Finger knitting comes in a number of formats so no matter which way you are looking to learn or which technique you want to try out you need to know what the best yarns for finger knitting are.
The best yarns for finger knitting are styles which are chunky, thick to touch and easy to grab hold of. Using a thick yarn will help bulk out the project, fill the gaps between stitches and be easier to hold and work with.
In this article, I am going to run through some of the different things you need to look for in a yarn for finger knitting, give you some helpful tips and overall make the experience much more fun for your first try!
Types Of Yarn
First of all, there are a number of different yarns on the market and honestly, as a beginner it can be a little overwhelming to find one that is most suitable for you.
The most important yarns to be looking at for beginners are acrylic, cotton and wool. You will also come across blends such as a acrylic/wool blend. These are also great to use for beginner products as they are standard, easy to use and are easily to find in stores and shops.
Here is a quick list of the different types of yarn you can find on the market;
- Acrylic
- Wool
- Silk
- Alpaca
- Merino Wool
- Cotton
- Cashmere
These will vary in size, weight and colour so the best way to find one that suits you can your child, go and pick a yarn in person. That way you can hold it in your hand, feel it and understand how it feels and the weight of it.
Sizes Of Yarn
Secondly, there are a crazy amount of yarns on the market and it can be really hard to identify which one you need for your project. If you are knitting or creating a crochet project it will give you recommendations on which size yarn to use and weight.
But when it comes to finger knitting there is no specific guide, it all depends on the person’s preference, what they are making and how much they will need.
Here is a quick guide on the different weight/size and what they are often called. Though the complicated part can be when you come to choose a size, they are labelled different in each country.
I found this super helpful yarn conversion guide over on LaughingHens.com which breaks down the different yarns and gives you an accurate conversion for your country!
The Best Yarns For Finger Knitting
I always find it easier to feel the weight and texture of the yarn to be able to know if you will like it for your project or if it fits well into your hand and around your fingers.
I decided to split this up into different categories for adults and children are there will be yarns that are better suited to children and others that are better suited to adults.
Adults
Adults will require a different size yarn to children, this can often mean thicker or chunkier yarn. As adults hands are bigger and often can work with either smaller yarns or chunkier yarns better as they require more fine motor skills.
Yarns such as chunky or super chunky (see chart above for your local size) as these are larger they may be too thick for smaller hands but perfect for adults.
Depending on what you want to make may depend on what size yarn you choose to use. I personally opt for a chunky yarn for everything just because it works up fast and beautifully soft.
If you are looking at making a headband, ear warmers or cushion cover these will all require different thicknesses of yarn.
Headbands, necklaces and smaller detailed items will need a thinner yarn such as Aran whereas ear warmers, cushions and blankets will require a thicker yarn such as chunky and thicker.
Children
If you are looking for the best yarn for children for finger knitting you might want to loose for something that is thinner but not too thin.
It will also depend on what technique you use, whether it is standard finger knitting on your fingers or the alternative techniques of knitting using your hands not needles. This will also change which thickness yarn you require.
I would look at using an Aran, DK or Chunky yarn for children’s finger knitting. If they are looking at making something like a headband or necklace I would use the Aran or DK as they are finer and much more delicate in the final product.
If you are aiming to make a cushion cover, blanket or ear warmers I would aim for chunky yarns. You can always do it together and try out a couple of different sizes to work up your skills and find what works for your child the best.
Top Tip: Go in-store and feel the different yarns, hold them between your fingers to establish whether you think the size is right for you or your child. That way you can feel more confident when you get home and start your project.
I hope you have found this guide helpful and hope to see what you create real soon!