Vegan Yarn
If you’re into knitting or crocheting, you’re going to love these awesome vegan yarn options! From soft and cozy cotton to silky bamboo and sturdy hemp, there are so many cool plant-based and synthetic yarns to try. They come in gorgeous colors, feel amazing, and best of all — no animal fibers needed.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, these yarns will help you create stunning projects without the wool or silk. Get ready to meet some fantastic vegan yarn brands that are perfect for your next project! Each one has its own unique vibe, from bright and bold to soft and subtle. Whether you’re whipping up a warm sweater, a cute hat, or a stylish scarf, there’s a vegan yarn that’s just right for you.
Don’t forget to check out our Guide to Vegan Knitting and read about what’s wrong with the wool industry (and why it’s so important to choose vegan yarn). Now, get out your needle (or hook!) and let’s find your new favorite cruelty-free yarn!
What is Vegan Yarn?
Vegan yarn is yarn made without any animal fibers like wool, silk, or alpaca. Instead, it’s crafted from plant-based materials like cotton, bamboo, or hemp or from synthetic fibers like acrylic and polyester. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone looking to create soft, stylish projects without using animal products!
Plant Fibers
- Bamboo – Soft, silky, and breathable with a natural sheen, perfect for lightweight projects.
- Eucalyptus – Smooth, durable, and moisture-wicking, great for eco-friendly garments.
- Linen – Strong, crisp, and perfect for warm-weather items that soften beautifully over time.
- Organic Cotton – Soft, gentle on the skin, and ideal for baby clothes or allergy-friendly projects.
- Tencel – Silky, strong, and eco-friendly with a lovely drape that works well for flowing designs.
Synthetic Fibers
- Acrylic – A popular choice for its softness, durability, and vibrant colors.
- Polyester – Known for its strength, wrinkle resistance, and easy care.
- Nylon – Lightweight, stretchy, and great for projects that need flexibility.
- Rayon (Viscose) – Smooth and silky with a beautiful drape, perfect for lightweight garments.
No matter which fiber you choose, you can be sure that you’re saving both animals (and insects) from suffering.
Best Vegan Yarn Brands
Finding the best vegan yarn brands is easier than ever, with so many amazing options to explore! Whether you love soft cotton, silky bamboo, or sturdy acrylic, there’s a perfect cruelty-free yarn for every project. Get ready to discover some fantastic brands that make knitting and crochet both fun and animal-friendly!
This brand from British Columbia offers gorgeous, cruelty-free yarn in stunning colors. They focus on plant-based fibers like cotton, bamboo, and Tencel, making their yarns perfect for soft and stylish projects. Whether you’re knitting cozy scarves or lightweight tops, Vegan Yarn has you covered with beautiful options made with care! World of Vegan readers can get 15% off at veganyarn.com with the coupon code: worldofvegan
Earth Yarns
Earth Yarns is an awesome online shop that’s all about vegan yarn! They offer a fantastic selection of plant-based and synthetic yarns in vibrant colors and soft textures. Whether you’re crafting cozy blankets or cute beanies, Earth Yarns has the perfect cruelty-free option for your project!
Flora Fibres Yarn
Looking for unique, hand-dyed vegan yarn? Flora Fibres offers beautiful, eco-friendly yarns made from plant-based fibers like bamboo and linen. Their stunning color blends and sustainable focus make them a great choice for cruelty-free crafting!
That’s My Color Yarn Shop
Get ready to brighten up your projects with vibrant, hand-dyed vegan yarn! That’s My Color offers stunning shades on soft, cruelty-free fibers like cotton and bamboo. Whether you’re knitting, crocheting, or weaving, their colorful yarns are perfect for adding a fun pop to your creations!
Eco Butterfly Organics
If you’re looking for soft, eco-friendly yarn, this shop has you covered! Eco Butterfly Organics offers gorgeous vegan yarn made from organic cotton and other sustainable fibers. Their yarns are perfect for cozy projects and feel amazing in your hands!
Michigan Fine Yarns
Love crafting with cruelty-free yarn? Michigan Fine Yarns has an awesome selection of vegan yarn in soft, durable, and colorful options. Whether you’re making scarves, sweaters, or blankets, their plant-based and synthetic yarns are perfect for your next project!
LeRoo Crochet Hand-Dyed Cotton Yarn
Add a splash of color to your projects with beautiful hand-dyed cotton yarn! LeRoo Crochet offers soft, vibrant yarn that’s perfect for everything from lightweight tops to cozy blankets. Their unique color blends make every creation feel extra special!
Say No to Animal Fibers
When shopping for vegan yarn, it’s important to know which animal fibers to skip. Wool, silk, alpaca, and cashmere are common materials to watch out for. Checking labels carefully will help you find yarn that’s 100% cruelty-free and perfect for your next project!
Avoid These Fibers
- Alpaca
- Angora (rabbit)
- Bison
- Camel
- Cashmere (goat)
- Llama
- Mohair (goat)
- Qiviut (musk ox)
- Silk (silkworm)
- Vicuna
- Wool (sheep)
- Yak
Yarn Shopping Helpful Tips and Suggestions
Shopping for vegan yarn can be fun and easy with a few helpful tips! From checking labels to exploring plant-based fibers, there are plenty of ways to find the perfect cruelty-free yarn. With these simple suggestions, you’ll be ready to pick the best yarn for your next project in no time!
- Don’t Forget Synthetic Yarns! – Acrylic, polyester, and nylon offer vibrant colors and easy care. They’re perfect for cozy blankets, hats, and scarves. Because this type of yarn is usually machine washable, it’s great for gift-giving! Look for brands like Stylecraft, Loop & Threads, Lion Brand, Paintbox, Caron, Bernat, and Red Heart.
- Check the Label – Look for clear labels that say “vegan”, “plant-based”, “100% cotton” , or “100% acrylic.” Because many yarns are a blend of more than one fiber, it’s important to notice if there’s any small amount of animal fiber, such as wool, silk, mohair, alpaca, etc. Even if it’s the smallest amount, you may wish to choose a different yarn.
- Feel Before You Buy – If possible, touch the yarn in person. Some plant-based yarns feel super soft, while others have a crisp texture that’s perfect for specific projects.
- Think About Durability – For long-lasting items like bags or rugs, choose strong fibers like hemp or polyester. Softer yarns like bamboo or Tencel are better for delicate pieces.
- Support Eco-Friendly Brands – Many vegan yarn brands focus on sustainability. Look for companies that use organic fibers, recycled materials, or low-impact dyes for an earth-friendly choice.
ATTENTION vegan knitters who love lace patterns! Our World of Vegan team member, Gina House, is offering her “Maitri” lace shawl pattern for FREE on Ravelry with the coupon code: worldofvegan
Knit Picks Vegan-Friendly Yarn Options
While most websites that sell yarn have some vegan-friendly options, Knit Picks has the biggest selection for vegan knitters. From lace and vegan sock yarn to chunky (and even jumbo) vegan yarn, this shop has you covered! Plus, it’s very affordable with lots of color and size options.
- Animation (100% mercerized cotton)
- Billow (100% pima cotton)
- Brava (100% premium acrylic)
- Comfy (75% cotton, 25% premium acrylic)
- Cotlin (70% Tanguis Cotton, 25% linen)
- Cotton Boucle (100% tanguis cotton)
- Curio (fine 100% mercerized cotton)
- Dishie (100% cotton)
- Lindy Chain (70% linen, 30% pima cotton)
- Memento (100% pima cotton)
- Shine (60% pima cotton, 40% modal)
- Simply Cotton Organic (100% organic cotton)
- Visions (50% cotton, 50% viscose)
Vegan Knitting Yarn FAQs
Yarn can be vegan, but not all of it! Some yarns are made from animal fibers like wool, alpaca, or silk, which aren’t vegan. However, there are plenty of vegan-friendly yarns made from plant-based fibers like cotton, bamboo, or hemp, as well as synthetic options like acrylic and polyester. Just check the label to be sure!
Yes, acrylic yarn is vegan! It’s made from synthetic fibers, so it doesn’t contain any animal products. It’s a great option for those looking for a budget-friendly, animal-free yarn that comes in tons of colors and is easy to care for! Just be careful that there isn’t a percentage of animal fiber on the yarn label.
Vegan wool yarn is a yarn made to mimic the look and feel of wool but without any animal fibers. It’s usually made from plant-based materials like cotton, bamboo, or even synthetic fibers like acrylic. It’s perfect for anyone who wants that cozy wool texture but prefers a cruelty-free option! Great options include Knit Picks Brava and Kremke Soul Wool’s Morning Meditation.
Movie night, anyone? Queue up one of these life-changing documentaries to watch as you knit or crochet on your favorite project. Every film on the list is a must-see, truly.
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