Hello, Just getting back into knitting and my daughter and I both find wool-even the softest that we have tried itchy. The same with acrylics. I am trying to make her a scarf for christmas and wanted to know the warmest yarn that is soft–I know I can use cotton but are there other options. She want a chunky look. Thanks for any suggestions before I go to the store.
Looking for yarns that don't itch
Bernat Satin and Caron Simply soft are acrylic but very very soft. They’re a light worsted, so you could double the strands for a chunky yarn.
I love Moda Dea’s Washable wool, very soft and scrunchy–you can find it at Big Box craft stores (and use coupons/discounts)
it comes in a nice range of colors (black, brown, tan, green, raspberry, dark purple, teal, turquoise, rust, and white…
Its worsted weight, too, but can be doubled.
The only acrylic ones that I don’t use is Red Heart (supersaver) cause they are itchy and scratchy. Wool is going to be itchy. Theres several Caron yarns, like someone mentioned, ALL the Bernat yarns are very soft. There’s vanna white’s yarn and other lionbrand yarns. Maybe 1 out of 15 yarns may be itchy.
I also have very sensitive skin so I know how hard it is when you can’t use all the lovely wools out there. :doh:Red Heart Super Soft is the most itchy I’ve found and I won’t use it for anything anymore. Even washed it’s not soft enough. There are a few others that I don’t remember the names of that I don’t find as soft as some people claim, too.
The best thing to do is go to your local craft (Michael, Joanns, Hobby Lobby, etc) or your LYS and feel the yarns yourself. Here’s some ideas to look for though.
Caron Simply Soft has different weights including one called “quick” that is bulky. All the SS yarns are very, very soft.
Berroco Comfort This one doesn’t come bulky, but it’s extremely soft.
Bernat Softee Chunky I haven’t actually used chunky, but I’ve used the baby and it was very soft and nice. Here’s some more to look at while you’re at the site. I’ve used or felt these and found them soft; Satin, Denimstyle, and Cot’n Corn.
Red Heart Soft is very, very soft. I have an afghan made from it.
Patons Shetland Chunky Tweed I’m going to throw this one out there even though it’s 25% wool. I’m wearing the socks I made with it on my feet now and if I didn’t know what was in it I’d never have known it had any wool in it. Plymouth Encore is the same composition, but I do find it itchy so it’s gotta be the processing or the type of wool or something. Anyway, check this one out, too. I’m loving my socks!!
you should try some baby-alpaca yarns. there are also some really nice wool-blends now. they mix with silk, bamboo, cotton, and other animal fibres.
don’t rely on jo-ann’s, michael’s, etc. try looking up a local yarn store (LYS) in your area. if you just google that phrase and your city, you’ll probably come up with a few. they carry a much bigger and better variety. you’ll certainly find something you like.
If you are very sensitive even these blends can bother you. They do me and I’ve tried several. ~sigh~ I’m still gradually trying though.
don’t rely on jo-ann’s, michael’s, etc. try looking up a local yarn store (LYS) in your area. if you just google that phrase and your city, you’ll probably come up with a few. they carry a much bigger and better variety. you’ll certainly find something you like.
They do carry a large variety of blends, but if you need acrylic the chain stores usually have more variety.
I like Bernat Denim style
I like Cotton-ease…
Superwash wool does not itch and it’s washable. Love it!
I’m right there with you. Everything i make i wear with a shirt under it. That’s why i haven’t knit any DK/fingering weight pullovers.
The only wool i found not to be itchy even to me is Malabrigo. Some yarns feel very soft in your hands, but they fail to pass the “neck test”. I always rub the yarn on my neck to see if it’s itchy or not.