Best ombre yarns
Here at Gathered we're definitely colour-lovers - the brighter the better! So it'll come as no surprise that we're big fans of ombre yarn. If you're like us then you'll be pleased to know there's tons of different types of ombre yarn available. Here we share our pick of the best ombre yarns.
But before we delve right in to these colourful yarns, it's worth clarifying something. Exactly what is ombre yarn, and how does it differ from other multi-coloured yarns?
What is an ombre yarn?
Essentially, an ombre colour effect is one where colours fade into each other with a smooth transition (or gradient) - normally fading between two different shades of the same colour, but it can include more. You may see multi-coloured yarns described as variegated, which just means it contains different colours.
There is a bit of crossover with the terms, as you could have a variegated yarn with multiple colours, but that fades smoothly between colours so could be said to have an ombre effect.
When it comes to ombre yarns it's all about the ability to create smooth colour changes, whereas a variegated yarn could include those with sudden colour changes, like with some self-striping yarns for example.
It can be quite tricky to tell what the resulting colour effect will be just from looking at a wound ball of yarn, as multiple factors can all make a difference (i.e. whether you knit or crochet, the size of your project, stitches used, etc).
In this article we'll try and focus on yarns that have an obvious tonal blend that produces ombre effects. But when choosing yarns you should consider the type of project you're using it for as well as your desired colour effect - i.e. are you happy to experiment and see what happens, or do you specifically want one long and smooth colour change?
Now that we've got a better idea of what we mean by ombre yarns, let's take a look at some of our favourites!
Add that some glitter glam to your projects with our pick of the best sparkle yarns
Best ombre yarns
King Cole Riot DK ombre yarn
SQUIRREL_TEXT_13088845
We love the fabulous ombre colour changes in the Riot DK yarn from King Cole. Available in 22 colour combinations, all featuring long smooth colour changes that create beautiful colour gradients. It looks great when worked back and forth in rows but also works brilliantly on projects like granny squares where you work in the round.
It's a blend of 70% acrylic and 30% wool, and has a minimal twist which helps to create a plump roving-style yarn. It's also machine washable at 40° and can even be tumble-dried on a cool setting, meaning it's easy to care for!
We particularly love the bright Caribbean shade, but there's also some fantastic pastel and natural colour combinations too if you're not such a fan of neon colours.
SQUIRREL_13088845
Lion Brand Scarfie ombre yarn
SQUIRREL_TEXT_13088842
While many yarns feature colour changes that are achieved by dyeing techniques, there is an alternative technique that also creates fabulous colour changes and gradients, such as in this Lion Brand Scarfie yarn.
The yarn is made up of individual strands dyed in solid colours that are spun together, then portions of those individual strands are gradually switched to a different colour. This creates a fabulous gradient effect as more strands change, starting off with subtle flecks of the new colour as it comes in and transitions to the next solid colour.
It's another acrylic and wool blend meaning you get that natural woolly feel but at an affordable price tag. Plus, this chunky weight yarn comes with 285m of yarn on the 150g ball, with one ball easily being enough to make a fantastic ombre scarf!
SQUIRREL_13088842
Lily Sugar 'N Cream Ombre yarn
SQUIRREL_TEXT_13088844
Lily Sugar N' Cream yarns are a fabulous choice for chunky hardwearing cotton projects, and come in a wide range of solid colours. But it's their fabulous ombre range that caught our attention.
It's a worsted/Aran weight cotton so gives you nice big stitches, but it's the colours that are the real stars of the show.
There are 45 colour variations in the range, which come in both contrasting and complementary colour combinations. The colour changes are quite quick so it may not be the best for if you're after long ombre colour changes. However it can create some nice colour fades when worked in certain stitches.
SQUIRREL_13088844
Lang Yarns Merino+ Colour ombre yarn
SQUIRREL_TEXT_13237266
If you're after an ombre yarn that has that lovely fade effect, but want a whole palette of colours in your yarn, then the Lang Yarns Merino+ Colour is perfect for you!
This fabulous aran yarn comes in a range of gradient colourways and is made up of 100% Virgin Extra fine Merino Wool. The colours change from one to the other with a really smooth and long transition thanks to their sophisticated degradé dyeing technique.
SQUIRREL_13237266
Hoooked Wavy Blends ombre yarn
Here's a yarn that is definitely getting a big thumbs up from us! The Hoooked wavy blends yarn is an Aran weight yarn with an i-cord style structure, and features wonderful smooth colour transitions that create glorious gradients.
But the fab colours aren't the only reason we love these funky yarn cakes. They're also made of 80% recycled cotton yarn and 20% other recycled fibres, making it a great eco-friendly yarn choice too!
Buy Hoooked Wavy Blends from Hoooked
Cygnet yarns boho spirit ombre yarn
For those of you who fancy an ombre yarn but still need convincing that 100% acrylics don't have to be cheap and nasty (although it is a budget price), then we'd definitely recommend trying the Boho Spirit range from Cygnet yarns.
This premium acrylic yarn is amazingly soft, with a lovely hand-spun style and a natural-looking halo and sheen to it too. The colours are incredibly deep and rich creating brilliant gradients, and with 13 colour combinations to choose from, you're bound to find one that is perfect for your next project!
Buy Cygnet yarns boho spirit from Wool Warehouse
Lang Yarns Linello ombre yarn
SQUIRREL_TEXT_13237283
If you're looking for an ombre yarn that is perfect for summer knit and crochet projects, then the Linello yarn might just be what you've been looking for. This blend of 42% Linen, 32% Cotton and 28% Viscose creates a lightweight and breathable fabric with a wonderful drape. You'll also find a fun range of colours to try in this fab aran yarn, from ombre variations on single shades to vibrant muilti-colours.
SQUIRREL_13237283
Hayfield Spirit Chunky ombre yarn
SQUIRREL_TEXT_13237277
Here's a colour-changing yarn that is perfect for those of you who like big chunky stitches!
The Hayfield Spirit Chunky yarn is a blend of 80% acrylic and 20% wool, giving you that natural woolly halo and feel with the added strength and consistency of acrylic yarn. It also features a strongly defined twist, which will really help to show off textured stitches such as cables.
There are 10 colour combinations in the range, varying from pastel tones to a couple of rainbow combinations, plus the Hayfield Spirit also comes in a DK range too!
SQUIRREL_13237277
Stylecraft Cabaret DK ombre yarn
It's not just beautiful colour gradients we love – we're also big fans of a bit of sparkle too!
The Stylecraft Cabaret DK yarn is another premium acrylic yarn that will impress even the most ardent of real wool aficionados! It's got a fabulous metallic glitter strand running throughout, which will either be one solid metallic colour or varying tones, depending on the shade.
There's 12 colour combinations to try, from subtle pastels and monochromes to bright colourful combos!
Buy Stylecraft Cabaret DK from Wool Warehouse
Lang Yarns Mille Colori Socks & Lace luxe ombre yarn
SQUIRREL_TEXT_13237297
Fancy knitting up a pair of super-luxurious ombre socks? The Mille Colori Socks & Lace Luxe yarn features beautifully long ombre colour changes, and that little touch of metallic thread will give your socks a gorgeous shimmer – fancy!
SQUIRREL_13237297
Which will you choose from our round-up of best ombre yarns?
We hope you’ve enjoyed our pick of the best ombre yarns. Whichever one you choose, we're sure you'll love working the colour changes. You can create all sorts of gorgeous patterns with ease!
Upgrade your stash with Gathered
If you’re looking to treat yourself a little more – go on, you deserve it! Check out our list of the best crochet tools for beginners. From hooks to scissors to stitch markers, there's bound to be something here to catch your eye!
