Winter Yarn Test: Which Wool Really Keeps You Warm?

Alpaca, Merino, Mohair & Blown Yarns – An Honest Warmth Comparison

Not all "wool" keeps you equally warm.
Some yarns feel thick but barely insulate. Others are incredibly lightweight and still surprisingly warm.

I get cold easily. Really easily.
And that's exactly why I've paid very close attention over the years:

Which fiber truly keeps me warm – and which one just looks warm?

Today you get both:
Expert knowledge + honest experience.

❄️ Why Does Wool Keep You Warm?

Warmth doesn't come from the fiber itself – it comes from air.

Wool insulates because it:

• Traps air

• Has a naturally crimped structure

• Regulates moisture

• Retains body heat

The more air pockets and the better the moisture management, the warmer the yarn.

🔍 The Fibers Compared

🦙 Alpaca

Warmth level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elasticity: Low
Weight: Medium
Feel: Soft to luxurious

Alpaca retains an impressive amount of warmth. The fiber is hollow, which means maximum insulation.

My experience:
When I'm truly freezing, I reach for alpaca. Period.

Perfect for:

• Winter coats

• Thick sweaters

• Scarves

• Blankets

However: It's less elastic than merino, so not ideal for very fitted garments.

🐑 Merino

Warmth level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elasticity: High
Weight: Light to medium
Feel: Extremely skin-friendly

Merino is the all-rounder.
Excellent warmth combined with flexibility and comfort.

Perfect for:

• Sweaters

• Hats

• Children's garments

• Everyday wear

If you want to choose just one winter fiber → merino is the safe bet.

🌫️ Mohair

Warmth level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Elasticity: Medium
Weight: Very light
Feel: Fluffy (halo effect)

Mohair insulates through its fuzzy halo, which traps air beautifully.

Especially interesting:
The layering effect.
Holding a strand of mohair together with another yarn can significantly increase warmth – without adding weight.

Perfect for:

• Lightweight but warm sweaters

• Oversized garments

• Pairing with merino

💨 Blown Yarns (Air-Blown Construction)

Warmth level: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Weight: Very light
Volume: High

Blown yarns consist of fibers blown into a mesh tube.

The result:
More air. Less weight. Excellent insulation.

I love them for:

• Voluminous winter sweaters

• Modern lightweight cardigans

📋 Which Yarn for Which Project?

Very cold winter sweater → Alpaca or alpaca blend
Everyday sweater → Merino
Light but warm → Mohair held together
Large blanket → Alpaca or blown yarn
Children → Merino

🤍 My Honest Conclusion

If you get cold easily → choose alpaca.

If you want a flexible, durable everyday winter yarn → choose merino.

If you want warmth without heaviness → choose mohair or blown yarn.

There is no single "best" yarn.
There is only the right yarn for your goal.

And that's exactly why fiber knowledge is so fascinating.

💬 What's Your Favorite Winter Yarn?

Team Alpaca or Team Merino?

Let me know in the comments – I'd love to hear about your experience.

#strickenimtrend #winteryarn #yarncomparison #fiberknowledge #knittinginspiration 

Winter yarns differ not just in feel – but in fiber structure and insulation performance. Choosing consciously means no more cold shoulders and no more disappointing projects. 

All the love,
Kathrin 🧡 

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