Summer Knitting with Wool: What You Need to Know

Wool in the Summer? A Surprisingly Cool Choice

Wool might not be the first fibre that comes to mind for summer knitting, but don’t count it out just yet. This natural fibre has a few tricks up its (lightweight, breathable) sleeve!

The Pros of Using Wool in Summer

• Breathable & Moisture-Wicking
  Wool is naturally breathable and can absorb moisture without feeling wet—perfect for keeping you comfortable on warm, humid days.

• Temperature Regulating
  Good quality wool can help regulate your body temperature, keeping you cool when it’s hot and warm when the sun goes down.

• Lightweight Options Available
  Look for lighter-weight wools like fingering or sport weight yarns, or wool blends with linen, silk, or cotton for summer-friendly projects.

• Odour Resistant
  Wool’s natural antibacterial properties mean your summer knits stay fresher for longer, even when things heat up.

A Few Things to Consider

• Some Wool Can Be Too Warm
  Heavier wools or yarns spun for insulation (like rustic, lofty yarns) might not be the best choice for a heatwave.

• Allergies & Sensitivities
  Some people find wool a bit itchy, especially in warmer weather. Look for softer wools like Merino, or try a wool blend for added comfort.

• Care Instructions Matter
  Many summer-weight wools are easy to care for, but double-check your label—some may still require handwashing.

Which brings about the next question....

Natural vs. Superwash Wool: Which Is Better for Summer?

When choosing wool for warm-weather garments, you’ll often come across two types: natural wool and superwash wool. Both have their place in summer knitting, but they behave a little differently—and that can impact how your finished piece feels and wears in the heat.

🌿 Natural Wool

Natural, untreated wool retains more of the fibre’s natural crimp and structure. This helps with breathability and moisture management—two key benefits in warmer weather. It also tends to be more sustainable, as it avoids chemical processing. However, natural wool usually needs gentler care (think hand-washing and flat drying) and may feel a little more “woolly” against sensitive skin, depending on the breed.

💧 Superwash Wool

Superwash wool has been treated to prevent felting, which makes it machine washable—a huge plus for easy-care garments. It also tends to feel smoother and softer, which many knitters prefer. That said, superwash wool can sometimes lose a bit of breathability and elasticity, and may not feel quite as “cool” as its natural counterpart. Some versions are also more prone to stretching out over time, especially in looser garments.

🧶 So Which One Is Better?

It depends on your project and preferences!

• If you want a light, airy knit that regulates temperature well, natural wool—especially in a finer weight—might be your best bet.

• If you’re gifting the item or need something low-maintenance and soft, superwash can be a great option.

Either way, both can work beautifully for summer knits—you just need to pick the right one for your needs and climate.

We offer a wide range of both natural and superwash wool yarn that is sure to suit your project.  If you need help picking which is best, we are happy to help!  Just send us a message at yarnplease@thewoolpirate.com.

If you would like to learn about other summer yarns, check out this blog post about the best fibre for your summer garments.