Choosing the Perfect Summer Yarn for the Staple Tee KAL
I'm so excited to see you all gearing up for the Staple Tee KAL! I know some of you are still on the hunt for the perfect yarn. I've also been getting a lot of questions about yarn choices, so I thought I'd share some of my favorite plant-based options that are perfect for summer tees.
Haven't signed up yet for the KAL yet? No worries, there's still plenty of time to cast on and knit along with us! Sign up for The Staple Tee KAL here. Pop over to The Staple Tee Intro to get all the details and join the fun.
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Let’s Talk Yarn Fibers
Remember, the yarn suggestions listed below are just ideas to get you started. You're welcome to use any yarn your heart desires, whether it's animal-based, synthetic, or plant-based. Although it can be helpful to know how the fiber content will impact your tee, so here are a few quick tips:
Plant-Based Yarns
Plant-based yarns a go-to for summer knitting because they are extremely water absorbent. As Clara Parkes explains in her book The Knitter's Book of Yarn, “Cotton in particularly can absorb more than twenty times its weight in water and release it quickly through evaporation.” Therefore, in climates where you need to stay cool, cotton is perfect! Learn more about knitting with cotton yarn.
Animal-Based Yarns
Yarns made with animal-based fibers are amazing at absorbing and releasing moisture as well. According to Clara Parkes, “This helps the fabric breath, readily absorbing and releasing moisture to maintain a steady ecosystem, of comfort against your skin, no matter how cold or damp the external weather might be.”
Did you notice how she said “cold or damp” and not “hot and humid”? I’m assuming that’s because while animal-based fibers are good at absorbing and releasing moisture like plant-based fibers, they also tend to hold heat close to your body.
So if you were to use an animal-based yarn for your Staple Tee and you’d like to wear it in warm weather, I recommend finding a yarn that is blended with a plant fiber and/or using a fingering weight yarn so it is more breathable! Learn more about wool yarn.
Synthetic Yarns
Many people are drawn to synthetic yarns because of their price, which is totally valid. However, it is important to note that synthetic fibers don’t absorb moisture as well as plant-based or animal-based yarns, which can cause you to sweat in them more than you would otherwise.
Going back to our expert Clara Parkes, she states, “Some pure synthetic garments can feel clammy or uncomfortably warm in hot climates. This is one reason you’ll often find synthetics blended with natural fibers.”
With that being said, if you plan on using a synthetic yarn, just be mindful of how it might feel to wear the garment, and I also suggest finding a synthetic yarn that is blended with either plant- or animal-based fibers. Learn more about the pros and cons of acrylic yarn.
A Note on Yarn Weights
While you can use ANY weight yarn for the Staple Tee (and for the Staple Sweater, Staple Skirt, and all of my knitting patterns), your finished garment will look and feel a little different depending on what weight yarn you choose. Here are some notes on how different weight yarns will impact your tee:
Fingering: Creates a lightweight, drapey tee. While fingering weight yarn will take the longest to knit up, it creates a breathable tee, pretty much regardless of what fiber its made of!
DK/Worsted: A great all-around choice for a classic tee. These two are like the goldilocks of yarn weights: not too thick, not too thin, just right. Plain cotton yarns are a bit sturdier and can be heavier, while chainette cotton is lighter and more breathable.
Bulky: Makes a warm, cozy tee that knits up quickly! Because of bulky' yarn’s thickness, your tee will likely feel more closely like a short-sleeve sweater and might be too warm for summer days. However, come fall or spring, it will be your go-to! And layering it during the winter would be fun, too.
Now, let's dive into some specific yarns that I think you'll love, organized from most budget-friendly to a little more of a splurge. First things first, yarn comes in different sizes! You'll notice some yarns are priced per skein (that's the oval-shaped bundle you usually see), while others are priced by weight (in grams).
To keep things simple, I've calculated the price of each yarn per 50 grams, even if it's not sold that way. This helps you compare costs across the board and find the best bang for your buck. So, whether it's a skein or a hank, you'll know exactly how much yarn you're getting for your money.
Affordable Plant-Based Yarn Options
These picks from won't break the bank AND they'll still give you a beautiful tee that's soft, comfy, and easy to care for. Perfect for your first Staple Tee or if you're knitting on a budget!
Lily Sugar'n Cream
Lily Sugar'n Cream
This is the classic cotton yarn you probably learned to knit with! It's sturdy, easy to care for, and comes in a zillion colors. Perfect for a first tee or if you're after that classic cotton look.
Price: $3.25
Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
Weight: Worsted
Knit Picks CotLin
Knit Picks CotLin
This cotton-linen blend is like summer in a skein! It's light, breezy, and has a subtle texture that adds a little something special to your stitches. Plus, the linen content means it'll get softer with every wear (and wash!).
Price: $5.29
Fiber Content: 70% Tanguis Cotton, 30% Linen
Weight: DK
Knit Picks Snuggle Puff
Knit Picks Snuggle Puff
This one is surprisingly lightweight for a bulky yarn, so it won't weigh you down in the summer heat. Perfect for a comfy, oversized tee you'll want to live in. Fair warning, though: You might not want to take it off!
Price: $5.59 - $6.99
Fiber Content: 70% Pima Cotton, 30% Nylon
Weight: Aran/Heavy Worsted
Knit Picks Caterpillar
Knit Picks Caterpillar
If you're looking for a yarn with a little personality, Caterpillar is your guy! It comes in fun variegated colors with little stripes inspired by – you guessed it – caterpillars. The cotton-merino blend makes it soft and breathable, but with a touch of warmth for those cooler summer nights.
Price: $6.59
Fiber Content: 57% Cotton, 43% Merino Wool
Weight: Sport
Scheepjes Stone Washed XL
Scheepjes Stone Washed XL
This cotton-acrylic blend was actually my second choice for the Staple Tee! It's got a beautiful heathered look and a soft, fuzzy halo, giving it a bit of extra texture and visual interest. The colors have amazing depth and dimension. Oh, and trust me, you'll want to touch this yarn all day long. Definitely worth checking out!
Price: $6.50
Fiber Content: 70% Cotton, 30% Acrylic
Weight: Worsted
Knit Picks Lindy Chain
Knit Picks Lindy Chain
This yarn is like a summer breeze – light, airy, and perfect for those hot, sticky days. The linen gives it a crisp stitch definition and a gorgeous drape, and it gets softer and softer with every wear and wash. Fair warning: You might become addicted to linen after knitting with this!
Price: $7.99
Fiber Content: 70% Linen, 30% Pima Cotton
Weight: Fingering
Sign up for the Staple Tee KAL before May 27th and get a 25% off coupon code for the Staple Tee pattern!
Best Value Yarns
Want a yarn with a little something extra? These options offer unique textures, beautiful colors, or a touch of luxury – all at a price that won't make you cringe.
Purl Soho Sunshower Cotton (On Sale)
Purl Soho Sunshower Cotton
This yarn is like sunshine bottled up in a skein! It's got these beautiful, subtle color variations that remind me of a summer day. It's super soft and absorbent, too, making it perfect for a tee you can wear all day long. And guess what? It's on sale right now for $12 (usually $16), so grab it while you can!
Price: $12.00 (100g)
$6.00 (50g)
Fiber Content: 100% Organically Grown Cotton
Weight: Worsted
Wool and the Gang Shiny Happy Cotton
Wool and the Gang Shiny Happy Cotton
If you're all about those bright, happy colors, this yarn is calling your name! The Pima cotton is incredibly soft and smooth, making it a joy to knit with. Get ready for compliments when you wear your finished Staple Tee!
Price: $13.00 (100g)
$6.50 (50g)
Fiber Content: 100% Pima Cotton
Weight: Worsted
Purl Soho Cotton Pure
Purl Soho Cotton Pure
This yarn is all about simple elegance. It's got a lovely matte finish and a beautiful drape, perfect for a classic tee that you'll reach for again and again (and again). Plus, it's organic, so you can feel good about your choice.
Price: $16.00 (100g)
$8.00 (50g)
Fiber Content: 100% Organically Grown Cotton
Weight: Worsted
Purl Soho Plein Air
Purl Soho Plein Air
Plein Air is my personal favorite for this KAL! It's a delightful blend of merino wool and organic cotton, so it's incredibly soft and has a beautiful drape. The wool adds loft and structure, while the cotton gives it a lovely weight. It's a bit of a splurge, but so worth it for the amazing quality and feel.
Price: $19.00 (100g)
$9.50 (50g)
Fiber Content: 67% Merino Wool, 33% Organic Cotton
Weight: DK or Light Worsted
Sign up before May 27th and get a 25% off coupon code for the Staple Tee pattern!
Splurge-Worthy Yarn Options
Okay, these yarns are definitely a splurge. If you're looking for a truly special yarn for your Staple Tee, these are worth the investment. (And hey, we all deserve a little treat now and then, right? 😉)
Woolfolk Luft
Woolfolk Luft
This chainette yarn is like wearing a cloud! It's incredibly soft and lightweight, with a gentle halo of fluff. Luft is perfect for a cozy, oversized tee that's perfect for snuggling up in. Let’s be honest, it's a bit of a splurge, but the luxurious feel and unique construction make it worth it. Trust me, you'll never want to take it off.
Price: $20.00 (100g)
$10.00 (50g)
Fiber Content: Ovis 21 Ultimate Merino and Organic Pima Cotton
Weight: Bulky
Lana Grossa Ecopuno Dégradé
Lana Grossa Ecopuno Dégradé
This unique blend of cotton, merino, and alpaca creates a soft, lofty yarn with subtle color shifts and a delicate halo. It's a beautiful choice for a tee that's both cozy and lightweight. The alpaca adds a touch of luxury and warmth, while the cotton and merino provide softness and breathability.
Price: $25.99 (100g)
$12.99 (50g)
Fiber Content: 72% Cotton, 17% Merino Wool, 11% Alpaca
Weight: Sport
Purl Soho Blackbird Linen
Purl Soho Blackbird Linen
This 100% linen yarn is a luxurious choice for a summer tee. It's incredibly breathable and has a beautiful drape. It will soften up with wear and washing, becoming even more comfortable over time. It's a bit more of an investment, but it'll last you for years (and you'll get so many compliments on your finished tee!).
Price: $30.00 (100g)
$15.00 (50g)
Fiber Content: 100% French Linen
Weight: DK or Light Worsted
I hope this guide helps you find the perfect yarn for your Staple Tee KAL! Drop your comments below and tell me what yarn you've chosen or are eyeing. I’m dying to see your picks! And if you have any questions along the way, feel free to ask in the comments or join us on Discord for more knitting chat.
Whether you’re knitting your first tee or looking to add a handmade piece to your summer wardrobe, this KAL is the perfect opportunity to enhance your skills, meet like-minded crafters, and have a lot of fun.
Join the Staple Tee Knit-Along today and start a creative journey that ends with a garment you’ll treasure!
Are you signing up? Let me know in the comments below! And feel free to drop any questions about the KAL in the comments as well. Let’s make something amazing together! 🧶