Best Yarn for Shawls

Remember that not all acrylic yarns are created equal. Some are much softer than others. 

This is also the best yarn for prayer shawls because, if you choose a soft acrylic yarn (as you should), the shawl will be comfortable, warm, and easy to take care of. Acrylic yarn is famously easy to wash.

Want to work with some stiffer acrylic yarn you have in your stash? Learn How to Soften Acrylic Yarn.

Aim for a good wool-acrylic blend because 100% wool can be scratchy, and it's harder to wash because it's more likely to felt. If you're buying yarn online and need a safe bet, try a blend. Wool blends are woven with other fibers like nylon or silk to achieve that softness. Bluprint suggests merino wool is usually a good bet if you do decide to choose a 100% wool. Be warned that this wool CAN pill, however.

Natural fibers like wool, silk, or bamboo have an advantage over acrylic yarn because they're easier to block. Acrylic yarn does not block as well.

If you have a sensitivity to wool, you can try Woollike yarn! This yarn and others like it are mostly acrylic with a bit of nylon. This creates the feel and warmth of wool at a fraction of the price. 

Bamboo is a breatheable choice for your shawls. It "contains minute gaps and holes and this is good for ventilation as well as absorption of moisture" according to Power2Sme.

This yarn has a best of so many worlds which might explain why it's pricey! It is strong and oh-so-shiny. Beginners might want to avoid this yarn at first because it is slippery to work with. 

Keep an eye on the weight of the silk yarn you choose. It can either create a heavy garment, or something light and smooth.

If you're looking for a warmer and more budget-friendly option, try a wool-silk blend! This combination is a stunningly beautiful mix of softness and warmth. Aloha Knits suggests merino wool x silk, specifically.

If you want to make a shawl that's even warmer than one made with wool, here is the yarn to use! It's very soft and perfect for winter shawls.

Alpaca/Wool blends are a really fabulous bet when it comes to creating a garment that blocks well and is soft. Sometimes imperfections show in alpaca yarn where they are hidden in wool. Definitely give this option a try for winter shawls.

Super soft and fluffy, but very expensive. If money is no object and you're looking to make an impressive garment, cashmere is the way to go! It drapes elegantly and it can be hand washed. Just be careful if you have to frog/tink, as this fiber isn't as strong as others. 

Cotton is usually less drapey than any of the yarns mentioned above, and shawls need to have good drape! However, you can make a shawl using cotton yarn and very lacy stitches and still achieve a nice effect. Also keep in mind that it does not block well because it is so rigid. It will not be as warm as other shawls, so be warned if you are looking for a cozy, cold-weather option. If you want to make a lacy summer project, this might be the right fit for you!