Natural fibers can be found everywhere. They come from animals and plants, raised and grown throughout the globe, some in the wild and others in domestication. On each continent, in each country, down to the tiniest family farms in the smallest towns, natural fibers are being produced to meet the growing demand for them. Throughout the world, knitters, crocheters and other fiber lovers are turning away from synthetic fibers and raising the demand for more natural fibers.

Every natural fiber has its source; either in an animal or plant. And each source has its origins. The maps below show the native ranges of each of the following plants and animals. The maps indicate only the countries where the fibers are primarily found, not the exact regions within the countries. Some animals are now raised in domestication in countries outside their native ranges, which are not included on the following maps.