Budget Friendly Yarns for Sweater Knitting
We’re almost at the end of September as I write this and Sweater Weather has officially reached my little corner of the world. I’ve worn a hand-knit sweater every day this week and I couldn’t be happier about it.
I know I’m not the only one with sweater knitting on my mind right now so I thought it would be the perfect time to share some of my go to yarns for sweater projects.
I was actually asked a while ago if I could recommend, some budget-friendly yarns that will wear well and I think the three projects I’m sharing today fit the bill.
"I’d love to hear more yarn recommendations, especially more budget friendly yarns. I have so many garments I’d like to make but usually can’t afford the yarns recommended but equally don’t want to buy cheap yarn that won’t wear well." - Angie
Great Value Yarn
Budget-friendly is so subjective as what’s affordable for one person isn’t for another so here I’m sharing the yarn I used to knit my three most worn sweaters. They're all wearing really well and each cost less than £60 which feels like good value to me.
I could wear these garments for years if I take good care of them which makes the cost per wear pretty low if you like to think of things in that way.
Before I get to the recommendations I did want to point out that as a petite woman (I’m just 5ft tall) I recognise this also helps keep my yarn costs down when sweater knitting.
If you want to knit a long-lasting garment in a warm, natural fibre here are my suggestions.
100% Wool Yarns for Sweater Knitting
Jamieson and Smith 2ply Jumper Weight
Jamieson and Smith 2ply Jumper Weight is a great option for colour work as they have a huge range of colours in 25g balls. You can buy several colours for a project in the quantities you need so there is less yarn left over and you can more easily keep to your budget.
100% Shetland Wool is probably the most rustic of the three yarns I’m sharing here. If you think you might be sensitive to any of these yarns, buy a ball and knit a swatch to see how it feels to you before committing to a buy a whole sweater quantity. Everyone’s sensitivity to yarn is different but I can wear this next to my skin without irritation.
Pheasant Pullover by Amy Christoffers - Jamieson & Smith 2Ply Jumper Weight
Pheasant Pullover - Jameson and Smith 2 ply Jumper Weight
Size 38” - finished chest
12 balls
£3.60 per 25g
Sweater cost £43.20
Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Sport
Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Sport is 100% Peruvian Wool. It’s a robust yarn that I find is comfortable worn next to my skin. The yarn will withstand some unravelling and re-knitting so combined with the price point it could be a good yarn choice for a first sweater. It has a nice amount of drape and a lovely warmth to it.
Field Day Cardigan - Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Sport
Size 45” finished chest
7 balls
£3.64 per 50g ball
Sweater Cost £26.81
Field Day Cardigan by Ozetta - Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Sport in Mink Heather
The Fibre Co. Lore
The Fibre Co. Lore is a fabulous woolly yarn that is plump and bouncy, with beautiful stitch definition. Made from 100% lambswool from the Romney Sheep breed. It’s a light weight, airy yarn that would be a great choice if you’d like to try a British breed-specific yarn for your next sweater project.
Deep Moss Pot by Kari-Helene Rane - The Fibre Co. Lore in Stable
Deep Moss Pot - The Fibre Co. Lore
Size 34-36” finished chest
3 skeins
£19.20 per 100g skein
Sweater cost £57.60
I like investing in yarns that will last whatever the price point. When I have put in so many hours of work it’s important to me that a garment will stand the test of time.
All three of these pullovers are in regular rotation in my wardrobe. They have minimal pilling and they’ve kept their shape which for me is a sign that they are all wearing well.
I’d love to hear which yarn you have found to be great value for sweater knitting and why. Leave a comment with your favourites below.
Project Bags for Sweater Knitting
