Sustainable Crochet: 5 Eco-Friendly Yarns You’ll Love

Crochet has always been a craft rooted in care, creativity, and intention. In 2025, more makers than ever are embracing sustainability in their crochet projects—not just for the planet, but for the beauty and meaning it brings to their work.

Whether you’re a hobbyist or a handmade business owner, choosing eco-conscious yarns is one of the easiest and most impactful ways to make your crochet more sustainable.  

Ready to stitch with purpose? Let’s explore five of the best eco-friendly yarns and why they’re worth adding to your stash.

1. Recycled Cotton Yarns

Why we love it: 

Recycled cotton yarns are made from pre-consumer or post-consumer waste, giving new life to fabric scraps that would otherwise head to landfill.

Great for: 

Washcloths, market bags, dish scrubbies, and summer tops.

Try:

• Hoooked Eco Barbante
• Lion Brand Re-Up
• Wool and the Gang Billie Jean Yarn

2. Organic Cotton

Why we love it:

Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, making it gentler on the planet and the hands that harvest it.

Great for:

Baby blankets, garments, and anything you want to keep extra soft and chemical-free.

Try:

• We Are Knitters Pima Cotton
• Krea Deluxe Organic Cotton
• Rowan Cotton Wool

3. Bamboo and Tencel Blends

Why we love it:

These plant-based fibers are breathable, biodegradable, and silky-smooth. Bamboo, in particular, grows fast and uses less water than traditional crops.

Great for:

Lightweight garments, drapey shawls, and warm-weather accessories.

Try:

• Hobbii Bamboo Cotton
• Paintbox Yarns Bamboo Cotton DK
• Scheepjes Bamboo Soft

4. Recycled Polyester (rPET)

Why we love it:

Made from recycled plastic bottles, rPET yarns help divert plastic waste while offering surprising softness and durability.

Great for:

Tote bags, pet toys, and outdoor-friendly items.

Try:

• Lion Brand Re-Spun
• YarnArt Eco-Cotton
• Hobbii Ribbon Recycled Polyester Yarn

5. Locally Sourced or Naturally Dyed Yarns

Why we love it:

Sourcing yarns from small farms or local dyers reduces carbon footprints and supports ethical, small-batch production. Many also use natural dyes, which are better for the environment and skin.

Great for:

One-of-a-kind gifts, heirloom projects, and slow crafting.

Try:

• Wooldreamers Manchelopi (Spain)
• Ovis et Cetera (Netherlands)
• Local indie dyers and yarn festivals near you

Final Thoughts: Stitching with Intention

Sustainable crochet isn’t about perfection—it’s about making conscious choices when we can. Whether you swap to eco-friendly yarns, use up your scraps, or repair loved items instead of tossing them, you’re already making a difference.

Want to go deeper? Try:

• Creating a scrap-busting project challenge.
• Hosting a “Visible Mending” tutorial on Instagram.
• Sharing your favourite eco yarns and tagging the makers.

Let’s keep crafting a kinder world, one stitch at a time.

PS: What’s your favourite sustainable yarn? Share it in the comments or tag me on Instagram @Sewsewcrochet