What yarn to use to knit an autumn sweater 🍂

Autumn is the perfect season to debut a new hand-knitted sweater. The days start to get cooler, we need warmer garments, but we are not yet looking for the very thick yarns associated with winter. If you are thinking of knitting an autumn sweater, choosing the right yarn is key to creating a comfortable, warm and durable garment.

In this article, we’ll tell you about the best options in terms of weight, composition and colours, with examples of yarn balls you can find in our Idealium shop.

1. Recommended yarn weights for autumn

For a transitional-season sweater, it is ideal to work with DK (Double Knitting), Sport or even light Worsted-weight yarn.

• Sport (2.5–3.5 mm needles): for lighter, breathable sweaters, perfect for wearing over T-shirts.
• DK (3.5–4.5 mm needles): the most versatile weight for autumn; it allows you to make lightweight garments with good structure.
• Light Worsted (4.5–5 mm needles): provides more warmth, ideal for chilly November days.

👉 At Idealium, you’ll find yarn balls in these weights here:

• Sport Yarn Balls 
• DK Yarn Balls
  
• Worsted Yarn Balls

2. Composition: wool, cotton or blends

The yarn’s composition will affect your sweater’s warmth, breathability and softness. These are the most recommended options for autumn:

• Premium acrylic: lightweight, soft and easy to care for. Ideal for everyday use and garments that are washed frequently. Example: Rubí Campiña Yarn Ball, an acrylic yarn for lightweight garments. 
• Merino wool: provides warmth and softness without feeling heavy. Perfect for comfortable sweaters. Example: Idealium Merino Luxe Yarn Ball, a 100% merino wool.
  
• Cotton blend: for those who do not tolerate wool well or prefer a cooler feel. In autumn, it is used blended with acrylic or viscose to add structure. Example: Rubí Bruma Yarn Ball, a cotton and viscose fibre with a lightweight, slightly shiny finish.
• Mohair and silk/acrylic blends: provide a lightweight, airy and warm finish. An elegant option if you are looking for a sweater with a fluffy texture. Example: Idealium Etherea Yarn Ball, a wool and mohair blend with a soft, fluffy finish.

3. On-trend autumn colours 🍁

Colour is just as important as fibre. Warm, natural shades that evoke the season are popular in autumn:

• Earth tones: ochre, camel, beige and soft browns.
• Reddish tones and burgundy: rich colours that pair well with jeans and wardrobe basics.
• Olive and forest greens: very on-trend this year.
• Timeless neutrals: light grey, pearl and off-white, perfect for basic sweaters.

👉 At Idealium, you’ll find yarn balls in these shades. Some examples include:

• Rubí Suspiria Yarn Ball, a cotton and linen blend with a curly texture.
• Rubí Super Cotton Yarn Ball, 100% cotton available in a wide range of colours.
• Rubí Combo Yarn Ball, a wool and acrylic blend with a gradient in autumnal shades.

4. Final tips for choosing your autumn yarn

• If you’re a beginner: choose an acrylic yarn ball such as Rubí Campiña; it does not lose its shape and is very forgiving for practising.
• If you want a warm, lightweight sweater: opt for merino wool or mohair, such as our Etherea.
• If you’re looking for a transitional-season sweater: try cotton and blends such as Super Cotton.

✨ At Idealium, we have all these yarn balls available so you can find the one that best suits your style and project. Discover our full collection in the shop’s Yarn Balls section.