The yarn industry has seen dynamic shifts in trends and consumer preferences throughout 2024, driven by the growing popularity of DIY crafting, sustainability movements, and the ever-evolving world of fashion and home decor. As the year draws to a close, it’s clear that some yarn types have captured the hearts (and needles) of makers worldwide. From vibrant color palettes to eco-friendly fibers, the top-selling yarns of 2024 reflect a blend of creativity, functionality, and environmental consciousness.

Here’s a look at the best-selling yarn items of 2024, and why they’re trending among crafters, knitters, and designers alike.

1. Recycled Cotton Yarns

As sustainability continues to take center stage, recycled cotton yarns have become a favorite in 2024. These yarns are made from post-consumer cotton fabric or pre-consumer waste from the textile industry, reducing the environmental impact of cotton production.

Craft enthusiasts and fashion designers have embraced these yarns not only for their eco-friendly credentials but also for their soft, breathable texture, making them perfect for lightweight sweaters, summer garments, and home textiles.

Why it’s selling well: Recycled cotton offers an environmentally conscious option that doesn’t sacrifice quality or texture. It’s also available in a wide range of vibrant colors, allowing for creative freedom without the environmental cost of conventional cotton production.

2. Luxury Merino Wool Blends

Luxury yarn blends, especially those combining merino wool with fibers like silk, alpaca, and cashmere, have consistently been best-sellers in 2024. Merino wool is known for its softness, warmth, and versatility, making it ideal for everything from cozy winter sweaters to lightweight shawls.

Blends that incorporate additional luxury fibers, such as silk or baby alpaca, provide an extra level of softness and shine, making them highly sought after for both fashion-forward projects and high-end accessories.

Why it’s selling well: Consumers are gravitating toward merino wool for its superior quality, warmth, and breathability, and the added luxury of silk or alpaca elevates the overall experience of working with these yarns. They’re perfect for those looking to create garments that combine comfort and sophistication.

3. Tencel and Bamboo Yarns

Tencel and bamboo yarns have become increasingly popular due to their silky texture and sustainable origin. These fibers are derived from plant sources and are known for their smooth finish, drape, and moisture-wicking properties. Yarns made from bamboo and Tencel are often used for creating garments that require both breathability and a luxurious feel, such as summer tops, scarves, and lightweight cardigans.

Why it’s selling well: With more consumers seeking sustainable options, Tencel and bamboo fibers provide a guilt-free way to achieve silky, high-quality results in knitting and crochet projects. Their natural sheen and soft feel make them ideal for designs that call for elegance and ease.

4. Chunky and Bulky Yarns

As more crafters seek quick, rewarding projects, chunky and bulky yarns have surged in popularity. These yarns allow for faster completion of cozy, statement-making pieces like chunky scarves, oversized sweaters, and textured blankets.

In 2024, many chunky yarns are made with a blend of wool, acrylic, and nylon to ensure durability while maintaining that luxurious softness and structure. Bold, eye-catching colors and mixed textures have also helped these yarns stand out in the marketplace.

Why it’s selling well: Bulky yarns are perfect for those who want to create large, impactful pieces without spending too much time on intricate, time-consuming patterns. The bold look and tactile quality of chunky yarns make them a go-to for both beginners and experienced crafters.

5. Eco-Friendly Acrylic Yarns

While natural fibers like cotton and wool continue to reign in popularity, eco-friendly acrylic yarns have made a big splash in 2024, especially with brands incorporating recycled materials and sustainable production processes. These yarns offer the ease of acrylic with the added benefit of being more environmentally responsible.

Eco-friendly acrylic yarns are durable, machine washable, and available in a vast range of colors and textures, making them ideal for a wide variety of projects, from garments to home decor.

Why it’s selling well: Budget-conscious crafters are gravitating toward these affordable yet sustainable options, as they combine the convenience of acrylic with eco-conscious production methods. These yarns also provide a great alternative to higher-end fibers, making them perfect for larger, everyday projects.

6. Gradient and Hand-Dyed Yarns

Gradient and hand-dyed yarns have become some of the hottest items on the market in 2024, with artisans offering intricate color transitions and vibrant, one-of-a-kind skeins. Hand-dyed yarns, in particular, have garnered attention for their uniqueness and artisanal quality. Many of these yarns feature carefully crafted colorways that range from subtle ombres to bold, multicolored patterns.

Why it’s selling well: The desire for individuality and creativity in crafting is at an all-time high, and hand-dyed and gradient yarns allow for projects that are entirely unique. Whether it’s a gradient shawl or a colorful sweater, these yarns let makers express themselves with distinctive and personalized designs.

7. Nylon-Blend Performance Yarns

The rise in popularity of performance wear and activewear has driven the demand for nylon-blend performance yarns in 2024. These yarns are engineered to deliver exceptional stretch, durability, and moisture-wicking properties, making them perfect for everything from yoga pants to running jackets and beyond.

Blended with other fibers like spandex or elastane, nylon yarns provide a great fit and maintain their shape after repeated use, even in high-performance applications.

Why it’s selling well: As consumers continue to invest in activewear and outdoor gear, the need for yarns that can withstand intense activity without compromising on comfort has risen. Nylon-blend performance yarns fulfill this need, offering both function and fashion in one.

8. Soft Alpaca and Alpaca Blends

Alpaca yarns—known for their incredible softness and warmth—remain a best-seller in 2024. Blended with merino wool or silk, alpaca yarns create a luxurious feel that’s perfect for premium scarves, shawls, and sweaters. Alpaca fibers are also hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for people with sensitive skin.

Why it’s selling well: The luxurious texture of alpaca and its excellent insulation properties make it a highly coveted material for high-end projects. Whether used alone or in blends, alpaca yarn is a favorite for creating cozy, yet elegant, garments.

Conclusion

The yarn trends of 2024 showcase a shift toward sustainability, luxury, and high-performance materials. From eco-friendly acrylics to soft alpaca blends, these yarns are making it easier for crafters to create beautiful, functional, and responsible pieces. Whether you're knitting a quick chunky scarf or planning a luxurious merino sweater, these best-selling yarns reflect the growing demand for quality, versatility, and sustainability in the textile and craft industries.

As 2024 draws to a close, it’s clear that the future of yarn is a rich, colorful, and eco-conscious one. Crafters are more inspired than ever to experiment with new textures, materials, and techniques, and these top-selling yarns are providing them with the perfect foundation to do so