Discover the best yarns for spring and find perfect projects for sunny days on my free knitting patterns page!
Spring is one of my favorite seasons to knit for. After a long winter of chunky wools and cozy cables, there’s just something refreshing about switching gears into lighter yarns, breathable fabrics, and cheerful, sun-warmed colors. If you’ve been wondering what the best yarns for spring are, I’ve got you covered. I’ve tried them all (or at least it feels like I have), and I’m here to share my top picks, why I love them, and what you might want to cast on with each one.
This isn’t just a list of soft yarns that look nice in the skein. These are workhorse fibers I’ve actually knit with—over and over—and designed free patterns around. Whether you’re planning baby knits, flowy dresses, or stylish accessories, you’re bound to find a favorite on this list of the best yarns for spring.
What Makes a Yarn One of the Best Yarns for Spring?
Before we jump into the specific yarns, let’s talk about what we’re even looking for. When I say “the best yarns for spring,” I mean:
- Lightweight or breathable
- Smooth or soft against the skin
- Holds stitch definition beautifully
- Doesn’t feel sticky in warmer weather
- Comes in cheerful, seasonal colors
I’ve focused mostly on cotton, cotton blends, and soft plant-based fibers in this roundup because they check all those boxes and then some.
1. Premier Yarns Cotton Fair: Smooth, Soft, and Baby-Friendly (affiliate link)
Let’s kick it off with a favorite: Premier Yarns Cotton Fair (affiliate link). This yarn is a DK-weight cotton-acrylic blend, and it’s become my go-to for baby clothes and spring layering. It has the softness of cotton but with a touch of bounce and durability thanks to the acrylic.
I used it for my Baby John Hooded Cardigan—a lightweight spring layering piece that works beautifully in transitional weather. The stitch definition is crisp, the colors are soft and sweet, and the finished cardigan has just the right amount of stretch for little wiggle worms.
If you’ve never knit with this one, trust me: it deserves a spot on your “best yarns for spring” must-try list.
2. KnitPicks CotLin: Durable, Textured, and Breezy (affiliate link)
Oh, KnitPicks CotLin (affiliate link) — where do I begin? This cotton-linen blend has a relaxed vibe that makes it perfect for all kinds of spring knits. It feels cool in your hands while you’re working with it and just gets softer with every wash and wear.
I’ve used CotLin (affiliate link) for both garments and accessories, and it holds its shape beautifully. My Fern Pullover, a simple but elegant spring sweater, looks polished but feels like secret pajamas. It also knits up into the perfect texture for my Cable Crossbody Bag, which needs just enough structure to hold its shape without being stiff.
For texture-rich knits and breathable wearability, CotLin (affiliate link) is easily one of the best yarns for spring.
3. Lion Brand Coboo: Vibrant, Drapey, and So Silky (affiliate link)
Lion Brand Coboo (affiliate link) is a bamboo-cotton blend that I like to call my “secret weapon” for flowy spring dresses and tops. It has a beautiful drape, a silky hand-feel, and just the right weight for garments that dance in the breeze.
I used Coboo (affiliate link) for my Adult June Dress (which, yes, matches the baby version for the ultimate mommy-and-me moment). The fabric it creates is fluid, comfortable, and breathable—exactly what you want to wear when spring turns up the heat. Plus, Coboo’s (affiliate link) sheen gives it a dressed-up look without any effort. Because it is a slightly heavier weight yarn (sport weight) it can make projects slightly heavy but that weight also adds structure.
If you’ve been looking for a yarn that feels soft as a cloud but still behaves well on the needles, Coboo (affiliate link) might just win your heart. It’s definitely earned its place on this best yarns for spring roundup.
4. KnitPicks Comfy Fingering: Delicate and Stretchy for Baby Knits (affiliate link)
Now let’s talk about a finer option—KnitPicks Comfy Fingering (affiliate link). This yarn is a cotton-acrylic blend that’s gentle on the hands and even gentler on baby skin. It’s lighter than a standard cotton, so it’s a great pick when you want something soft, thin, and perfect for little details.
I used it for the Asher Bonnet, which is part of a newborn bonnet and blanket set. This yarn gave me the delicate texture I was hoping for without losing the structure I needed to show off the faux cable detail in the design. Plus, the pastel and earthy shades are just begging to be turned into baby gifts.
When you need something soft and petite but still practical, KnitPicks Comfy Fingering (affiliate link) should definitely be on your radar as one of the best yarns for spring.
5. KnitPicks Vividie: Bright Colors and Puff Sleeve Dreams (affiliate link)
Okay, let’s chat about the wild card of the bunch: KnitPicks Vividie (affiliate link). This yarn is a stunner when it comes to color—bold, vibrant, and just plain fun. And while I haven’t released the pattern yet (stay tuned!), I’ve been using Vividie (affiliate link) for an upcoming Puff Sleeve Sweater that has me grinning every time I pick it up.
The thing that makes Vividie (affiliate link) one of the best yarns for spring isn’t just its color palette—it’s the lightweight, sport-weight texture (I know it’s labeled as worsted but it knits up as sport, I promise!) that makes it ideal for playful spring tops and blouses. It holds shape beautifully and really makes those statement sleeves pop without being bulky or too warm.
If you love a bit of flair and want to shake off those winter neutrals, Vividie (affiliate link) is ready to brighten up your spring projects.
Honorable Mentions
Another yarn that deserves a spot on my best yarns for spring list is KnitPicks Samia (affiliate link). This is one of those yarns that feels fancy but knits up like a dream—lightweight, breathable, and oh-so-soft with just a hint of sheen. I used Samia (affiliate link) for the Deborah Tee, a lacy spring top with an eyelet panel down the back that feels as breezy as it looks. It’s perfect for layering or wearing on its own when the sun is shining. If you’re in the mood to knit something that’s both wearable and elegant, Samia (affiliate link) is definitely worth trying.
I also have to include Hobbii Rainbow Bamboo (affiliate link) on my list of the best yarns for spring. This bamboo-cotton blend is silky soft, has a gorgeous drape, and feels unbelievably gentle against the skin—making it ideal for delicate baby knits. I used it for the Bethany Pixie Bonnet, a sweet and simple lace bonnet that I designed during a very emotional season of my life. The yarn’s softness made it extra special, and it blocked beautifully to show off the pixie point and lace detail. If you love creating meaningful keepsakes with beautiful stitch definition, Rainbow Bamboo (affiliate link) is a lovely springtime choice.
How to Pick the Best Yarns for Spring Projects
When I’m picking yarns for spring, I’m usually asking myself a few things:
- Will I want to wear this in 60–75°F weather?
- Will it breathe, or will it cling and get sticky?
- Is it machine washable? (Because spring is mud season if you have kids.)
- Can I imagine knitting this outside in the sunshine?
All five of these yarns pass the test. They’ve got the drape, softness, stitch definition, and comfort that spring projects demand. Whether you’re making baby clothes, lacy accessories, or wear-everywhere garments, these best yarns for spring will help your project shine.
Bonus: Favorite Projects for the Best Yarns for Spring
Here’s a quick round-up of the patterns mentioned above, in case you want to dive right in:
- Baby John Hooded Cardigan – made with Premier Yarns Cotton Fair (affiliate link)
- Fern Pullover – made with KnitPicks CotLin (affiliate link)
- Cable Crossbody Bag – also made with KnitPicks CotLin (affiliate link)
- Adult June Dress – made with Lion Brand Coboo (affiliate link)
- Asher Bonnet – made with KnitPicks Comfy Fingering (affiliate link)
- Puff Sleeve Sweater – coming soon in KnitPicks Vividie (affiliate link)
You can find all of these patterns (and more!) on my free knitting pattern page.
Your Turn! What Are Your Best Yarns for Spring?
I’d love to know—what are your go-to yarns for warm-weather knitting? Have you tried any of the ones on this list? Or do you have a sleeper favorite I need to check out?
Leave a comment below and let’s swap yarn recs! I’m always on the hunt for a new favorite—and you never know what might end up on next year’s Best Yarns for Spring list.
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