If you've ever found yourself standing in a yarn store wondering whether to choose natural fibers or acrylic yarn for your next knitting or crochet project—you’re not alone. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know what’s best, especially when both types come in beautiful colors and textures.
But the truth is: what your yarn is made of matters more than you think.
In this post, we’ll explore the key differences between natural fibers like alpaca, cotton, and wool, and synthetic options like acrylic—so you can make better, more informed choices for your projects and the planet.
🌱 What Are Natural Fibers?
Natural fibers are yarns spun from materials found in nature—like:
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Baby alpaca: ultra-soft, warm, and hypoallergenic
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Cotton: breathable, durable, and perfect for warmer climates
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Wool: elastic, warm, and moisture-wicking
These fibers are often biodegradable, gentle on the skin, and provide a luxurious feel that elevates any handmade item.
🧪 What Is Acrylic Yarn?
Acrylic is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum-based chemicals. It’s designed to imitate the feel of wool, and while it's usually more affordable, it comes with trade-offs.
Some benefits of acrylic yarn:
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Widely available
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Budget-friendly
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Machine-washable
However, it’s not breathable, can feel scratchy against the skin, and tends to pill over time. Most importantly, acrylic doesn’t break down naturally—it's plastic, and overuse contributes to microplastic pollution.
♻️ Why Choosing Natural Fibers Makes a Difference
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Better for Your Skin
Natural fibers are typically softer, more breathable, and less irritating—especially for people with sensitive skin or allergies. -
Better for the Planet
Unlike acrylic, natural fibers decompose over time. That means fewer microplastics in our oceans and a smaller footprint on the earth. -
Better for Your Project
Whether you're knitting a cozy sweater, a baby blanket, or a delicate shawl, the look, drape, and texture of natural yarns are simply superior. You can feel the difference.
🚫 The Problem with Too Much Acrylic
Acrylic yarn has its place—maybe in test swatches, craft projects, or pieces that need to withstand heavy washing. But when used in excess, it sacrifices comfort, longevity, and sustainability.
If you’re spending hours (or days!) creating something by hand, don’t you want it to feel beautiful, last longer, and be kind to the earth?
🧶 Our Favorite Natural Blend: Baby Alpaca + Pima Cotton
At Sierra Yarns, we believe your yarn should feel as good as the project looks. That’s why our signature yarn is a luxurious blend of 60% baby alpaca and 40% Pima cotton—crafted to be cloud-soft, breathable, and gentle on even the most sensitive skin.
Perfect for sweaters, scarves, and everything in between.
✨ Final Thoughts
Choosing the right yarn isn’t just about color and thickness—it’s about how it feels in your hands, how it wears over time, and how it impacts the world around you.
Natural fibers offer a knitting experience that acrylic simply can’t replicate.
Once you try them, you’ll never want to go back.