Understanding Yarns and Labels: An Honest Shopping Guide

Overview

• Introduction
• 1) Three common textile labels – what they cover (and what they don’t)
• 2) The right fiber – considering use and the environment
• 3) Care that keeps projects looking great for longer – and saves energy
• 4) Quick checklist before buying yarn
• 5) For authors on Crazypatterns
• Sources and more info

1) Three common textile labels – what they cover (and what they don’t)

GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard)
Globally recognized standard for textiles made from organic fibers. It combines environmental and social criteria across the entire processing chain—from fiber origin to labeling—and requires independent certification. (More information on the official website.)

OEKO-TEX Standard 100
Labels textiles that have been tested for harmful substances (from yarn to the finished product). It doesn’t automatically say anything about the organic content or the production’s environmental management—there are other OEKO-TEX programs for that. For buyers, it’s a safety label for ingredients. (You can find details directly from the standard organization.)

Responsible Wool Standard (RWS)
A voluntary standard by Textile Exchange with requirements for animal welfare, land management, and a continuous, certified supply chain. All stages—from the farm to the last business-to-business stage—must be certified. (To the standard’s official website.)

Context: “Mulesing”
Mulesing is a surgical procedure on the lamb’s rear to prevent blowfly infestation (flystrike) and is considered painful and controversial. If you want to avoid this practice, look for RWS or an explicit “mulesing-free” claim. (Source: RSPCA Australia.)

2) The right fiber – considering use and the environment

Natural fibers (e.g., wool, cotton, linen) are often comfortable to wear and—depending on the fiber—easy to care for. Synthetic fibers (e.g., acrylic, polyester, polyamide) can be durable and affordable, but they release microscopic fibers when washed. An IUCN analysis shows: the release of so-called “primary microplastics” is caused, among other things, by washing synthetic textiles, and is globally relevant. Practical countermeasures at home: wash less often, run full loads, use gentle programs, and use a laundry bag/filter. (IUCN study.)

Tip: Decide based on what you’ll use it for (baby hat, outdoor hat, blanket), how it feels on the skin, care effort, and budget—the labels above can help you put things into context.

3) Care that keeps projects looking great for longer – and saves energy

Wash at cooler temperatures, if possible
Lower wash temperatures use less energy; 30 °C is often enough for normally soiled clothes. (Source: Energy Saving Trust.)

Air-dry instead of using a dryer
Tumble dryers—along with washing machines and dishwashers—are among the most electricity-hungry household appliances. If you air-dry more often, you save energy and are gentler on fibers.

Extending the lifespan pays off
Research by WRAP shows: wearing/using items for longer is a major lever for reducing a garment’s CO₂, water, and waste footprint. In other words: those who use and care for their projects longer save resources—regardless of the fiber. (More information from WRAP.)

Specific care tips
Delicate cycle for wool, laundry net/wool detergent, full drum, wash bag/filter for synthetics, spot-treat stains, air out instead of washing right away, dry knits flat.

4) Quick checklist before buying yarn

1. Clarify the purpose: Next to the skin? Outdoor? For children? – This determines fiber choice and care.
2. Read the labels:
   • Organic fiber + environmental and social criteria? → GOTS.
   • Tested for harmful substances? → OEKO-TEX Standard 100.
   • Animal welfare/land management for wool? → RWS.
3. Plan care realistically: Will it be washed often? Then look for easy-care qualities and cool wash cycles.
4. Think about durability: Gauge swatch, suitable needles, reinforce seams—this extends the lifetime.

5) For authors on Crazypatterns

– Briefly mention care instructions in patterns (e.g., “30 °C delicate cycle, dry flat”).
– When listing materials, mention labels if possible (GOTS, RWS, OEKO-TEX Standard 100) so buyers can make an informed choice.
– Include a leftover-yarn option (e.g., amount range, alternative fibers) – this encourages reuse and avoids waste.

Sources and more info

• [1] Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) – overview & criteria. (global-standard.org)
• [2] OEKO-TEX – Standard 100 (testing for harmful substances). (oeko-tex.com)
• [3] Textile Exchange – Responsible Wool Standard (overview & quick guide). (textileexchange.org)
• [4] RSPCA Australia – explanations of mulesing/flystrike. (kb.rspca.org.au)
• [5] IUCN – “Primary Microplastics in the Oceans” (role of synthetic textiles). (portals.iucn.org)
• [6] Energy Saving Trust – washing at lower temperatures; big energy users at home. (energysavingtrust.org.uk, energysavingtrust.org.uk)
• [7] WRAP – extending the use-life of clothing/designing for longer life. (wrap.ngo)

Last updated: September 22, 2025.