarves.
Examples: mercerised cotton, silk, bamboo and Tencel, some acrylics, and synthetics.
Textured Yarns
Textured Yarn. Photo via Pexels
Textured yarns are all about creating rich, tactile surfaces. These yarns intentionally incorporate variations in their structure, giving them a distinct feel and visual depth right from the skein.
This category encompasses a wide variety of yarns that inherently have bumps, loops, nubs, or an uneven twist, which gives them a distinct feel and visual appearance beyond the individual stitches. In other words, selecting a textured yarn means the yarn itself plays the protagonist's role over the pattern.
Unlike smooth yarns where the stitches themselves are the star, with textured yarns, the yarn is the texture. When you work with a textured yarn, the fabric you create will naturally have an interesting surface, even with the simplest stitches. This makes them fantastic for adding visual interest without needing complex stitch patterns.
They're excellent for cozy blankets, chunky sweaters, or accessories where you want to highlight the yarn's unique character. However, because of their inherent texture, they might obscure intricate lace or cable patterns, as their own bumps and variations can compete with the stitch work.
Let’s explore some types:
Bouclé: Easily recognised by its characteristic loops, bouclé yarn creates a bumpy, curly surface. It produces a wonderfully soft, bouncy, and textured fabric, often used for cozy garments and blankets.
Chenille: Chenille yarn (pronounced "sheh-NEEL," like "shuh-NEEL") is a popular textured yarn known for its incredibly soft, fuzzy surface that resembles tiny caterpillars or fuzzy pipe cleaners. The name itself comes from the French word for "caterpillar," which perfectly describes its unique look. It's considered a textured yarn because its very construction creates its distinct surface. Unlike a smooth yarn that has a flat, even strand, chenille is made by essentially sandwiching short lengths of fibre between two core strands of yarn and then twisting them together. It’s used for baby blankets, some garments, and amigurumis.
Slub Yarn: This yarn features intentional thick and thin sections along its length, giving the finished fabric a rustic, organic, and uneven texture. It adds visual interest and a handcrafted feel.
Tweed: Tweed yarns incorporate small flecks or "neps" of contrasting colours into the yarn's main ply. These little colourful bits add a subtle, speckled texture and depth, giving projects a classic, rustic, and sophisticated look.
Ribbon Yarn: Flat and ribbon-like, this yarn creates a unique, often glossy, and slightly stiff fabric with a distinct linear texture. It's often used for accessories, bags, or for interesting accents.
Fuzzy/Hairy Yarns: These yarns are characterised by their halo or fluffiness. Fibres like mohair and alpaca naturally have a soft fuzz, while some yarns are brushed during processing to achieve this effect.
Novelty Yarns: The Unconventional & Eye-Catching
T-shirt Yarn and Fabric Yarn. Photo via Pexels
Novelty yarns could be considered as innovative textured yarns. These are yarns specifically designed to be unusual and eye-catching, often featuring irregular textures, embedded elements, or unique constructions that make them stand out. They're not just subtly textured; their texture is their defining characteristic and often their main appeal. Some of the most popular are:
T-shirt Yarn: Made from strips of recycled fabric (often cotton jersey), this yarn is chunky and stretchy, creating a soft yet sturdy fabric with a casual, modern feel. It’s ideal for home decor items like rugs, baskets, or large bags.
Eyelash Yarn: Characterised by soft, wispy "lashes" that extend from the core strand, this yarn creates a very fuzzy, ethereal, and often whimsical fabric. It's popular for scarves, trim, or adding a playful texture to toys and garments.
Sequined or Beaded Yarn: These yarns have tiny sequins or beads incorporated directly into the strand. They add sparkle, glimmer, and a tactile dimension that catches the light, ideal for elegant garments, evening wear, or festive accessories.
The Designer's Touch: Weaving Vision into Form
As we've explored the diverse world of yarn textures—from the crisp definition of smooth strands to the captivating character of textured and novelty fibres—it becomes clear that the true "secret power of texture" lies not just in the yarn itself, but in the designer's vision.
This is where creativity truly shines. A skilled designer understands that the choice of yarn is not an isolated thing; it's a fundamental design decision. As designers ourselves, we have to know about the different options available to us and how to best use them to bring a new project to life. It's about seeing beyond the individual strand and thoughtfully combining the right yarn with the right stitch pattern and overall design to transform a concept into a tangible, beautiful, and textured creation that delights both the eye and the hand.
Expanding the Yarn Horizon
It's important to note that this essay offers a foundational look at yarn categories, providing a general understanding of the main types. However, the world of yarn is vast and endlessly fascinating! I'll be posting a complete guide to yarn types in a future essay, where we'll delve much deeper into their characteristics, uses, and even more classifications.
If you’re interested in sharing your experience about textured yarns, please leave a comment below and consider subscribing for more insights into the art of fibre!
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Time to time I like to explore different textures, once even made small project from threats I cut from t-shirt myself (and yes for other projects I'd used also these fabric made t-shirt recycled yarns), it's interesting experience, but requires some adjustment at the beginning to get familiar with the flow of every type.