Exploring Yarn Types: Woolen Spun, Worsted Spun, and Tips for Substituting Yarn

Today's discussion focuses on a crucial aspect of knitting and crocheting: yarn construction. The type of yarn you choose, such as woolen spun or worsted spun, significantly influences how your project turns out, differing markedly from single-ply yarns.

The structure of the yarn affects both the drape and the durability of your finished creations. So, if you're planning to substitute yarn to achieve a look similar to the pattern's sample photos, it's essential to select a replacement that matches not only in weight but also in construction. This ensures your project retains the intended appearance and texture.

From Fiber to Yarn: Understanding the Journey

All yarn begins its journey as a simple pile of fiber. This holds true whether it's destined to become woolen spun, worsted spun, or single ply yarn.

The initial processing of these fibers varies based on their source. Plant fibers require softening and breaking down, whereas animal fibers typically need to be cleaned and carded. The timing of the dyeing process also differs—fibers may be dyed before or after spinning.

The critical divergence in yarn types occurs during the spinning process. This step involves twisting staple fibers into long strands, and it's here where the differences in the final look and function of the yarn are established. Let's explore how this transformation from a pile of fiber to spun yarn influences the end product.

The Characteristics of Woolen Spun Yarn

Woolen spun yarn is defined by its construction technique rather than the fiber content, meaning it can be made without any actual wool.

The process involves spinning yarn directly from carded fibers, creating a light, fluffy texture. This method traps air pockets within the yarn, providing an excellent insulating layer that makes it ideal for warm projects.

To enhance durability, woolen spun yarn strands are plied, meaning two or more strands are twisted together. This step is crucial for adding strength to the inherently soft and airy woolen spun yarn.

Woolen preparations yield a finished yarn that's delightfully fluffy yet somewhat less durable than worsted spun yarns. However, each type of yarn serves different purposes, so don't hesitate to opt for woolen spun yarn when it fits your project needs. Next, we'll explore the best applications for different yarn constructions to help you make the right choice for your knitting or crocheting endeavors.

What Makes a Worsted Spun Yarn

It's important to note that a worsted spun yarn is different from a worsted weight yarn. The term "worsted spun" refers to the construction process of the yarn, while "worsted weight" describes its thickness.

Worsted spun yarns undergo an additional preparation step before spinning. During this stage, the fibers are combed and aligned parallel to each other, resulting in a tightly packed arrangement with minimal air trapped between the fibers. This process creates a yarn that is smooth, tightly compacted, and shinier compared to woolen spun yarns.

Worsted spun yarns are also typically plied, meaning multiple strands are twisted together, enhancing their durability. Such yarns are especially robust if made from wool with a longer staple length and spun into multiple plies, offering excellent stitch definition as well.

If a knitting pattern specifies "worsted yarn" without further details, it usually refers to the yarn's weight. To ensure you're choosing the correct yarn, you can check the recommended yarn specifics, needle sizes, or consult others who have worked on the same pattern.

What Makes a Single Ply Yarn

Unlike the yarns discussed previously, which typically consist of two or more plies twisted together, single ply yarns are made up of just one strand. These yarns can be produced using either the woolen spun or worsted spun methods. However, a worsted spun single ply yarn tends to be more durable because its fibers are combed and aligned tightly together, reducing the space between them and enhancing the yarn's overall strength.

Identifying Different Types of Yarns

When trying to distinguish between various yarn types in finished knit garments, pay attention to stitch definition and what I like to call the "fuzz factor." Garments with a fuzzier appearance are typically made from woolen yarns, although the fiber content can also influence fuzziness. Conversely, garments that appear very smooth are likely made from worsted-spun yarn.

If you're examining yarn skeins, take a closer look at the plies. Separate them slightly to see their structure: worsted-spun yarns are generally smooth and shiny, with minimal fuzz. Woolen-spun yarns, on the other hand, often appear bumpier, have a matte finish, and feature loose fibers that create a halo effect. Single-ply yarns, whether woolen or worsted spun, will consist of just one strand.

To illustrate these differences, consider the three swatches shown in the accompanying photos of this post: a blue swatch made from worsted-spun cashmere, a white swatch from single-ply wool, and a gray swatch from woolen-spun wool tweed. All were knitted using the same size needles to highlight the distinct characteristics of each yarn type.