Crocheting is a rewarding and versatile craft that offers endless opportunities for creativity and self-expression. Whether you’re crafting cozy scarves, intricate shawls, or playful amigurumi figures, the type you choose plays a pivotal role in bringing your designs to life. Picking the best type for crochet projects can make all the difference in achieving the desired look, texture, and functionality of your creations. The right kind can elevate the aesthetic of your work, enhance comfort, and improve the durability of the finished item.
Whether you’re a crochet beginner or a seasoned crafter with years of experience, understanding how yarn types affect your projects is essential. Yarn comes in a variety of fibers, thicknesses, and textures, each offering unique properties that can either enhance or hinder your design goals. For example, if you’re crocheting a soft, wearable item like a sweater, you may want to choose a type that is gentle on the skin and has some stretch. On the other hand, for projects like home décor or baskets, sturdier and more structured fibers may be a better choice.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the various types for various crochet projects, from blankets to garments, and everything in between. We’ll explore different fiber types such as cotton, wool, acrylic, and blends, and how each one performs in specific projects. Additionally, we’ll look at factors like weight, texture, and color, which all contribute to the final outcome of your work. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to choose the perfect yarn to use for your crochet creations, based on your skill level, project needs, and personal preferences. Whether you’re just starting your crochet journey or looking to refine your technique, the right type can make your crafting experience more enjoyable and rewarding.
Table of Contents
- What Do You Need to Crochet as a Beginner?
- How to Choose the Right Yarn
- What is the Best Kind of Yarn for Beginners?
- Yarn for Dolls & Amigurumi
- Softest Yarn for Crochet Projects
- Yarn to Use for Clothes
- How to Choose the Right Yarn
- Budget Yarn
- Weight Guide
What Do You Need to Crochet as a Beginner?
Before diving into the choices, it’s important to understand the essential tools and supplies you’ll need as a beginner crocheter. Starting with the right equipment makes your crafting journey smoother and more enjoyable. As a beginner, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with the basic supplies that will set you up for success. Here’s a breakdown of the fundamental items every beginner should have:
- Crochet hooks in various sizes
- Yarn suitable for your project
- Scissors
- Stitch markers (optional but helpful)
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
By gathering these basic supplies, you’ll be well-equipped to start your crochet journey with confidence. As you gain experience, you may choose to expand your collection with other specialized tools, but these fundamental items will serve as the foundation for many successful projects.
For more detailed information on selecting the right tools, techniques, and other beginner tips, be sure to check out our blog post! We’ve compiled everything you need to know to help you get started with crocheting and guide you as you embark on this exciting creative hobby.
How to Choose the Right Yarn
If you’re wondering how to choose yarn, consider these factors:
- Project Type – Different projects require different fibers.
- Weight – Use the right weight for your pattern.
- Fiber Content – Cotton, wool, acrylic, and blends all behave differently.
- Durability & Care – Some kinds require special washing instructions.
There are several important factors to consider that will help you make the best decision for your project. Selecting the right kind is key to ensuring that your crochet creations turn out just the way you envision.
If you are looking for crochet ideas, check out our blog post!
What is the Best Kind of Yarn for Beginners?
If you’re just starting out, choosing the best kind of yarn to use as a beginner is key. Let’s explore what makes yarn beginner-friendly.
Beginners should look for a brand that is smooth, medium-weight, and easy to work with. Avoid overly fuzzy, fine, or slippery kinds, as they can be frustrating to handle. The favorite weight for beginners is worsted weight (#4) because it’s easy to see stitches and isn’t too thin or thick.
Top Choices for Beginners:
- Red Heart Super Saver – Affordable and widely available, great for practice.
- Lion Brand Wool-Ease – Soft, beginner-friendly wool yarn blend.
- Caron Simply Soft – Smooth acrylic yarn with great stitch definition.
- Bernat Softee Chunky – Thicker for faster projects.
Cotton and acrylic are both great options, but cotton vs. acrylic depends on the project. Acrylic is softer and stretchier, while cotton is more structured and durable.
Yarn in Dolls & Amigurumi
When making amigurumi or crochet dolls, choosing the right type is crucial for creating tight, durable stitches that hold shape. Amigurumi requires smooth, firm yarn to ensure your stitches stay tight and the stuffing doesn’t show through. Cotton and acrylic blends are popular choices because they provide structure while being soft enough to work with. It should be smooth and lightweight, such as sport weight or light worsted weight yarn, to help maintain consistent stitches. This ensures that your dolls have clean, detailed features and a sturdy finish that can withstand handling.
Top Choices for Amigurumi & Crochet Dolls:
- Scheepjes Catona – Smooth cotton with excellent stitch definition.
- Hobbii Rainbow Cotton 8/4 – Soft, durable, and easy to work with.
- Paintbox Cotton DK – A lightweight cotton with a broad color range.
- Premier Parfait Chunky – A plush, velvety option for soft toys.
Cotton is often the better kind for dolls because it holds shape well and has minimal fuzziness, which keeps small details visible.
Softest Yarn for Crochet Projects
For cozy projects like blankets and scarves, you’ll want to choose the softest yarn to use for your project that also provides warmth and durability. You’ll want a kind that feels gentle against the skin, especially for items that will be worn frequently or draped around the body. Soft yarn, like those made from acrylic, wool, or blends, are ideal for creating plush, comfortable pieces that keep you warm during colder months.
Top Soft types:
- Bernat Blanket Yarn – Plush and super soft, ideal for blankets.
- Lion Brand Feels Like Butta – Velvety and smooth, great for garments.
- Malabrigo Worsted – Luxurious, hand-dyed merino wool.
- Baby Bee Sweet Delight – Soft and gentle for baby items (like baby blankets).
Choosing the right softness without sacrificing warmth or durability is key to ensuring your cozy crochet projects last while feeling comfortable and luxurious.
Yarn When Making Clothes
When making garments, it’s important to select breathable, drapey types that feel comfortable against the skin.
Types for Clothing:
- Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn – Cotton blend for lightweight wearables.
- Lion Brand Truboo – Silky bamboo with beautiful drape.
- Rowan Cotton Glacé – Durable cotton with a slight sheen.
- Patons Silk Bamboo – A luxurious blend perfect for summer tops.
Budget Yarn
You don’t have to spend a fortune on quality. Some of the best budget yarn includes:
- Red Heart Soft – Affordable and great for everyday projects.
- Big Twist Value – Soft and inexpensive, great for beginners.
- Loops & Threads Impeccable – Easy to find and budget-friendly.
Weight Guide
Understanding yarn weight is essential:
- Lace (#0) – Thin and delicate weight for fine projects.
- Fingering (#1) – Great for lightweight garments.
- Sport (#2) – Slightly thicker, often used in baby clothes (I often see tough cotton kinds in this section).
- DK (#3) – Versatile for clothing and accessories.
- Worsted (#4) – The most common weight, great for all-purpose crochet.
- Bulky (#5) – Works up quickly, ideal for warm items (Thick chenille yarn – one of the more popular fibers – is in this category)
- Super Bulky (#6) – Very thick, best for chunky projects.
Finding the “best” depends on several factors, including your project, skill level, and personal preference. Whether you’re creating soft, cozy blankets, durable and detailed amigurumi dolls, or stylish, wearable garments, selecting the right kind is crucial to the success of your project. The right type not only impacts the look and feel of your finished piece but also affects the ease and enjoyment of the crochet process itself. It’s important to choose a type that suits the specific needs of your project—whether you’re looking for softness, structure, durability, or ease of care. Ready to bring your amigurumi dreams to life? Shop our online store now for custom-made amigurumi dolls, crafted with quality yarns and attention to detail! Whether you’re looking for a unique gift or a special addition to your collection, we offer a range of customizable dolls that are sure to delight.