A question we get almost every day: "Which yarn should I use – wool or acrylic?"
The honest answer: it depends. But we'll tell you exactly what it depends on – so you can make the right choice for your project.
What's the Difference, Anyway?
Tufting yarn comes in many materials, but the two most common are:
- New Zealand Sheep Wool (NZ Wool): Natural fibre, soft, premium quality, with a beautiful natural feel.
- Acrylic Yarn: Synthetic fibre, affordable, easy to care for, available in countless colours.
Both work in the tufting gun – but they feel different, look different, and have different strengths.
Sheep Wool: The Premium Choice
If you want a rug that truly looks and feels high-quality, sheep wool is the right choice.
Advantages:
- Feel: Incredibly soft and pleasant. Once you've touched a wool rug, acrylic never feels the same.
- Look: Natural sheen, vibrant colours, beautiful depth in the finished piece.
- Sustainability: Natural fibre, biodegradable – good for the conscience.
- Durability: High-quality sheep wool lasts a very long time with proper care.
- Workability: Runs very evenly through the tufting gun, minimal jamming.
Disadvantages:
- More expensive than acrylic
- Slightly more care needed (hand wash recommended)
- Fewer colour options than acrylic
Acrylic Yarn: The Practical Alternative
Acrylic isn't worse – it's just different. For certain projects it's actually the better choice.
Advantages:
- Price: Significantly cheaper – ideal for large projects or practice runs.
- Colour range: Thousands of shades available, including very bold and bright tones.
- Easy care: Often machine washable.
- Shape retention: Holds its shape well, even with heavy use.
Disadvantages:
- Feels less premium than sheep wool
- Can develop pilling over time
- Not sustainable – synthetic fibre
- Can run slightly stiffer in some machines
What Works for What?
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| First learning project | Acrylic (cheaper to practise with) |
| Gift or showcase piece | Sheep Wool |
| Large wall piece (lots of yarn needed) | Acrylic or mix |
| Premium home rug | Sheep Wool |
| Bold, bright colours | Acrylic |
| Natural, muted tones | Sheep Wool |
| Kids or pet area | Acrylic (easier to clean) |
Can You Mix Both Materials?
Yes! In fact, this is a very popular technique. You can tuft the background with acrylic (saves cost) and highlight the main motifs with sheep wool. This gives the finished piece a beautiful depth and contrast.
What Yarn Weight Is Right?
Regardless of material, yarn weight matters. For most tufting guns we recommend:
- Cut Pile: 2-ply to 3-ply
- Loop Pile: 1-ply to 2-ply
Our Verdict
For beginners we recommend acrylic – it's cheaper and you can practise and make mistakes without stress.
For anything you want to show off or give as a gift: New Zealand sheep wool. The difference is immediately noticeable – and visible.
This article was written by the Tuftsupplies team in Vienna.
