What are the best yarns for knitting socks?

Knitting your own socks is a unique experience: tailor-made comfort, creativity, and incomparable warmth. But to achieve durable and comfortable socks, the right yarn is essential. Here's a comparison of the best sock yarns to help you choose the one that's best for your projects.

Merino wool: softness and breathability

Merino is one of the most widely used fibers in sock yarns . Its fineness and softness make it a pleasant wool to wear, even directly against the skin. Breathable and thermoregulating, it keeps feet warm while wicking away moisture. Often blended with polyamide, it offers an excellent compromise between comfort and durability.

Classic virgin wool: warmth and robustness

Yarns made from virgin wool are more rustic but also very strong. When properly cared for, they guarantee durable and wear-resistant socks. It's an ideal choice if you're looking for affordable and effective wool, especially for everyday socks.

Alpaca wool: luxury and comfort

For high-end socks, alpaca is an excellent option. Its fiber is naturally soft, warm, and slightly silky. However, it is often blended with other fibers for added strength, as pure alpaca is more fragile. These yarns are perfect for cozy, comfortable socks.

Reinforced technical threads

Many manufacturers offer yarns specifically designed for socks , combining natural wool with synthetic fibers such as polyamide or elastane. These blends guarantee greater elasticity and a longer lifespan. Lang Yarns' Super Soxx range, for example, combines comfort and strength, making it ideal for knitting machine-washable socks.

Which wool should you choose for your projects?

The choice depends on your priorities: opt for merino if you're looking for a balance between softness and strength, virgin wool if you're looking for durability, or alpaca if you want a luxurious finish. Finally, technical sock yarns remain the most versatile for everyday wear.