What makes your cotton yarn a good choice for knitting or crochet, especially for sensitive skin?

Our cotton yarn collection at Apricot Yarn & Supply is plant-based, hypoallergenic, and naturally soft, making it gentle and comfortable—even for those with sensitive skin or allergies. Cotton yarn is vegan and doesn't irritate like some animal fibers might, so it's a fantastic option for baby garments, cozy summer tops, and everyday accessories.

How do I care for finished projects made with your cotton yarn?

Caring for projects made with our cotton yarn is easy! Most of our cotton yarns can be machine washed in cold water on a gentle cycle, and then laid flat to dry. Because cotton is durable and colorfast, your handmade items will stay beautiful through repeated washes. For specific care instructions, please check the label on your chosen cotton yarn product.

Which types of projects are best suited for cotton yarn?

Cotton yarn is extremely versatile and ideal for a wide range of projects. It's perfect for knitting or crocheting lightweight tops, baby blankets, soft washcloths, market bags, summer hats, and home goods like dish towels. Thanks to cotton’s cool touch and breathability, it's especially popular for warm-weather creations and gifts for little ones.

What’s the difference between 100% cotton yarn and your cotton blends?

100% cotton yarn offers all the signature qualities of cotton—softness, absorbency, and durability. Our cotton blends combine cotton with luxe fibers like bamboo or linen to add extra drape, sheen, or texture. Both options are strong and easy to work with, so the choice depends on your project’s needs and desired feel. Check each product description for detailed fiber content!

How sustainable is your cotton yarn collection, and where is it sourced?

We’re passionate about sustainability! Our cotton yarn selection features eco-friendly options like premium Mako cotton from Israel and luxurious Peruvian Pima cotton. These fibers are known for their quality, ethical sourcing, and lower environmental impact compared to conventional cotton. For more about cotton’s sustainability, visit our educational guide or feel free to reach out—we’re always happy to help you make informed, planet-friendly choices.

Cotton Yarn

About Cotton Yarn

Is cotton yarn good for clothes?

Cotton is excellent for knitting and crochet, as the fiber gives you the option to produce very tight fabric or work at a loose gauge to make it more open.

Is cotton yarn durable?

Cotton yarn is strong and hard to break, making it a long-lasting and durable fiber option. This makes cotton great for hardwearing items like wash or dish clothes, blankets, bags, or baby items. Cotton can be washed and dried by machine over and over.

Is cotton yarn scratchy?

Cotton fiber is smooth, so it feels soft against the skin and rarely causes irritation. High-quality cotton is never coarse or scratchy. Sometimes, cotton can become stiff with wash and wear, so choose high-quality cotton for those items you are making that will be worn against the skin. Pima cotton and Israeli Maku cotton are some of the softest cotton fibers available. Pima cotton is higher-end cotton with a longer fiber than conventional cotton. It has a reputation for producing a smooth fabric that's soft to the touch, wrinkle-resistant, and ultra-durable.

Is cotton production environmentally friendly?

Cotton production is water-intensive and can use many chemicals when harvesting cotton. We recommend opting for organic cotton produced without harmful herbicides and more sustainable land management practices. Also, look for GOTS certification to find yarn qualified as having no residual chemicals and cleaner production.

Can cotton yarn be used for cooking?

Cotton yarn works great for kitchen items because it is absorbent and does not melt, unlike acrylic. Cotton also has a high smoke point, so it is safer around open flame than wool or acrylic.

What does mercerized cotton mean?

Mercerized cotton yarn is cotton that has been spun and treated not to shrink when washed and dried. Mercerized cotton tends to be stiffer and has a sheen; it is great for items that need to be sturdy and will be washed often.

What is a Cotton Blend?

A cotton blend is a fiber/fabric made with cotton and contains other fibers in an equal or smaller amount. A cotton blend yarn has a higher amount of cotton fibers and a small number of different fibers such as wool, silk, linen, polyester, rayon, bamboo, and others. Blending fibers adds unique qualities to fabric, such as durability, elasticity or breathability.

Does cotton blend yarn stretch?

100% cotton knits can lose shape more easily than other fibers such as wool. Blending other fibers with cotton can add the qualities of the other fiber. Wool can add elasticity, silk or viscose adds shine and drape. We love cotton blends for warmer weather garments, easy care items such as blankets or baby items, and the softness cotton has next to your skin.

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Cotton Yarn For Knitting, Crochet & Weaving