

Hi friends! Welcome to the first edition of Aisling Studio Favorites!
When I first decided to start this blog, I knew I wanted to compile an ever-growing list of all my favorite things I think are worth keeping in your own crochet/knit arsenal. First up on that list, YARN! From cotton to extra-fine merino wool, this list has got eight different, beautiful yarns I highly recommend trying at least once, ranging from $5-$15 per skein. All yarn deets are provided to help you make the best choice for your project, as well as a link to a retailer you can purchase from.
Note: I do not get paid for anything you may or may not purchase from these links. I genuinely love these yarns and only want to share them with you! 🙂
The yarn you choose for your project is just as important
as the pattern, if not more.

Deluxe Worsted Tweed from Universal Yarn
- $11.50 USD Per Skein
- 20 Colorways
- 90% Superwash Wool, 7% Acrylic, 3% Viscose
- Weight: Worsted
- 218 Yards (100g)
- Machine Wash, Dry Flat
Not only is this yarn a treat to look at, (hello there, tweedy goodness) it also knits up like a dream. I’ve tried many other tweed wools and none of them quite stand up to the quality of Universal. The tweed specks aren’t shiny or slippery and blend perfectly into the natural twist of the fiber. Deluxe Worsted is sturdy, but not itchy, and has a nice drape when paired with an appropriate sized needle. I’m currently using this for a long awaited sweater for my husband and I’m thoroughly enjoying every stitch.

Katia Cotton-Merino from WEBS
- $9.95 USD Per Skein
- 20 Colorways
- 70% Cotton, 30% Extrafine Merino Wool
- Weight: Worsted
- 115 Yards (50g)
- Hand Wash, Dry Flat
If I could only knit with one yarn for the rest of my life, Cotton Merino would undoubtably be a top contender. This yarn features a net-like construction with a gorgeous halo of color that is sure to please the pickiest of knitters. It’s perfect to use for sweaters and hats, as it has a soft finish and buttery stitch definition. If you haven’t tried this yarn yet, this is your sign!

Scheepjes Stonewashed XL from Jimmy Beans Wool
- $5 USD Per Skein
- 36 Colorways
- 70% Cotton, 30% Acrylic
- Weight: Aran
- 82 Yards (50g)
- Machine Wash, Dry Flat
Stonewashed XL is a fantastic substitute for Katia Cotton-Merino, as the look and stitch definition are quite similar. Stonewashed XL is a wool-free option for those who have allergies, but the cotton lends a soft, woolly feel so you aren’t missing out. It’s great for practically everything from amigurumi to garments, and comes in a variety of eye-popping colors.

The Pima Cotton from We Are Knitters
- $12-$15 USD Per Skein
- 28 Colorways
- 100% Pima Cotton
- Weight: Sport/DK
- 231 Yards (100g)
- Hand Wash, Dry Flat
We Are Knitters has outdone themselves with this one. It’s my all time favorite cotton to knit garments with! Incredibly soft with rich colors, light feel, and the exact drape you’re looking for in a cotton yarn. I really don’t know what else to say other than if you haven’t tried it yet, you absolutely should. As soon as the yarn is in your hands, you’ll understand why.

Lana Grossa Bingo from LoveCrafts
- $7.75 USD Per Skein
- 37 Colorways
- 100% Merino Wool
- Weight: Aran
- 87 Yards (50g)
- Hand Wash, Dry Flat
When I tell you this yarn serves nothing but SQUISH, I really mean it. I imagine it feels much like squeezing a miniature sheep that could fit in your two hands, not even kidding. Anything you make with this one is sure to keep you warm all winter long, and you’ll find a stunning color to meet everyone’s preference. I’ve linked this yarn to LoveCrafts because they ship from the US, but you can also find it from the Lana Grossa store overseas. Shipping will take longer but you’ll have access to the full range of colorways, which in my opinion is 100% worth it.

LandLust Winterwolle from Lana Grossa
- $8.97 USD Per Skein
- 15 Colorways
- 50% Merino Wool, 35% Cotton, 15% Yak
- Weight: Bulky
- 77 Yards (50g)
- Hand Wash, Dry Flat
Yet another tube yarn that has stolen my heart, and it just so happens to be from my favorite brand, Lana Grossa. It’s a shame there aren’t more retailers for this brand in the US, but FILATI ships within 24 hours worldwide and I’ve never had issues ordering from them. I’ve yet to find a yarn from Lana Grossa that I didn’t fall in love with; Winterwolle is no different. It’s sporting an ultra-cozy fluff that is reminiscent of clouds or cotton candy, and I’m convinced it’s because there are actual clouds spun into it. This yarn glides off needles and hooks like butter and will surely become an instant favorite.

Mandala Ombre from Lion Brand
- $8.99 USD Per Skein
- 12 Colorways
- 100% Acrylic
- Weight: Worsted
- 344 Yards (150g)
- Machine Wash and Dry
I don’t know how Lion Brand did it, but they’ve somehow managed to make a 100% acrylic yarn feel like soft, merino wool. I’ve crocheted several blankets for my kids with this because of the generous yardage, and it’s easy to toss them in the washer and dryer when they inevitably get food, ink, or some questionable liquid (toddlers, man…) all over it. My only wish is that it came in solid colors, too . The ombre shades are beautiful but if I could just get my hands on the saffron orange color from Tranquil…game over.

Patons Classic Wool Worsted from Joann
- $5.59 USD Per Skein (Clearance Sale…Run!)
- 19 Colorways
- 100% Wool
- Weight: Worsted
- 194 Yards (100g)
- Hand Wash, Dry Flat
They called this “Classic” wool for a reason. When you picture a vintage baby jumper knit in an off white wool, sporting cables galore and a row of perfectly lined up buttons…this is the yarn it’s made of. But softer. I’ve got a small hoard of this in my stash calling my name, and you can bet it’s going to be turned into a squishy pile of baby knitwear someday because that’s just what this wool deserves, nothing less. When I want to create heirloom pieces, this yarn is my go-to. Every. Single. Time.
There you have it! Have you tried any of these yarns before? Let me know what you think in the comments below. If you have any other yarn recommendations, I’d love to hear about them, too!
Happy weekend, friends, and happy making. See you next Friday!
What a joy to see a post from your new blog this morning! Your site looks fabulous!!
Thank you for reading, Margie! 🙂