Knitting With Cotton Yarn: Natural, Plant-Based Beauty

Knitting with cotton yarn is a natural experience with a quiet and deeply satisfying beauty. Cool, breathable, and easy to care for, cotton is a plant-based fiber beloved for summer knitting, baby knits, and practical home goods. Our cotton yarns come from partner mills around the globe and are exactly what we love to knit with… And we know you’ll love them, too. Read on to learn all about cotton fiber and cotton yarn, then explore and shop our collection of supple cotton yarns and find your new favorite!

What Is Cotton + Where Does It Come From?

Before cotton becomes yarn, it is a soft, fluffy fiber that grows around the seeds of the cotton plant in a protective boll. Thousands of years ago people from all over the world independently had the idea to domesticate cotton, and today it’s cultivated in warm climates worldwide, from India to Brazil, from Australia to Texas.

Sweetgrass, a fingering-weight yarn made with organically-grown cotton and undyed superfine alpaca

Properties Of Cotton Yarn

The properties of the cotton plant, both those that naturally evolved and those bred over centuries, influence everything from the strength of the fibers to the clarity of stitches in the finished fabric. While there are many types of cotton (more on that soon!), most cotton fibers and yarns share a few essential properties knitters love. (For a deeper look at how fiber properties affect your knitting, explore our Complete Guide To Yarn article.)

Soft Yet Strong + Substantial 

Cotton fibers are generally shorter and finer than wool, with a beautifully smooth surface that gives cotton yarn its signature softness. Knitters will especially notice that cotton doesn’t stretch and bounce back like wool does. That, along with its natural cellulose structure, makes cotton yarn especially strong (yes, you’ll need scissors!).

Cotton is also denser than most animal fibers—meaning it’s heavier relative to its volume—so two yarns that appear the same size can feel very different in your hand. Because of this, you’ll usually find cotton yarn in finer gauges (with some exceptions), and even fine-gauge cotton yarn has a wonderfully substantial drape in garments, scarves, and blankets.

Simple Tee knitting pattern in cotton-linen June Worsted

Fresh, Cool + Breathable

Cotton and other plant-based fibers, like linen and hemp, are summer staples for good reason. Cellulose fibers don’t hold as much heat as animal-based fibers, making cotton feel cool to the touch. And zooming in with a microscope, their hollow structure and spiral shape promote airflow, too. All of this makes cotton perfect for summer garments and for anyone who tends to run a little warm. Naturally non-allergenic, cotton is also gentle on sensitive skin.  

Absorbent By Nature

Cotton is naturally hydrophilic, which means it draws moisture away from the skin to help keep you dry and comfy. That absorbency also makes it a favorite for handknit dishtowels, washcloths, and other hardworking housewares. Those same absorbent fibers hold dye beautifully, too, giving cotton yarns their famously rich and vibrant color. 

Free Pattern: Linden Tree Washcloth + Hand Towel in Cotton Pure

Easy To Wash + Easy To Wear 

Cotton yarns are wonderfully low-maintenance and durable (no pilling!), and most are machine washable, making them a natural pick for everyday knits. During washing, cotton fibers absorb lots of water and can shrink and tighten as they dry in high heat and agitation (though it won’t felt), so it’s key to wash your swatch the same way you’ll wash your finished project.

How Does Cotton Compare?

When To Choose Cotton Yarn

If you’re wondering whether cotton yarn is the right choice for a knitting pattern, the answer depends on what you want from your project.

Cotton yarn is perfect for:

• Warm-weather garments with a relaxed fit, especially tee shirts and tank tops
• Garments for those with sensitive skin or wool allergies, especially knits for babies
• Soft, absorbent washcloths and towels (hand, bath, and dish!) that are easy to care for and stand up to daily use
• Beautiful, clear stitch definition and textured stitches
• Substantial, comforting blankets that have a nice heft but aren’t too warm

You may want to choose another fiber if:

• You’re looking for a stretchy, elastic knit that hugs the body, like a winter hat
• You’re making a garment that calls for a close fit or lots of structure
• You’re knitting at a bulky or jumbo gauge and don’t want your project to be too heavy (unless your yarn has a special structure that reduces density!)
• You’re a brand-new knitter—more elastic fibers like wool are easier when you’re first starting

If you’re substituting cotton yarn for a yarn made with another fiber, especially an animal fiber, be sure to consider how the cotton yarn’s density, smoothness, and inelastic structure will impact your project. Check out our yarn substitution guide for lots more information to help you make these kinds of decisions!

Types Of Cotton Fiber: Pick The Perfect One For Your Project! 

Not all cotton is created equal! Different varieties of the cotton plant produce fibers with distinct qualities, from extra softness to added strength and absorbency. We love them all for different reasons… Here are a few of our favorites! 

Pima Cotton  

Free Pattern: Good Morning Blanket, made with Cotton Chirp DK Minis

Pima cotton is an Extra Long Staple (ELS) variety, prized for its incredible softness, strength, and silky feel. Its long, fine fibers create smooth, durable yarns that feel lovely against the skin. The cultivation of Pima cotton dates back thousands of years in Peru, where the Peruvian Pima cotton for our Cotton Chirp DK yarn is still grown today. 100% Peruvian Pima cotton yarn is a dream for garments, baby knits, and soft, snuggly blankets!

Tanguis Cotton  

Free Pattern: Pannier Wrap in Cotton Pure

Another Peruvian-grown cotton variety, Tanguis cotton was developed in the early 20th century to be both water-efficient and disease-resistant. It’s a Long Staple variety known for its strength and soft texture, and it’s even more absorbent than Pima cotton! That makes it perfect for hardworking handknits like washcloths and towels, as well as breezy summertime tops and wraps. We use organically grown Tanguis cotton for our classic Cotton Pure yarn, a longtime customer favorite!

Turkish + Egyptian Cotton 

Free Pattern: Meadow Breeze Scarf in cotton-linen Oleander

Famously regarded cottons from Turkey and Egypt are super soft, absorbent, durable, and quick-drying. Both cottons have exceptionally long, fine fibers that get softer with every wash, making them a pleasure to knit, use, and wear. You’ll find Turkish cotton in our Oleander yarn, mixed with Belgian linen for a strong yarn with a pleasantly dry feel and a smooth, soft touch.

Why We Choose Organically Grown, Unmercerized Cotton

Cotton Pure and Sunshower Cotton, both made with organically grown unmercerized cotton

Organically grown, unmercerized cotton, like our Cotton Pure (above left) and Sunshower Cotton yarn (above right), feel as good in your hands as they do in your heart! We say “organically grown” instead of just “organic” because the cotton is cultivated with organic farming practices (fewer chemicals, healthier soil, and more care for the land), but most dyes aren’t certified organic and we want to be transparent about that.  

All our cotton yarns are unmercerized. This means they skipped a common chemical treatment that makes cotton shinier and stronger but also reduces softness and absorbency. We love unmercerized cotton for its natural feel, breathable texture, and softer environmental footprint. Its gently matte surface gives colors a grounded depth with a velvety glow. The texture, the way it knits up, and how color lives in the fiber… It’s all part of the experience! 

Cotton Yarn Structure + Spin

Most of our cotton yarns, including Cotton Chirp DK and Cotton Pure, are spun from tightly twisted individual plies, which strongly bind together the short, fine cotton fibers and enhance their natural strength and durability. These yarns are quite dense, with a smooth structure that enhances stitch definition and luster, while also adding body and bounce that makes them feel supple in the hand.

Witch Hazel, a 100% Pima cotton bulky-weight yarn

However, cotton is also a wonderful playground for spin and structure, and our partner mills excel at finding unique ways to add elasticity and loft. Our Witch Hazel yarn (above), for example, is a feathery burst of 100% Pima cotton, while Serif (below) is made with a cotton roving wrapped in thread, all 100% Peruvian Pima cotton.

Serif, a 100% Peruvian Pima cotton yarn made with a strand of cotton roving wrapped in cotton thread

Knitting With Cotton Yarn

Our cotton yarns might surprise you—they’re soft, supple, and easy to work with, even if you’ve never been wowed by a cotton yarn before. A smooth, round, lustrous strand of cotton yarn will give your knitting stunning stitch definition that shows off every detail, and you’ll love the satisfying weight and breathable coolness of your cotton handknits. That said, cotton behaves differently from wool, with less elasticity and a very different feel on the needles. A few simple adjustments to your technique and process can make all the difference.

Swatches of Cotton Chirp DK in Heirloom White and June Worsted in Greenfinch Yellow

Tips For Knitting With Cotton Yarn

• Be sure to swatch for gauge, as cotton yarn may require a different needle size than wool yarn of the same weight to get your desired gauge (read our All About Gauge article for tips!).
• Consider the yarn’s weight and elasticity, and perhaps knit at a firmer gauge to account for the project relaxing with time and use.
• Wash and dry your gauge swatch the same way you will care for your finished knit, as cotton yarns can change a lot with machine washing and drying.
• Pull the yarn from the outside of the ball to avoid adding extra twist to the yarn. This is true of all plant fibers, by the way!
• Try out different knitting needles. Some knitters find cotton slippery and prefer wood or bamboo needles for a bit more grip, while others prefer metal to keep the knitting speedy. Using blunt-tip needles will help if you’re having trouble with “splitting” the yarn as you knit.
• Listen to your body and stretch or take breaks if you feel your hands fatiguing as you work with less elastic fibers like cotton.
• Don’t worry if your tension looks uneven! Cotton yarns tend to even out beautifully with washing or blocking.

Knitting with cotton is as wonderful as any other fiber… Give it a try! You may discover a whole new world of knitting!

Explore All Our Gorgeous Cotton Yarns 

Cotton Chirp DK
100% Peruvian Pima Cotton

Witch Hazel
100% Pima Cotton

Sunshower Cotton
100% Organically Grown Cotton

Cotton Pure On A Cone
100% Organically Grown Cotton

Serif
100% Peruvian Pima Cotton

Morning
75% Organically Grown Cotton, 25% Yak

Sweetgrass
65% Organic Cotton, 35% Superfine Alpaca

Oleander
50% Turkish Cotton, 50% Linen

Cotton Pure
100% Organically Grown Cotton

Shop all of our cotton yarns, including the ones above, and all of our other inspiring yarn, too… You’ll find a wide variety of fiber blends and spins and hundreds of spectacular colors!

100% Organically Grown Cotton Yarns 

• Cotton Pure is our flagship cotton yarn made with 100% organically grown, unmercerized cotton, a sport-weight yarn that feels lovely in the hand and is wonderfully soft and supple to knit. (Want a lot of Cotton Pure? Pick up a 1000-gram Cotton Pure On A Cone!) 
• Made in Italy with 100% organically grown, unmercerized cotton, Sunshower Cotton is a super soft worsted-weight yarn dappled with color!  
• More organically grown cotton below.

Pima Cotton Yarns

• 100% Peruvian Pima cotton, Cotton Chirp DK comes in brilliantly colored 4-color bundles of Cotton Chirp DK Minis and generous 100-gram balls. This exceptional cotton is beloved for its plush multi-ply structure and bright, playful colors. 
• Serif is a soft single ply of Peruvian Pima cotton wrapped with a thin cotton thread to make an undulating DK- to worsted-weight yarn. It has a charming wave, a glowing luster, and the silky softness of roving. 
• Supremely cuddlesome Witch Hazel is a burst of delicate, feathery strands anchored by a strong braided core… All Pima cotton! This bulky-weight yarn knits up into a surprisingly lightweight and airy fabric. 
• A beautifully textured yarn made in Japan, Sketchbook Cotton’s earthy elegance comes from 100% unmercerized cotton, a mix of Mexican-grown cotton and Supima cotton, an American-grown Pima variety.

Plant-Based Yarn Blends 

• Organically grown cotton forms the strong, soft heart of Santolina, mixed with lustrous bamboo and hearty hemp fibers. This plant-based fingering-weight yarn has a velvety finish and a surprisingly airy spin. 
• June Worsted is a lovable mix of Tanguis cotton and Belgian linen with a laid back, relaxed character. This soft worsted-weight yarn has the amazing quality of feeling akin to wool, although it’s all cool plant fibers. 
• Made with a 50/50 mix of Turkish cotton and Belgian Linen, Oleander is a fingering-weight yarn as light as a breeze. Cotton and linen absorb moisture and keep you cool, and the yarn will continue to soften with washing and use. 

Cotton + Animal Yarn Blends 

• Fresh as a new day, Morning is a DK-weight yarn made with 75% organically grown cotton, with just enough yak fiber in the mix to add elasticity and a cozy yet breathable feel—an absolute pleasure to knit! 
• 65% organic, undyed cotton and 35% traceable alpaca, Sweetgrass is a very special yarn in a range of natural colors that come straight from the animals’ fleeces. The surprising blend of fibers combines simplicity with elegance and breeziness with warmth. 
• Plein Air is 67% merino wool and 33% organically grown cotton, bringing together the best of the animal and plant worlds. The wool lends body to the yarn so that it’s airy and lofty, while the cotton adds a pleasant weight and a bit of coolness.
• Warm white Peruvian Pima cotton forms the strong, lustrous core of our worsted- to chunky-weight Paintbrush Mohair, making every color in its expansive palette glow as if lit from within!

Best Knitting Projects For Cotton Yarn

From breezy summer garments to the softest baby knits, cotton yarn brings a cool, comfortable touch to every project, and our cotton yarns will make your creations feel and look amazing. Here are just a few ideas…

• Create the perfect summer tee, like our Simple Tee pattern in June Worsted.
• Stitch up something sweet for a baby in your life, like our free Crayon Stripes Pullover pattern, made by striping our Serif and Cotton Pure yarns.
• Craft a blanket for the porch swing, like our free Good Morning Blanket pattern in Cotton Chirp DK.
• Whip up a set of dish towels, like our free Easy Scalloped Washcloth + Hand Towels pattern in Sketchbook Cotton.
• Knit a fun bag that can stand up to any adventure, like our free Weekend Tote pattern in Sunshower Cotton.

Want more ideas? Browse our huge collection of super inspiring knitting patterns, then dive in and find the perfect cotton yarn to bring your next project to life!

Article written by Andrea Lotz for Purl Soho.

Looking for more inspiration? Explore all of our knitting patterns (including tons of free knitting patterns) and knitting tutorials, buy one of our many knitting kits and yarn bundles, and shop for beautiful yarn. We have over 35 gorgeous natural fiber yarns in 100’s of magnificent colors, designed to bring integrity, beauty, and joy to your next knitting project and only available at Purl Soho!