There is a lot of love for natural yarn materials over synthetic ones. They can feel nicer and there is something more pleasant in knowing that you created something from a natural source. For those that want to stick with plant-based material, bamboo is an interesting choice.
[wptb id=4972]
Below, I have compiled a list of 8 of the best bamboo yarn products from different sources and with different blends. Before that, let’s look at why bamboo is so popular and what you need to watch out for when choosing a product.
Why is Bamboo Such a Great Alternative Material for Yarn?
Bamboo is an incredible natural material that is one of the most sustainable resources in the world. It grows so quickly that growers can yield large crops and manufacturers can make the most of it. While there are some environmental concerns about some of the processes in creating bamboo materials, others favor this material because it is a greener, natural option. This is particularly appealing if you don’t like the idea of using acrylic yarn or other options that contain synthetic materials.
Then there are the many different properties that you can enjoy when wearing a bamboo garment. Bamboo keeps you cool in the summer and warm in the winter while remaining both lightweight and durable. There is also an antibacterial quality that makes any shirts and sweaters made from bamboo a little more hygienic.
What Should you Consider When Choosing the Best Bamboo Yarn for your Project?
How much bamboo is actually in the yarn?
You will typically find that bamboo yarn isn’t 100% bamboo and that there is some cotton in there too. Some brands offer pure bamboo but you have to seek them out. A good 70% bamboo and 30% cotton blend is a nice ratio with the emphasis on bamboo, but a little cotton for a user-friendly texture. Others are a 50/50 split. You can also find that there are alternative blends, such as bamboo/silk, bamboo/wool, bamboo/nylon, or a combination of three. The silk has a nice look and feel if you are confident working with that texture.
How much yarn do you get for your money?
There are some big differences in quantity depending on the company. Some like to sell by the skein only, with some nice affordable cotton blends. Others may provide bigger sets so you can bulk-buy for a bigger project. Also, be aware that you might get less for your money in products that are 100% bamboo. Check the length of each skein in the specification where possible.
What colors are available?
Color is important no matter which type of yarn you choose. You want to be sure that the tones are right for your work and that you will get the effect you want. Some companies have much wider ranges than others, so take the time to browse their choices. You can also choose between skeins of uniform color, such as pure white, deep black, or bright blue, and some mixed colors. These mixes can create a nice mottled effect for baby clothes and blankets.
What are the green credentials of the company?
This isn’t something I have gone into detail with here as you can fall down some rabbit holes looking at brand ethos and the origins of materials. But, I encourage green-minded knitters to look up brands for a better idea of their practices and sources. Otherwise, you might find it is enough to go for a 100% organic and natural option.
8 of the Best Bamboo Yarn Skeins and Sets Around Right Now
1) Kaya Organic Knitting Bamboo Cotton Yarn
Table could not be displayed.The first few products that I want to highlight are blends. This is where you can get that nice balance between the texture and quality of the cotton with the feel and properties of the bamboo. This option is 70% bamboo and 30% cotton, with both materials coming from natural and organic sources. There are three balls in the pack, with each one carrying a weight of 50 grams and measuring at 180m. That should give you plenty to work with. There are also a few different color options where the colors are more vibrant than some other brands.
2) Yonkey Monkey Skein Tencel Yarn
If you are looking for a large quantity of yarn in one purchase, perhaps for an especially large project, this could be a good choice. There are 10 balls in total, all of the same color. They are 210 meters per skein – which isn’t the longest but isn’t short either – and the material has that familiar 70% bamboo and 30% cotton ratio. There is also a massive range of colors to chose from, from softer tones to deeper, darker ones that are more impactful.
3) Mangocore Natural Bamboo Cotton Hand Knitting Yarn
This next one is a little bit different in that you get a mixed color rather than a uniform one. I like this approach because if offer a fun and softer look that can work really well when knitting or crocheting baby clothes and blanket. If you don’t want the blend, however, there is a set that is just pure white. There are 10 skeins in total here, at 50g each, and there is the same ratio of 70% bamboo and 30% cotton. This quantity should help to provide extra value for money.
4) JubileeYarn Baby Soft Bamboo Cotton Yarn
While this 70% bamboo and 30% cotton blend is common, there are other brands that offer a 50/50 split. If you think that this might be more suitable for your needs as a beginner, this pack could be for you. This superfine yarn is a 50g weight and there are 280 meters in each ball. I have highlighted one of their packs of four because I love the way they color-code packs based on tones that compliment each other. But, the company does offer bigger packs and individual items if you would prefer one of those.
5) Patons Silk Bamboo Yarn
Next, we have a different type of blend. While I mentioned before that cotton can help to add some grip for new users, there are those that will love working with silk blends. This gives a whole new feel and shine to the material and finished item. The right color can allow for an almost metallic look, as is the case with the “sea” and “stone” options here. The blend Is 70% bamboo and 30% silk. While you may only get one skein of yarn, it is still an interesting and affordable alternative for a lot of projects.
6) Bamboo MN Worsted Weight Soft Slim Bamboo Wool Yarn
Table could not be displayed.This next blend is a bit unusual because you get a blend of 45% bamboo, 40% wool, and, 15% nylon. The brand is clearly trying to offer the best of both worlds with the softness and durability. Personally, I think this is too low a percentage if you are really keen to use bamboo in your sewing. But, you could find that it does precisely what you need. There are 144 meters of 100g material in each skein of this 2-skein product. You can also choose from some interesting colors and blends, such as the rainbow sprinkles and mocha.
7) Lotus Yarns 100% Bamboo Yarn Hand Knitting Yarn
Of course, you could always go for something that is 100% bamboo if you want to see how it handles and what it is like to make an item 100% from this material. Some companies do without the cotton. This one comes with five skeins that measure 100 meters each with a 50g weight. Again, there is a nice choice of colors with some skeins providing a uniform look and others blending a couple of complimentary tones. This one is a little more expensive for what you get, but that simply reflects the percentage of the material.
8) Lion Brand Yarn 837-146 Truboo Yarn
Finally, there is this pretty 100% bamboo option from Lion Brand Yarn. This is another one with a nice soft feel and some great colors to choose from. The Lotus Yarns one feels like a high-end product in its presentation. This one is more basic with three large bundles of yarn in the color of your choice. There are 220m per skein too. If you find that this is a practical option compared to the blends, this could be a better value choice.
Choosing the Best Bamboo Yarn for your Needs
In the end, the biggest choice here comes down to whether you want a 100% bamboo skein, and are willing to pay a little more, or want to go for a blend. There are some brilliant blends of 70% bamboo and 30% cotton that are ideal for those starting out; it is a great ratio and there are lots of great brands with fun colors. If you want to try a different blend down the line, some of those silk ones could prove to be great fun too!