Best Yarn for Crochet — 10 Options for Different Projects

With so many materials available to crafters, it can get overwhelming to choose the best yarn for crochet. There are a lot of things to consider when picking out yarn, this can be from the type to the brand (yes! there are definitely crafters who are loyal to their brand of yarn).

There is also such as the best yarn for crochet beginners because guess what? Not all yarns are the same. Some are easier to handle (the smooth ones) while others can get knotted up easily (it can take hours to untangle!). There are also specific yarns that are more suited for a specific project. For example, the best yarn for crochet clothes, especially winter gear, is wool. Whereas with crochet summer dresses and bikinis, you should get cotton or acrylic.

Different Types of Yarn

For some, the best types of yarn are wool and cotton. They are durable, washable, and easy to find in many colors. Meanwhile, others prefer to use acrylic or polyester which are easier to care for but more expensive than the other two fibers. If you’re looking for something with a bit of sheen then silk would be a good option! It has a beautiful drape and can be worked into delicate lacy projects.

There are many types of yarn available on the market today so it really comes down to what your needs are and what you’re most comfortable working with. Do some research, ask around, and find the best type of yarn for crochet that fits both your budget and your lifestyle!

Wool is better suited for wet environments because it absorbs water instead of repelling it like some synthetics do so you won’t have a puddle on your table after you’re done drinking coffee spilled on your project!

Polyester will be much cheaper than wool and if you’re looking to make an afghan out of one skein that’s going to last a long time then this would be the way to go!

Acrylic is great for people with allergies to wool or who want something that’s easy to care for – just throw it in the washing machine on a gentle cycle and lay it out to dry. These are all great choices but ultimately it comes down to what you’re looking to make and what your budget is!

Cotton is perfect for those who are looking for a more natural fiber. It’s also very affordable and easy to find in many different colors. Cotton is absorbent so it’s perfect for making dishcloths, clothes, or any other project that you need to be able to soak up water.

Choosing the Best Yarn for Crochet

If you’re looking for the best yarn for crocheting, there are a few things you should keep in mind. The first is the type of fiber—wool, cotton, acrylic, or polyester. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks. The next is the project you will do—will this be worn? Used on a daily basis? Finally, you also need to learn your own preferences (like how you probably have a favorite crochet hook).

To give you an idea of what yarn to get, we’ve listed 10 of the best yarn for different crochet projects below:

1. Best Yarn for Crochet Clothes: Red Heart Jumbo

Best Yarn for Crochet Clothes: Red Heart Jumbo
Amazon: Red Heart

Red Heart is one of the most well-known brands for yarns. it’s definitely a favorite among crafters, especially their Super Saver Jumbo line. This yarn is made from 100% acrylic, which makes it an awesome option for crocheting clothes. It is also the best yarn for crochet hats as it is easy to use yet isn’t too soft that the hat will flop down.

The Red Heart Super Saver Jumbo is affordable and you can purchase several rolls, which you will definitely need, especially if you plan on making matching outfits or sets. You wouldn’t want to make clothes and then halfway you have to switch colors because you have run out.

One of the most important reasons why you should stick to Red Heart’s acrylic yarn for crocheting clothes is you can machine wash your work. Some yarns are way too delicate for the washing machine and will require you to handwash them.

If you make a top or a skirt with the Red Heart Super Saver Jumbo, just make sure to follow the washing instructions. Also, don’t forget to secure your work so it won’t unravel in the wash. The usual washing for crochet clothes is wash in warm water and low tumble dry setting.

2. Best Yarn for Crochet Scarves: Patons Tweed

Best Yarn for Crochet Scarves: Patons Tweed
Amazon: Patons

You know the Patons Tweed Yarn is perfect for making scarves as a pattern can be found along with it. This yarn is a mix of acrylic, viscose, and wool and has an interesting color pattern: grey, white, and black. You can expect to create scarves that will keep you warm, it is, after all, Shetland Chunky Tweed.

Aside from scarves, you can also use this for making beanies or hats. You might be surprised but chunky yarn can also have other purposes than keeping you warm. It is also the best yarn for crochet baskets. These baskets are great as storage for bits and bobs at home or even as a gift (think laundry basket or yarn storage).

Since the Patons Shetland Chunky Tweed has a mix of acrylic, you can make baskets that will stand up. If the yarn is too soft, you might have a harder time making a basket that is sturdy, let alone, stay upright.

The Patons Set comes with 3 skeins of the Shetland Chunky Tweed. If you plan on making longer scarves (or bigger baskets) make sure to get more. When it comes to crocheting, it’s always a better scenario to have excess yarn.

3. Best Yarn for Crochet Blanket: Lion Brand

Best Yarn for Crochet Blanket: Lion Brand
Amazon: Lion Brand

There’s nothing like sinking into or being covered by a cozy blanket. If that’s the feeling you are looking for then look no further than Lion Brand’s Feels Like Butta yarn. Chenille is one of the softest yarns you can ever use for your blanket project but it has its drawbacks. It can get very complicated, especially if you are a beginner, to crochet with.

Lion Brand has come up with a chenille-like yarn without the hassles or complications of a real one. Feels Like Butta is machine washable and dryable and is made of 100% polyester. Think of it as acrylic that is easy to work with but chenille when it comes to softness.

This makes the Lion Brand Feels Like Butta an excellent choice for making blankets for both young and old. It can even be used for clothes that will stay very close to the skin. You can even use this yarn for delicate baby clothes if you wish!

This Lion Brand pack comes with 3 Feels Like Butta Yarn in a wonderful pastel color. Just imagine the comforting lilac blanket you can end up making with this set. It’ll also be great for crocheting chic tops or cute onesies.

4. Best Yarn for Afghan Crochet: Bernat

Best Yarn for Afghan Crochet: Bernat
Amazon: Bernat

Whether you are making a blanket, a throw, or a shawl, you might want to use the Bernat yarn. The Bulky Chunky Maker Home Dec is made from cotton and nylon. It can definitely give your home a cozy feel when you use it to make your Afghan. What’s more, it’s the best yarn for Tunisian crochet, too.

When it comes to making Afghans, you don’t want yarn that is too thin or you’ll end up making throws with holes in it. Definitely not cozy or inviting to use. At the same time, you don’t want to use yarn that is too thick that you have a hard time working your Tunisian hooks and cables.

The Bernat Maker Home Dec yarn gives you the perfect balance to create what you need. It’s especially helpful for beginners. Afghan or Tunisian crochets are pretty straightforward and will require a lot of repetition (perfect if you want to practice).

Just make sure that you are using the appropriate tools when you use the Bernat yarn as you make your Afghan. Don’t worry about your project being used up often, the Bernat yarn is totally machine washable. It can also be dried in the machine.

5. Best Yarn for Crochet Summer Tops: Lily Sugar ‘n Cream

A lot of people are stuck on the idea that crocheted clothes are designed only for winter use. But actually, crocheted summer outfits are pretty popular, too. Today, with slow fashion making a comeback, making your own summer outfit is a totally fun and inspiring idea.

When you make your summer clothes, do check out the Lily Sugar ‘n Cream Yarn. Made of 100% cotton, you can make airy and cool tops and bottoms with it. What’s more, this yarn comes in psychedelic color. If you are tired of solid colors, this is the way to go.

Summer is the time to pull out all the stops on colors. Just imagine the bikini top you can make with the Sugar ‘n Cream yarn. You can also make fun, matching shorts and hats with it. Don’t worry about having too much under the sun with your Lily yarn creation, it can be washed and dried in the washing machine.

You might be surprised but the Lily yarn is also the best yarn for crochet dishcloths. If you have excess yarn from your outfits, do use the rest for this purpose. This is because the Sugar ‘N Cream yarn is quite absorbent and can be used for other kitchen accessories, too.

6. Best Yarn for Crochet Bags: Recyled Silk Yarn

Do you want to make a standout bag without too much effort? Use the Revolution Fibers’ Recycled Silk Yarn. This yarn is made from recycled silk, and no two balls are alike. When you are just starting out, always choose the simpler patterns, you can always make your work look more fun with the right yarn.

Revolution Fibers ball of yarn is approximately 100 grams, which can equal 85 to 100 yards. It’ll be easy to create smaller bags, boho pieces with it. If your work gets any kind of stain or dirt on it, don’t worry. Just make sure to follow the guide on how to wash silk. For this type of yarn, only handwash and use cold water. For drying, never hang or use the machine. Instead, let it dry flat.

Silk is quite delicate however, it is able to create fantastic results. Your bag will truly be one of a kind with the unique colors of the Revolution Fibers yarn. More importantly, you can help in reducing waste as the yarn is recycled—sari ribbon scraps and all.

The Revolution Fibers are made by tearing old silk saris by hand, these are then sewn together. After that, it will be handspun to create the unique balls of silk yarn.

7. Best Yarn for Crochet Sweaters: Merino Tencel

If you want a truly wonderful experience while wearing (and making) a sweater, Living Dreams yarn is it. The Slinky Malinky is a Merino Tencel yarn combination that is ethically sourced. It also follows the Oeko-Tex Standard so you can be sure that you or your loved one will be free from using or wearing harmful substances.

Living Dreams yarns are skeined by hand, you will never have to experience frays or knots. Truly, there is nothing more annoying than being in the middle of a crochet project only to be disturbed by a knot in the middle of a yarn ball. Once you are in the zone of crocheting it’s hard to get back into it, especially if the knot is annoyingly hard to remove.

Only safe and low-impact dyes are used on the Living Dreams yarn (again, it is also hand-dyed). One of the best things about the Slinky Malinky is extra silky-soft yet strong. This makes it the perfect option for making outerwear like sweaters and even socks—2 skeins can make you one pair of socks.

The Living Dreams Slinky Malinky set comes with 4 skeins. It is colorfast, so don’t worry about washing and re-washing. What’s more, the products you make will be shrink-resistant.

8. Best Yarn for Baby Blanket Crochet: Milk Cotton Yarn

Best Yarn for Baby Blanket Crochet: Milk Cotton Yarn
Amazon: Abby

When it comes to making crocheted items for babies, it has to be delicate, smooth, and soft. You wouldn’t want a scratchy tweed yarn for your baby’s blanket now as it can cause rashes on their delicate skin. Choose yarn, such as milk cotton yarn to create soft blankets and clothes.

Aside from being soft, you should also get yarn that is durable. Babies may be all small and cute but they can actually make a big mess. Pretty much all the time. So, you make a blanket made of delicate yarn, say goodbye to your work. Choose yarn, such as the milk cotton yarn that can actually be machine washed.

With the Abby Milk Yarn, you can create wonderful baby blankets that are soft, can be machine washed and dried. Just don’t use any bleach on it and don’t ever iron your blanket.

With the amazing qualities of the Abby skein, it is the best yarn for beginner crochet. When you are starting out, you don’t want to work with yarn that is quite rough on your fingers. Opt for yarn that will glide through your fingers and won’t snag on your hooks. You’ll be able to spend more time learning how to crochet this way as opposed to tending to your wounds or unknotting knots.

9. Best Yarn for Crochet Rugs: T-Shirt Yarn

Best Yarn for Crochet Rugs: Bobilon
Amazon: Bobilon

Punch needle kits may be the rage these days but you can also make a rug with a crochet hook and the correct yarn. Stay away from delicate materials if you want a rug that you can actually use. A lot of the time, crochet rugs are beautiful but aren’t actually functional.

For a truly functional crochet rug, opt for the T-shirt yarn. The eco-friendly Bobilon yarn is about 7mm to 9mm thick, making it a good option for rugs. It is made from jersey cotton so you know the rug you make is going to be absorbent.

T-shirt yarns are more than just for the floor though. You can also use it to make chunky-style bags, baskets, and more. The T-shirt yarn is also called Zpagetti or Fettucini as it usually takes on a flat appearance as opposed to regular yarn that has a more circular thread shape.

One ball of Bobilon T-shirt yarn is about 110 yards. You’ll be able to complete small to mid-sized area rugs. If you want to make a more playful design, you can switch between two to three colors. Fun tip: you can use a small coaster pattern to make your rug. Just use the appropriate crochet hook and you’ll be done in no time.

10. Best Yarn for Amigurumi: Glow in the Dark

Best Yarn for Crochet Beanies: Glow in the Dark
Amazon: Circulo

Some people get crocheting and amigurumi mixed up. But to make amigurumi, you apply the stitches that you also use with crochet. Differences usually can be found in the pattern as amigurumi are crocheted continuously (without any stops or going in rounds that go up). There is also a step in making amigurumi where you have to stuff it.

Amigurumi is usually a crocheted doll. And these dolls can’t be too soft that they can’t sit or stand. So the best yarn for that is the Circulo yarn which is made out of polyester. One ball is about 114 yards long, so you can definitely make an amigurumi face, arms, and legs with it.

One of the best things about the Circulo yarn is it actually glows in the dark. Just imagine how cute the dolls you’ll be able to make. They glow in the dark, giving a sense of safety for the kids who will sleep next to it in bed.

Aside from dolls, you can also use this yarn to make other fun shapes, like a spaceship, stars, or the moon to make a glow-in-the-dark mobile for a baby. Who knows, it also makes for the best yarn for crochet beanie if you want to stand out in a crowd.

Caring for Crochet Projects

It’s no secret that crochet is a popular craft. What may be less well-known is the fact that it requires a good deal of skill and practice to perfect. Crochet isn’t as easy as it looks, but the results are worth the effort. Once you have learned the basics, there are all sorts of things you can make with crochet, from simple scarves and hats to more complex items like sweaters and afghans.

In order to get the most out of your crochet projects, it is important to take care of them properly. This means washing them correctly and storing them in a way that will keep them in good condition for as long as possible. It also means knowing when repairs are needed and how to go about fixing them.

Here are some tips on how to take care of your crochet projects:

– Wash your projects depending on the yarn that you have used on them.

– The same goes for drying, check the guide on the yarn on how to do it. Some can be dried in the machine, others need to be hung or laid flat.

– When storing your projects as well as your yarn, be sure to wrap them carefully in plastic wrap or place them in a sealed baggie. This will help keep them from becoming dusty or matted down.

– If you need to make repairs to a crochet project, first determine what type of yarn was used for the original project. You may need to purchase the same type of yarn in order to make an invisible repair.

By following these simple tips, you can ensure that your crochet projects will stay looking great for years to come. So get out there and start crocheting! And don’t forget to enjoy the process as well as the finished product.

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