Yarn vs. Wool — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 14, 2024
Yarn is a long, continuous length of interlocked fibers used for knitting and weaving, available in various materials; wool specifically refers to the soft, curly fibers obtained from sheep.
Difference Between Yarn and Wool
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Yarn can be made from a variety of materials including wool, cotton, acrylic, and more, making it versatile for different types of projects. Whereas wool is a specific type of yarn made from sheep's fleece and is prized for its warmth and softness.
Yarn comes in different thicknesses or weights, which influences the texture and the drape of the finished fabric. On the other hand, wool typically provides excellent insulation and naturally wicks moisture away, making it ideal for warm clothing.
The production of yarn can involve several processes depending on the material, such as spinning and dyeing. In contrast, wool requires specific processing steps like shearing, cleaning, and carding before it can be spun into yarn.
Yarn can be used in a variety of crafting techniques, from knitting and crocheting to weaving and embroidery. Wool, however, is particularly favored in knitting and crocheting for winter garments due to its thermal properties.
While yarn can be synthetic or natural, offering a range of colors and textures, wool is inherently flame-resistant and dirt-repellent, which adds to its desirability for use in clothing and home textiles.
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Comparison Chart
Source Material
Various (wool, cotton, acrylic, etc.)
Sheep's fleece
Properties
Can vary widely (soft, coarse, etc.)
Naturally warm, moisture-wicking
Uses
Knitting, crocheting, weaving
Ideal for warm clothing, blankets
Processing
Depends on material
Shearing, cleaning, carding, spinning
Special Features
Wide range of colors and textures
Flame-resistant, dirt-repellent
Compare with Definitions
Yarn
Used in various crafting techniques.
They used yarn to create both the knitted hat and the crocheted scarf.
Wool
Requires special care, such as hand washing and drying flat.
The wool sweater should not be machine washed to avoid shrinking.
Yarn
Comes in multiple weights and thicknesses.
For a finer shawl, she selected a lightweight yarn.
Wool
Used primarily for knitting and crocheting winter garments.
Knitting with wool yarn is popular for making warm hats and mittens.
Yarn
Material that can be made from synthetic or natural fibers.
The scarf was made from an acrylic yarn that resembled wool.
Wool
The soft, curly fibers obtained from the fleece of sheep, used for making yarn.
The farmer sold the wool sheared from his sheep to a local spinner.
Yarn
A continuous strand of twisted fibers used in knitting, weaving, or sewing.
She chose a vibrant red yarn to knit her sweater.
Wool
Known for its insulating properties and natural warmth.
Wool socks are essential for keeping feet warm in winter.
Yarn
Yarn is a long continuous length of interlocked fibres, suitable for use in the production of textiles, sewing, crocheting, knitting, weaving, embroidery, or ropemaking. Thread is a type of yarn intended for sewing by hand or machine.
Wool
Wool is the textile fibre obtained from sheep and other animals, including cashmere and mohair from goats, qiviut from muskoxen, hide and fur clothing from bison, angora from rabbits, and other types of wool from camelids.Wool consists of protein together with a small percentage of lipids. In this regard it is chemically quite distinct from the more dominant textile, cotton, which is mainly cellulose.
Yarn
A continuous strand of twisted threads of natural or synthetic fibers, such as wool or nylon, used in weaving or knitting.
Wool
The fine, soft curly or wavy hair forming the coat of a sheep, goat, or similar animal, especially when shorn and prepared for use in making cloth or yarn
Harris tweed is made from pure new wool
Yarn
A similar strand of other materials such as glass or plastic.
Wool
The dense, soft, often curly hair forming the coat of sheep and certain other mammals, such as the goat and alpaca, consisting of cylindrical strands of keratin covered by minute overlapping scales and much valued as a textile fiber.
Yarn
(Informal) A long, often elaborate narrative of real or fictitious adventures; an entertaining tale.
Wool
Fabric or yarn made of this hair.
Yarn
To tell an entertaining tale or series of tales.
Wool
Hairy or downy material on a plant or animal, as on certain caterpillars.
Yarn
(uncountable) A twisted strand of fiber used for knitting or weaving.
Wool
Filamentous or fibrous material similar to the wool of a sheep or other mammal.
Yarn
(nautical) Bundles of fibers twisted together, and which in turn are twisted in bundles to form strands, which in their turn are twisted or plaited to form rope.
Wool
The hair of the sheep, llama and some other ruminants.
Yarn
(countable) A story, a tale, especially one that is incredible.
Wool
A cloth or yarn made from the wool of sheep.
Yarn
To tell a story or stories, especially one that is lengthy or unlikely to be true.
Wool
Anything with a texture like that of wool.
Yarn
Spun wool; woolen thread; also, thread of other material, as of cotton, flax, hemp, or silk; material spun and prepared for use in weaving, knitting, manufacturing sewing thread, or the like.
Wool
A fine fiber obtained from the leaves of certain trees, such as firs and pines.
Yarn
One of the threads of which the strands of a rope are composed.
Wool
(obsolete) Short, thick hair, especially when crisped or curled.
Yarn
A story told by a sailor for the amusement of his companions; a story or tale; as, to spin a yarn.
Wool
Yarn, including that made from synthetic fibers.
Yarn
The act of giving an account describing incidents or a course of events;
His narration was hesitant
Wool
A resident of a satellite town outside Liverpool, such as St Helens or Warrington. See also Yonner.
Yarn
A fine cord of twisted fibers (of cotton or silk or wool or nylon etc.) used in sewing and weaving
Wool
The soft and curled, or crisped, species of hair which grows on sheep and some other animals, and which in fineness sometimes approaches to fur; - chiefly applied to the fleecy coat of the sheep, which constitutes a most essential material of clothing in all cold and temperate climates.
Yarn
Tell or spin a yarn
Wool
Short, thick hair, especially when crisped or curled.
Wool of bat and tongue of dog.
Yarn
Can be dyed in a vast array of colors.
The yarn shop offered an impressive palette of colors.
Wool
A sort of pubescence, or a clothing of dense, curling hairs on the surface of certain plants.
Wool
A fabric made from the hair of sheep
Wool
Fiber sheared from animals (such as sheep) and twisted into yarn for weaving
Wool
Outer coat of especially sheep and yaks
Wool
Wool garments are valued for their durability and natural resistance to odors.
His wool jacket lasted many winters and still looked great.
Common Curiosities
What types of projects are best suited for wool yarn?
Wool yarn is best for warm clothing like sweaters, hats, and mittens.
Can all yarn be considered wool?
No, yarn can be made from many materials; wool is just one type.
Is wool yarn more expensive than other types of yarn?
Often, yes, due to its natural origin and beneficial properties.
How should wool garments be cared for?
Wool garments should generally be hand washed and dried flat to maintain their shape.
What is the advantage of synthetic yarn over wool?
Synthetic yarns can be more durable, less expensive, and easier to care for.
What is the main difference between yarn and wool?
Yarn is a general term for any fiber strand used in textiles, while wool specifically refers to fibers from sheep.
How do I choose the right yarn for my project?
Consider the project's needs such as warmth, drape, and wear, as well as the care the finished item will require.
Why is wool considered superior for winter garments?
Wool’s natural properties like insulation and moisture-wicking make it ideal for cold weather.
What are the environmental impacts of using wool?
Wool is renewable and biodegradable, but its production has impacts related to animal husbandry and land use.
Can wool be allergic to some people?
Yes, some individuals may be allergic to lanolin in wool or find it itchy.
What makes wool yarn different from cotton yarn?
Wool is warmer and better at moisture management than cotton.
How is wool yarn made?
Wool yarn is made by cleaning, carding, and spinning sheep’s fleece into strands.
Are there vegan alternatives to wool?
Yes, materials like cotton, bamboo, and synthetic fibers serve as vegan alternatives.
Why might someone choose not to use wool?
Allergies, ethical concerns about animal products, or care complexity could be reasons.
What’s the best method to store wool garments?
Store wool garments clean, in a cool, dry place, and protected from pests like moths.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
