Best Yarn for Crochet

Best Yarn for Crochet: Which Yarn is Best for Crochet?

If you’re ready to start learning how to crochet, you need to know how to identify the best yarn for crochet. Unfortunately, there’s no one quick and simple rule to determine what kind of yarn to use for crochet.

When you’re just learning the basics of crochet, the massive variety of materials can feel overwhelming. In theory, you only need a crochet hook and some yarn, but rarely does it feel so simple.

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If you know how to sew or are learning how to sew, you already know that intelligently choosing among the countless different types of fabrics is an important skill for creating a successful project. The same is true in crochet.

1. 1. How to select the best yarn to crochet with
   2. The best yarn brands for crocheting
   3. The best yarn for crochet beginners
   4. The best yarn for crochet hats
   5. The best yarn for crochet beanies
   6. The best yarn for crochet sweaters

How to Choose Yarn for Crochet

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If you’ve walked into a crochet store or read a “beginner-friendly” pattern, you’ve certainly encountered terms to describe yarns that you’ve never heard of before. Or maybe the pattern’s yarn suggestions made no sense to you. Let’s start with the basics of crochet yarn.

Yarns can be described in many different ways, ranging from numbers to vague descriptors. Let’s review the basics of different yarn types, yarn weights, and more yarn characteristics to help guide your future yarn purchasing decisions.

Types of Yarn

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Dozens of different yarn types are available to crocheters. It’s not important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of every single yarn type in the beginning. To get started, you should familiarize yourself with the three major categories of yarn.

1. 1. Animal fibers: Animal fleece is shorn and turned into yarn. Examples of animal fiber yarns include angora, cashmere, and the extremely popular wool yarn.
   2. Plant fibers: Inner fibers from plants are spun and combined to create yarn. Plant fiber yarn is often blended with synthetic yarn strands for a nicer finish. Hemp, bamboo, and cotton are all examples of plant fiber yarns.
   3. Synthetic fibers: Yarn is manufactured from synthetic fabrics such as acrylic, polyester, and rayon. Novelty yarns are also typically synthetic.

 

Yarn Weights

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Yarn weights describe the thickness of a yarn. Choosing the appropriate yarn weight for a project is essential to having an attractively finished piece. Crochet patterns are designed specifically for a category of yarn weight.

Yarn weights have been standardized by the Craft Yarn Council. However, no two crochet patterns write yarn weight exactly the same, so keep this table convenient while you begin your crochet journey.

Yarn Weight	Number and Name (USA)	Also Referred to As…	Suggested Crochet Hook Size
2-3 Ply	0: Lace	Ultra Fine Light  Fingering	1.50 – 2.25 mm
4 Ply	1: Super Fine	Fingering Sock Baby	2.25 – 3.50 mm
5 Ply	2: Fine	Light Weight Sport Baby	3.50 – 4.50 mm
8 Ply	3: Light	DK Light Worsted weight yarn	4.50 – 5.50 mm
10 Ply	4: Medium	Aran Worsted Afghan	5.50 – 6.50 mm
12 Ply	5: Bulky	Chunky Craft Rug	6.50 – 9.00 mm
14 Ply	6: Super Bulky	Super Chunky Thick Yarn	9.00 – 15 mm
15+ Ply	7: Jumbo	Roving	15+

What to Consider When Choosing Yarn for Crochet

With so many different considerations for yarn (weight, color, texture, etc.), it’s hard to know what to prioritize while selecting yarn. Follow the list below for the key factors in your yarn selection, starting with the absolute most important.

1. 1. Pattern suggestions: When following a pattern, always stick to the yarn qualities that the designer recommends. You don’t have to buy the exact brands and colors but select a yarn with at least the same weight and fiber.
   2. Yarn weight: Using different yarn weights creates very different finished effects. Choosing the wrong yarn weight could have catastrophic impacts on a crochet pattern.
   3. Budget: The price of yarn can range from affordable to luxury. Make sure that you have a budget in mind for each project that considers your skill level, the purpose of the project, and your overall comfort level.
   4. Color and texture: Not only do these factors majorly impact the look of a finished piece, but also they influence the crochet process. Light, low-textured yarns allow you to see your stitches more clearly.
   5. The purpose of the project: Is this piece meant to be worn? If yes, by whom and in what climate? Cashmere might be the best choice for crocheting an elegant sweater, but the acrylic yarn is better suited for making children’s toys.
   6. How you want your stitches to look. Different yarn weights impact the final look of the four basic crochet stitches (single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, and triple crochet). Think about how open you want the finished project to look.

Best Yarn Brands for Crochet

Wondering what the best yarn brands for crochet are? Brands often specialize in a type of yarn (animal, plant, or synthetic). Every crocheter has their own personal favorite brands, but it always depends on the project you’re working on.

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It’s key to use well-trusted yarn brands so you can feel confident that your work will last the test of time. Browse the table below for a selection of the most well-loved yarn brands and their strengths.

Yarn Brand	Type	Advantages	Recommended For
Red Heart Soft	Acrylic	Soft, easy to work with, affordable	Baby hats
Caron One Pound	Acrylic	Does well with machine washing and wearing, great stitch definition	Clothing items and accessories
Loops & Threads Charisma Yarn	Acrylic	Feels chunky and luxurious to wear	Scarves, shawls, cowls, and blankets
Lily’s Sugar N’ Cream Yarn	Cotton	Available in great colors, very affordable. Many people consider this the best cotton yarn for crochet	Dishcloths, washcloths, and bags
Premier Cotton Fair Yarn	Cotton / Acrylic Blend	Thin and light, great for warm weather climates	Warm weather clothes
Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick	Wool Blend	Bulky and works up fast	Blankets and winter accessories
Bernat Blanket Yarn	Chenille	Affordable and soft to the touch	Blankets

 Keep in mind that these yarn brands are just the beginning. When choosing a yarn brand, you should consider budget, project, purpose, and more.

What is the Best Beginner Crochet Yarn?

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With so much variety to choose from, new crocheters often struggle to find an appropriate starting place. Fortunately, experienced crocheters recommend looking for yarn with specific beginner-friendly features.

1. 1. Acrylic: Acrylic yarns are the most affordable yarn type, making them ideal for beginners. When you start, the focus should be on learning the basic stitches and mastering techniques (e.g. changing colors, starting crochet chains, and weaving in ends). No need to invest in expensive yarns until you’ve gained more skills.
   2. Light-colored: Light and pastel-colored yarns make it easy to see your stitches and yarn as you work. This is ideal when learning new stitches and techniques. 
   3. Solid-colored: In addition to being light in color, beginner-friendly yarn is also solid-colored. Variegated yarns tend to obscure your stitches and work.
   4. Low textured yarn: Similar to variegated yarns, highly textured yarns (such as this daisy chain novelty yarn) make it extremely challenging to see your work. Save these for when you’re much more confident in your stitches.

Best Yarn for Crochet Hats

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When crocheting a hat, you’re looking for a yarn that’s soft, warm, breathable, and structured. Warmth is extra important for hats meant to be worn in the winter.

Wool yarn is hands down the most popular yarn for crochet hats, and for good reasons. Wool yarns are widely available, durable, and warm. Other popular yarns for crochet hats include cotton, alpaca, mohair, and even certain acrylic blends.

Before crocheting your first hat, make sure you are confident in crocheting a circle and/or a magic circle, since they’re essential to creating rounded hat designs.

Best Soft Yarn for a Crochet Blanket

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The best yarn for crochet blankets is durable, warm, soft, and safe for machine washing. Blankets might just be the ultimate crochet project, and with the addition of a custom woven label they make perfect gifts for anyone.

For washing-machine-safe blankets, opt for either acrylic or superwash yarn (a natural fiber yarn treated to allow washing without shrinkage). 

If you’re looking for the warmest blanket possible and don’t mind handwashing or dry cleaning, crocheters recommend woolen-spun or lofty yarns. These yarn types trap air better, allowing the blanket to hold in more heat.

Worsted-spun yarns offer a compromise of warmth and durability. If you want your blanket to hold up and be cozy, worsted-spun yarns are the way to go.

Best Yarn for Crochet Beanies

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Just like crochet hats, the best yarns for crochet beanies need to be warm, sturdy, and washable. Ideally, your beanie yarn should also be soft, so that your working finger doesn’t get irritated when you’re making all those crochet decreases. 

Experienced crocheters recommend anti-pilling wool and acrylic blend yarns for their balance of warmth and durability. If you’re gifting or selling your crochet beanies, don’t forget to include a custom care label so that the recipient knows how to care for your creation!

Best Yarn for a Crochet Sweater

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Crochet sweaters must also balance warmth and durability. Wearable items like sweaters go through more wear and tear than blankets and accessories, so durability is the first priority. 

Washable yarns are typically one-fiber yarns, such as 100% cotton or 100% wool yarns. Look for wool yarns that label themselves as “super-wash”, which means they won’t felt in the washing machine. Cashmere is an obvious favorite as well but is more expensive and not machine washable.

Frequently asked questions

Is acrylic yarn safe?

Acrylic yarn, a synthetic and man-made material, is widely used for its versatility, accessibility, and affordability. However, it does have a drawback. Acrylic yarn is highly flammable and has a tendency to melt into a plastic-like substance.

As a result, caution should be exercised when gifting items made from acrylic yarn to babies. Additionally, the production of acrylic involves the use of harsh chemicals, which can have both health and environmental implications.

Where and how should I store my yarn to maintain its quality?

Ensure that you avoid storing your yarn in damp or moist areas, as prolonged exposure to water can cause damage.

Likewise, it’s crucial to steer clear of storing your yarn in locations prone to bug infestation, as they can devour or spoil the yarn, depriving you of long-term enjoyment. Lastly, to preserve the vibrant color of your yarn, it is advisable to keep it away from direct sunlight.

What yarn doesn’t itch?

Acrylic and microfiber yarns, being synthetic, are ideal for individuals with allergies as they do not cause irritation. Moreover, items crafted from these yarns can be safely laundered in both the washer and dryer.

Moreover, acrylic and microfiber yarns excel in maintaining their shape and color over time.

Are there any websites or platforms where I can find free crochet patterns?

Absolutely! There are numerous websites and platforms that offer a wide range of free crochet patterns.

You can explore websites like Ravelry, AllFreeCrochet, and Yarnspirations, among others, which provide an extensive collection of patterns for crocheters of all skill levels.

These platforms often allow you to search for patterns based on specific categories, such as baby items, home decor, or accessories.

Why is the yarn label important when choosing the best yarn for crochet?

The yarn label plays a crucial role in helping you select the perfect yarn for your crochet projects. It provides essential information about the yarn’s composition, weight, yardage, care instructions, and other important details.

Understanding the information on the yarn label empowers you to make informed decisions when selecting the best yarn for your crochet projects. By considering these details you can choose the ideal yarn that suits your crochet style and project requirements.