The Most-Reviewed Yarns of August 2026
The Yarn Diary | September 05, 2026

The Most-Reviewed Yarns of August 2026

Customer favorites

8 yarns · 7 min read

Every month we read through the reviews you leave and see which yarns you couldn't stop talking about. August was all about cozy wool, but cotton yarns held strong — and there's even a surprise non-wool sock yarn in the mix!

Here are the eight yarns knitters and crocheters wrote about most last month, in your own words: what you made, how it behaved, and why you went back for more.

The short version

  • Malabrigo Rios — the yarn people describe as squishy above all else.
  • Cascade Heritage — the sock yarn reviewers are still wearing years later.
  • Paintbox Cotton DK — the yarn that converts cotton skeptics.
  • Cascade 220 and 220 Superwash Merino — the beloved workhorse and its soft sibling.
  • Curated by your genuine feedback last month and ranked by your most-loved items!

Key Takeaways

  • Superwash stole the show: Half of August's favorites are machine washable — making them the go-to pick for effortless gifting.
  • Cotton raised the bar: Forget stiff dishcloths! Crafters are loving these cottons for their incredible softness and beautiful drape.
  • Sock yarn breaks the rules: These sock favorites aren't just for feet — you're stitching them into gorgeous hats, shawls, and colorwork.
  • Tried-and-true classics: Cascade 220 and Encore continue to dominate the top spots, proving some staples never go out of style.
  • Straight from verified buyers: Every single quote comes from a real, verified Yarn.com order.

The 8 Most-Reviewed Yarns of August 2026

Most talked-about yarn of the month
Malabrigo Rios Merino Worsted Yarn - Superwash Worsted

Malabrigo Rios Merino Worsted Yarn - Superwash Worsted

Superwash merino, worsted weight, kettle-dyed

★★★★★

$17.90

Rios is the yarn our customers describe in adjectives rather than specifications: squishy, luminous, forgiving. Because it's superwash, that heirloom blanket will easily survive the toddler years — and the washing machine!

Shop Rios

Featured customer reviews

Verified review
★★★★★Sep 1, 2026

I am planning to crochet a scarf with this yarn. It is so soft and squishy, and it comes in so many beautiful colors! It feels so luxurious to crochet with!

— Phoenix

Verified review
★★★★★Sep 1, 2026

“Beautiful yarn for gifting”

I buy this yarn all the time. The colors are rich and it holds its shape well after washing. It’s soft enough to wear right next to your skin. I make cowls that protect my son's neck and are long enough to pull up and cover his nose and mouth when it’s cold. I make shawls and scarves for Christmas presents for family and friends. I give them away as fast as I make them.

— Anita

Verified review
★★★★★Aug 31, 2026

“Beautiful colors and easy to use”

I used it to make a slip stitch blanket. It is very easy to use. I like watching the colors interplay with each other. I gave it to my sister, so no photo unfortunately.

— Heidi

The sock knitter's default
Cascade Yarns Heritage Yarn - Superwash Merino 4 Ply

Cascade Yarns Heritage Yarn - Superwash Merino 4 Ply

Superwash merino and nylon, fingering weight

★★★★☆

$9.60

Priced to be knit, not stashed. You love that this budget-friendly favorite holds up through years of daily wear without a hole in sight.

Shop Heritage

Featured customer reviews

Verified review
★★★★★Aug 6, 2026

“Great yarn at a great price.”

The socks I make with Heritage yarn are long lasting. I have worn them for years and still have no holes. The yarn feels soft and is easy to knit with. It doesn’t split.

— Leta

Verified review
★★★★★Aug 24, 2026

“Versatile yarn with great colors”

I use Cascade Yarns in a variety of my knitting projects. I love it for the colors they offer. I use a lot of the Heritage Yarn in shawls, scarves, socks, and mittens. I use it for mittens and shawls. I am slowly getting back into knitting socks and scarves.

— Kathleen

Verified review
★★★★★Jul 24, 2026

I love the perfect color match. Winding was smooth—no glitches. I would purchase again for heel & toes of socks.

— Mary

Most reviewed cotton
Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK Yarn

Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK Yarn

100% cotton, DK weight, in a very large color range

★★★★☆

$3.09

The yarn that gives cotton a whole new reputation. Anyone expecting a stiff, dishcloth texture is pleasantly surprised by how silky and soft it feels—and with a color range this stunning, one project quickly turns into three.

Shop Cotton DK

Featured customer reviews

Verified review
★★★★★Aug 16, 2026

“Softer than I expected, beautiful colors, a satisfying knit”

This is my first time knitting with cotton yarn, and I’m surprised to find how much I really love it. I expected it to feel like a washrag. The fabric it creates is much softer and more supple than I had anticipated. The colors are beautifully saturated and the arm gives good stitch definition. Can’t wait to wear the tank top I’m knitting.

— Cheri Vaughan

Verified review
★★★★★Aug 2, 2026

“Versatile and easy to use”

I love cotton yarn. This yarn doesn’t split. I use it for many different projects, including baby blankets, origami, market bags, ladies tops, and baby toys. Shaping and stuffing was so easy. All of my projects turn out spectacular. The yarn is very versatile.

— Sue

Verified review
★★★★★Jul 21, 2026

“Perfect for summer projects”

I'm using it for summer sweaters. It is lightweight and washable. It washes beautifully. The yarn gets even softer.

— Laura

The workhorse
Cascade Yarns 220 Yarn - 100% Wool Worsted

Cascade Yarns 220 Yarn - 100% Wool Worsted

100% Peruvian highland wool, worsted weight

★★★★★

$10.37

When a pattern calls for worsted wool, Cascade 220 is the default favorite for a reason. It gives crisp definition to every stitch, felts like a dream, and offers a color palette big enough to bring your wildest Fair Isle visions to life.

Shop Cascade 220

Featured customer reviews

Verified review
★★★★★Aug 31, 2026

“Versatile and soft yarn”

I have used this yarn before and love knitting with the Peruvian wool. This yarn has been a go-to because of all of the color options available. I use it for scarves, shawls, and blankets. The pieces I knit always feel so soft and the yarn wears well.

— Angela

Verified review
★★★★★Aug 19, 2026

“Enjoy working with Cascade 220”

I have a large collection of Cascade yarns that I use mainly to make fair isle mittens and hats. It is a lovely yarn to work with and shows the patterns well. The 100% wool keeps hands and heads warm in the winter and retains moisture when wet. It’s my go-to yarn.

— Elizabeth

Verified review
★★★★★Aug 17, 2026

“Perfect for Master Knitter certification”

I'm using it for TKGA Master Knitter certification. It has availability and price. It is very well suited for this purpose.

— Jeanine

Softest of the Cascades
Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Merino Yarn DK

Cascade Yarns 220 Superwash Merino Yarn DK

Superwash merino, DK weight

★★★★★

$11.20

Everything you love about 220, made soft enough for necklines and sweet baby items. It’s the ultimate choice for baby clothes, cozy sweaters, and gifts for people who definitely won't hand-wash.

Shop 220 Superwash Merino

Featured customer reviews

Verified review
★★★★★Aug 24, 2026

“Heavenly soft yarn for projects”

The yarn is SUPER soft. It feels heavenly. I can't wait to finish my Hobbiton vest and wear it! It's wonderful! It's washable. Yes, I've used it before.

— Spring

Verified review
★★★★★Aug 13, 2026

“Perfect for knitting projects”

It is perfect for sweaters, blankets, and hats. I prefer it to the regular superwash 220. It is softer and feels better on my hands as I am knitting.

— anne

Verified review
★★★★★Aug 4, 2026

“Amazing color and softness”

The raspberry color is amazing, perfect for the knit 'raspberry beret'. It is nice to knit with as well! It is nice and soft! Perfect knitting yarn!

— Darcy

Best value merino
Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Yarn - Merino Worsted

Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Yarn - Merino Worsted

Our own house superwash merino, worsted weight

★★★★★

$6.37

Meet our house merino—the yarn that turns "I'll just knit a scarf" into "I'm making an entire throw." Soft, machine-washable, and affordable enough to make big blanket dreams a reality.

Shop Valley Superwash

Featured customer reviews

Verified review
★★★★★Aug 24, 2026

“Perfect for reversible throws”

I love the gorgeous color and lovely hand. I'm using it for a bouncy, lofty reversible throw for a gift. That's what I knit now - reversible throws. No matter how they're piled in a chair, they look great! I highly recommend it 10/10!

— John

Verified review
★★★★★Aug 12, 2026

“Soft and colorful yarn for sweaters”

The Valley Yarns Valley Superwash Yarn is soft and easy to work with. I love the color! I'm using it for sweaters for my grandsons. Great!

— Janet

Verified review
★★★★★Jul 3, 2026

“Perfect for baby projects”

It is soft and washable. I'm using it for baby sweaters, blankets, and hats. I gave it as gifts. I have no complaints.

— Lois

Best wool-free sock yarn
Berroco Comfort Sock Yarn - Nylon 3 Ply

Berroco Comfort Sock Yarn - Nylon 3 Ply

Nylon and acrylic, fingering weight

★★★★★

$4.75

Perfect for wool-sensitive knitters or anyone looking to add serious durability to their wool patterns. Washable, versatile, and budget-friendly enough for a whole sock drawer.

Shop Comfort Sock

Featured customer reviews

Verified review
★★★★★Aug 21, 2026

“Great affordable sock yarn”

I have a hard time finding sock yarn that’s not wool. I like the colors and it is fun to work with. It’s an affordable option for people who can’t use wool, and I’m always happy with the finished product. I have not used these yet, but I’m looking forward to it. I’ve used this yarn and probably some of these same colors before tho.

— Sherida

Verified review
★★★★★Aug 30, 2026

“Joy to work with”

I saw the colorway Fruit Cocktail and was drawn to it. The yarn was a joy to work with. It was soft, smooth, and easy to work with. No stickiness at all. It's fine for me. I haven't blocked it yet.

— Rayla

Verified review
★★★★★Aug 20, 2026

“Soft and beautiful yarn for socks”

It knits up beautifully and is soft. I'm using it for socks. I've made many pairs in the past, and I’m still working on this pair.

— Anne

The blanket yarn
Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted Yarn - Acrylic Worsted

Plymouth Yarn Encore Worsted Yarn - Acrylic Worsted

Acrylic and wool blend, worsted weight

★★★★★

$7.23

A timeless staple for a reason: Encore gives you that cozy wool feel with the effortless, machine-washable durability that can take on daily life (and toddlers).

Shop Encore Worsted

Featured customer reviews

Verified review
★★★★★Aug 31, 2026

I have used it for years. I am an avid Plymouth user for 30 years. It has 25 percent wool which makes it awesome to work with. I made over 30 afghans and they look brand new. I am from Methuen and also like to support my city.

— jean

Verified review
★★★★★Aug 8, 2026

“Soft and washable yarn for blankets”

I'm using it for a blanket for my newborn great-grandchild. I've used the same yarn for many years. It's soft and washable.

— Mildred

Verified review
★★★★★Aug 16, 2026

I've been using it for years to knit baby blankets and wraps/stoles. So glad it is still available.

— Barbara

A tip from the yarn wall: Planning a sweater from any yarn on this list? Buy the full quantity in one order so the dye lots match, and knit a swatch in the actual stitch pattern before committing. Superwash yarns in particular relax and grow when blocked — reviewers who size down slightly are usually the happiest with the fit.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you decide which yarns make this list?

You choose them! We read through each and every review dated in August 2026 and rank the yarns by how much you wrote about them. Anything out of stock at publication comes off the list so you're not clicking through to an empty page.

Are these reviews from real customers?

Yes. Every review comes from a verified Yarn.com order — the request goes out after your yarn ships. We don't edit reviews; quotes are trimmed for length only.

What weight of yarn should I buy for a first sweater?

Worsted. It knits fast enough to stay motivated, shows your stitches clearly, and most beginner-friendly patterns are written for it. Cascade 220, Valley Superwash and Encore on this list are all worsted.

Is superwash wool really machine washable?

Yes, on a gentle cycle in cool water, and it should be dried flat rather than tumbled. Superwash wool tends to relax more than untreated wool when wet, which is why blocking your swatch first matters.

Can I substitute one yarn on this list for another?

Match the weight and the yardage per skein first — those two decide whether your pattern still works. Then consider fiber: swapping wool for cotton changes drape and stretch considerably, even at the same gauge.

Where can I see the whole range of colors?

Every yarn's product page lists the current colorways with stock status. If a colorway you want is out, reviews are a good signal of what we restock most often.

by Yarn.com
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