Cotton & Linen Yarn

Cotton and linen are go-to plant fibers for warm-weather knitting — breathable, easy to wash, and comfortable against the skin. This collection spans fingering to aran weight and includes both pure cotton, linen, and cotton-blend yarns, good for everything from dishcloths to summer garments to baby items.

Cotton and linen are plant-based fibers, which makes them naturally breathable and generally easier to care for than wool — most cotton yarns are machine washable, and cotton doesn't felt the way wool can. The tradeoff is elasticity: cotton and linen have little to no natural stretch, which means finished garments can "grow" or lose their shape over time and with wear. Ribbing and other stitch patterns that rely on elastic recovery behave differently in cotton than they do in wool.

This collection includes pure cotton in a range of weights, along with cotton blended with other fibers for a softer hand or a bit more give. Linen, when present, tends to be stiffer and cooler-feeling than cotton right off the skein, but it softens noticeably with washing and wear, which is part of its appeal for garments meant to be worn for years.

Because gauge swatches for cotton and linen can behave differently before and after washing, it's worth washing and drying (or blocking) your swatch the same way you plan to care for the finished piece before committing to a needle size — cotton in particular can grow noticeably in length after its first wash.

Frequently asked questions

Is cotton yarn a good choice for summer garments?

Yes — cotton is breathable and doesn't trap heat the way wool can, which makes it a common choice for warm-weather tops, tanks, and lightweight cardigans.

Is cotton yarn machine washable?

Most cotton yarns are machine washable, but always check the specific product's care label, especially for blends or hand-dyed cotton, where color and texture may need gentler care.

Why does my cotton swatch measure differently after washing?

Cotton fibers relax and can grow slightly in length after their first wash, which is why swatching, washing, and re-measuring before starting a project gives a more accurate gauge than measuring a dry, unwashed swatch.