What Is Z Twist Yarn – And Why It’s a Game Changer for Crocheters

Alright yarn friends, this one might get a little nerdy. 🧠🧶 But hang in there, because understanding Z twist yarn could completely elevate your crochet game!

Have you ever noticed your yarn starting to split while you crochet? You go to pull your hook through, but instead of catching the whole strand, you only get part of it – and now there’s a little loop just hanging there, taunting you from the side of your stitch. So annoying, right? 😩

Well, it’s not you – and it’s not your technique either! The secret is hiding in your yarn’s twist direction, and this tiny detail can actually make a big difference.

Let’s unravel the mystery behind Z twist yarn (pun fully intended!) 🌀

What Is Z Twist Yarn?

When yarn is made, individual fibers are spun together to form a strong, consistent strand. The direction those fibers are twisted in? That’s what we’re talking about today!

There are two main ways yarn can be spun:

S twist: The fibers are twisted to the left.
Z twist: The fibers are twisted to the right.

This little detail – the twist direction – might seem minor, but it has a huge effect on how your yarn behaves when you crochet.

What’s with the S and Z?

Wonder why it’s called S twist or Z twist? It’s all about the slant! Visually, the twist in the yarn mimics the angle of the middle part of the letters:

S twist slants from top left to bottom right ↘️
Z twist slants from top right to bottom left ↙️

And that’s how the names came to be!

The difference between S twist and Z twist yarns: the slant of the fibers mimics the middle of the letters S and Z. A small twist that makes a big difference!

Z Twist vs S Twist: What’s the Difference?

Most yarns are spun with an S twist. That’s great if you’re knitting (especially right-handed), but it can be a little frustrating for crocheters.

Here’s why:

When right-handed crocheters work, their hook naturally twists the yarn in a clockwise direction, the same direction as a Z twist. That means your crochet motion actually reinforces the twist in the yarn.

But with S twist yarn? Your hook is twisting the yarn in the opposite direction, which means you're slowly untwisting the plies as you go.

So if you've ever felt like your yarn was giving you a hard time… you were not imagining things, and now you know the actual reason!

Why Z Twist Yarn Is Perfect for Crocheters

Let’s break it down:

Z twist yarn works with your crochet hook, not against it
It keeps the twist nice and tight as you stitch
That means no splitting, smoother flow, and clearer stitch definition

It’s especially great for textured stitches like bobbles, puffs, and anything where you need to yarn over multiple times. Your stitches stay crisp, neat, and satisfying to look at 😍

Z twist yarns are still a bit of a niche product – not as widely available (but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered 😉)

Pro Tips for Crocheting with Z Twist Yarn

Still not sure if a Z twist yarn is for you? Here’s a quick guide:

Right-handed? You’ll love it. Z twist yarn is spun to work with the natural twist of your hook, helping reduce splitting and keep your stitches tidy.
Left-handed? You might prefer sticking with regular S twist yarn. Your hook naturally moves in the opposite direction, which can undo the Z twist as you crochet.

And a few extra tips to make the most of your yarn:

Try before you dive in. If it’s your first time using Z twist, test it on a small swatch first to see how it feels.
Use the right hook. A smooth, rounded hook (like an ergonomic aluminum one) will glide beautifully through Z twist yarn.