My Go-To Worsted Weight Yarns for Knitting (with Free Patterns!)
Looking for the best worsted weight yarns for knitting? I’ve rounded up my go-to favorites with links. for even more patterns head over to my free knitting pattern page.
Worsted weight yarn is the true workhorse of the knitting world. Not too thick, not too thin—it’s the Goldilocks of yarn weights. Perfect for everything from sweaters and hats to scarves and blankets, it’s no wonder I keep a whole cubby (okay, maybe two…) stocked full of worsted weight goodies.
Over the years, I’ve worked with a lot of yarns, but there are a handful that I keep coming back to. They’re dependable, affordable, come in beautiful colorways, and—best of all—work so well with many of the free patterns on my blog.
So grab your project bag and maybe a cup of coffee—let’s chat about my go-to worsted weight yarns and the free knitting patterns that pair perfectly with each one.
1. Cascade 220 Superwash – the Classic You’ll Keep Rebuying (affiliate link)
Let’s kick things off with a true classic: Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link). This yarn has been around forever and for good reason. It’s 100% superwash wool, meaning it’s machine-washable and super easy to care for—yes, even for gift knits! It has a nice bounce, good stitch definition, and just enough squish to make your knits feel like a hug.
One of my favorite ways to use this yarn is in the Damask Cardigan—a free pattern on my blog that features a textured body and classic fit. Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link) makes the texture pop while keeping everything warm but breathable.
I’ve knit this yarn into hats, scarves, and even baby sweaters, and I’m always impressed with how well it holds up, especially after multiple washes.
If you’ve never tried it before, I highly recommend grabbing a few skeins and testing it out with a small project—you’ll be hooked. It’s one of the best worsted weight yarns for knitting sweaters that last.
Youth Damask Cardigan Free Pattern
Cascade 220 Superwash (affiliate link)
2. Premier Yarns Stitch Please Superwash Worsted – Budget-Friendly with a Punch (affiliate link)
You know I love a yarn that gives high-end vibes without the high-end price tag. Enter: Premier Yarns Stitch Please Superwash Worsted (affiliate link). This one is soft, smooth, and has a sheen that makes even simple patterns look extra polished.
I especially love it for the Nicolas Headband, a free pattern that’s great for quick gifts, beginner cable projects, or just when you want something satisfying and fast to knit. The yarn’s stretch and bounce make it perfect for accessories that need a little elasticity.
This yarn also comes in a rainbow of rich, solid shades, which makes it one of the best worsted weight yarns for knitting colorwork pieces, too.
Bonus: it’s superwash, so it can handle the washing machine like a champ.
Premier Yarns Stitch Please Superwash Worsted (affiliate link)
3. KnitPicks Swish – Dreamy and Soft with a Touch of Luxury (affiliate link)
Okay, let’s talk luxury. KnitPicks Swish (affiliate link) is my pick when I want something that feels a little extra. It’s soft enough for baby knits, but strong enough for adult garments too.
It is just so smooth which really pops your stitch definition, and it behaves so well on the needles. Whether I’m doing colorwork or cables, Swish just glides.
You can see it in action in my Michael Pullover free pattern. This sweater is textured and cozy with a simple ribbed raglan design, and KnitPicks Swish (affiliate link) makes it feel extra polished and warm without being bulky.
If you haven’t tried Swish yet, it’s a must. Truly one of the best worsted weight yarns for knitting sweaters you’ll want to live in.
Baby Michael Pullover Free Pattern
KnitPicks Swish (affiliate link)
4. Berroco Vintage – Durable and Drapey (affiliate link)
If I had a dollar for every time I’ve recommended Berroco Vintage (affiliate link) to a knitter friend, I could probably buy another sweater quantity of it (and then some).
It’s a lovely blend of wool, acrylic, and nylon—which makes it both cozy and durable. It has a soft feel and a smooth finish, making it one of the best worsted weight yarns for knitting items that get a lot of use: like beanies, scarves, and even baby garments.
I used it for the Chain Beanie, one of my favorite hat patterns that’s great for textured knitting. The yarn holds the stitch definition beautifully and feels cozy without being too heavy.
Berroco Vintage (affiliate link) is also a fabulous pick for gift knitting—you get the warmth of wool without the worry of handwashing.
Berroco Vintage (affiliate link)
5. KnitPicks Mighty Stitch – Squishy and Kid-Friendly (affiliate link)
Here’s a yarn I turn to over and over again when knitting for my kiddos: KnitPicks Mighty Stitch (affiliate link). It’s soft, vibrant, and comes in a rainbow of colors that kids love.
And let’s be real—when you’re knitting for little ones who are constantly on the go (and occasionally wearing their sweaters while finger painting), you want something easy to wash. Mighty Stitch is machine washable and holds its shape nicely.
I designed the Noah Sweater free pattern with this yarn in mind. It’s a classic top-down raglan sweater with ribbed cuffs, and the squish factor of Mighty Stitch makes it especially huggable.
It’s absolutely one of the best worsted weight yarns for knitting sweaters that your kids will actually wear (and keep wearing, and keep wearing…).
KnitPicks Mighty Stitch (affiliate link)
6. Lion Brand Heartland – The Underrated Beauty (affiliate link)
Last but certainly not least: Lion Brand Heartland (affiliate link). This yarn doesn’t always get the attention it deserves, but let me tell you—it’s a gem.
It’s soft, has a slight sheen, and the colorways are absolutely stunning—think heathered tones inspired by national parks. It’s acrylic, so it’s super low-maintenance, but it feels way more luxurious than your average big-box-store yarn.
I used it in the Everyday Beanie free pattern, which is a true staple in any knitwear collection. This hat pattern is simple, classic, and stretchy enough to fit a wide range of heads—aka perfect for gifting.
Heartland (affiliate link) is definitely one of the best worsted weight yarns for knitting beanies, scarves, and cozy cold-weather staples.
Everyday Beanie Worsted Free Pattern
Lion Brand Heartland (affiliate link)
What Makes These the Best Worsted Weight Yarns for Knitting?
When I’m choosing a yarn for a new project, especially one I’m designing a pattern around, there are a few things I always look for:
- Softness: If it’s scratchy, it’s not going near my needles.
- Stitch definition: I want my stitches to shine, especially for cables or textured stitches.
- Washability: Bonus points if it’s machine washable (especially for kids’ clothes or gifts).
- Color selection: I need a palette that inspires me. Solids, heathers, even a few multis.
- Affordability: Let’s be honest—sometimes I just want to knit a sweater without spending a fortune.
Each of these yarns ticks all the boxes. That’s why I can confidently call them the best worsted weight yarns for knitting, hands down.
Need Some Inspiration?
Here’s a quick recap of the free knitting patterns mentioned above that you can find on my blog:
- Youth Damask Cardigan – great texture and a classic silhouette
- Nicolas Headband – quick and stylish accessory
- Michael Pullover – a cozy ribbed raglan sweater
- Chain Beanie – textured hat with lots of personality
- Noah Sweater – squishy and perfect for kids
- Everyday Beanie – the name says it all!
You can find them all (and so many more) on my Free Knitting Pattern Page.
Let’s Chat!
Have you tried any of these yarns before? Do you have a worsted weight go-to that you always keep in your stash? I’d love to hear about your favorites, your must-knit patterns, or even what colorways you’re currently obsessed with. Drop a comment below—I’m always looking for new favorites too!
Happy knitting!
This post contains affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you click through and make a purchase. Thank you for supporting my blog—it helps me keep sharing free patterns and tutorials with you!
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