DIY Name Sweaters: BEST Yarns for Embroidering on Knit Sweaters

What are the best yarns for embroidering names on knit sweaters? There is a lot to consider when picking a yarn – maybe more than you realize! If you choose the wrong yarn for your project the name can blend together, fray, or bleed color onto your project. I highly recommend vetting your yarns and finding the yarns that work best for YOU!

If you want full instructions on embroidering name sweaters, check out my tutorial here or my full DIY Name Sweater Kit here.

First Step: Learn About Yarn Weight

Before we dive into the different types of yarn, we are going to take a look at yarn weight and how that can impact your project. A lot of my customers are unsure what weight of yarn works best… and the truth is that one size DOES NOT fit all.

If you choose the wrong yarn weight for your project, the letters on your sweater can blend together and be hard to read.

Here is a quick breakdown of yarn weights from Lion Brand’s website.

Yarn weights range from 1oz – 7oz (Super Fine to Jumbo) with the most popular yarn weights for embroidery being in the 3oz – 6oz range.

What yarn weight should you use on your embroidery project?

For names over 5 letters, consider using a medium weight yarns.

For names 5 letters and under, consider using bulky or super bulky yarns.

This is the magic formula that I have found for embroidering name sweaters. The longer the name, the harder it will be to stitch with bulky and super bulky yarns. If you are doing a longer name, the medium weight yarn will be a lot easier to read.

Different Types of Yarn

Now that you know about yarn weights, it’s time to try out different yarns and see which type of yarn works best for you! Every person I’ve encountered values different things about the yarns they use.

Personally, I like to use cotton yarns best because they have a fluffy look and hold together nicely while stitching. I also like to use wool yarns, which can unravel easier, but they have a nice raised texture and natural look that I adore! Some people prefer to go with an acrylic yarn because it’s softer and has less fuzzies after washing.

The best way to know which yarn to use, is to read about each type and try them out for yourself.

Super Bulky Yarns:

This is the most popular yarn weight for name sweaters because of its full and fluffy look. Super Bulky yarn is perfect for names under 6 letters or accent flowers on sweaters. If you use Super Bulky yarn for names with 6+ letters you run the risk of the letters running together.

Super Bulky (6oz) Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick (Lion Brand)
This yarn is 80% Acrylic and 20% Wool. The texture of this yarn is very fluffy and raised.

Bulky/Chunky Yarns:

This is another popular yarn weight for name sweaters because it’s full and fluffy look, but just slightly smaller than super bulky. This yarn is perfect for names under 6 letters or accent flowers on sweaters. If you use Bulky yarn for names with 6+ letters you still run the risk of the letters running together.

Bulky/Chunky (5oz) Hue + Me Yarn (Lion Brand)
This yarn is 80% Acrylic and 20% Wool. This yarn is fluffy and raised, while being slightly smaller than super bulky. I’m a BIG fan of this yarn.

Bulky/Chunky (5oz) Lion Brand Basic Stitch Thick & Quick (Lion Brand)
This yarn is 65% Recycled Polyester and 35% Amicor. This yarn is slightly softer than Wool Ease and is made of recycled materials.

Medium Yarns:

Medium weight yarn is perfect for names over 6+ letters or for those who want to have a more delicate or dainty look. This yarn weight has a little more flexibility when stitching so it’s also perfect for beginners.

Medium (3oz) Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick (Lion Brand)
This yarn is 80% Acrylic and 20% Wool. Of the medium weight yarns, this yarn gives the best fluff and texture.

Medium (3oz) Basic Stitch Anti Pilling Yarn (Lion Brand)
This yarn is 100% Acrylic. It’s less fluffy than the wool ease and created smaller stitches, but it is a lot softer and has less piling.

Light Yarns:

Light weight yarn is great for tiny details. I like to use this yarn for the dots in my flowers and other smaller stitches while I embroider!

Light (3.5oz) Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton® DK Yarn (Lion Brand)
This yarn is 100% cotton. It is a smooth feel and a fluffier look for smaller details.

Yarn Needles

One more thing to consider after you select your yarn is what needle to use. Here are my two favorite recommendations!

Darners Needle: Recommended for Light – Medium Weight Yarns

Yarn Needle: Recommended for Bulky – Super Bulky Weight Yarns

Time to Explore!

Now that you have heard about different yarn weights and the most common types of yarn for embroidering on sweaters, it’s time to explore! These are my favorite yarns, but you may like other yarns after you test out other brands and styles.

I hope you fall in love with embroidering on sweaters and these yarns are helpful in your journey!