Walking into a local yarn store or browsing the endless pages of an online fiber shop can often feel a bit like walking into a candy store. You are immediately surrounded by every colour you can imagine, different textures from velvety soft to scratchy, and an overwhelming number of choices. There are seemingly endless options for you to choose between. It is SO easy to get distracted by that beautiful, sparkly skein or a variegated cake that looks just stunning.
But as every crafter will learn, and very quickly at that, not all yarn is equal, especially when you're starting a new project and don't know where to begin.
That beautiful fuzzy skein of acrylic you fell in love with would make a terrible dishcloth because it would not absorb water. That sturdy, practical kitchen cotton might make a stiff, uncomfortable sweater that hangs heavy on your shoulders. To help you pick the perfect ball of yarn for your hook (or needles!), we are breaking down the major fiber families. We will look at acrylic, cotton, wool, and chenille, as well as blends that consist of multiple types of fiber together.
Acrylic Yarn
Acrylic is a synthetic fiber. It is essentially the plastic of the yarn world, made from a polymer. While some crafters might turn their noses up at it, do not be scared of it simply because it is not made from natural materials. Acrylic yarn today is soft, durable, and incredibly popular. It is the go-to choice for beginners because it is smooth, making it very easy to see your stitches as you learn.
The Pros
Affordable: It is usually the most budget-friendly option on the shelf. This makes it perfect for large projects like blankets where you need ten or more skeins to finish the job.
Hypoallergenic: This is a crucial factor for gift giving. Since it is synthetic, it is great for people with sensitive skin or wool allergies.
Washable: This is the parent’s dream fiber. Most acrylics can be tossed right in the washing machine and dryer without shrinking or felting.
Colorful: It holds colour very well, and comes in every color imaginable, from neon brights to subtle pastels, and the color will not fade over time.
The Cons
Not Heat Resistant: Because it is made of plastic, it will melt if exposed to high heat. Because of that, you don't want to use acrylic yarn for anything that will touch a hot pot or pan for example.
Does not breathe well: It is not breathable, so if you make clothing out of it, you're likely to get sweaty very quickly.
Pilling/Fuzzing: Acrylics can get fuzzy or even pill overtime, specifically in higher-friction areas.
When to Use It
Amigurumi: This is the standard for making those soft plushies. Acrylic holds its shape well and creates a stiff fabric that does not stretch out. This is important for also helping to prevent the stuffing from showing through.
Blankets: Since it is washable and durable, it is great for blankets when you need that additional warmth and durability for everyday use.
Cotton
Cotton is a natural plant fiber. It's made of cellulose, which gives it strong, in-elastic and well-defined stitch definition.
The Pros
Heat Resistant: Cotton will not melt, making it the only safe choice for crafted items that will be touching hot things.
Absorbent: It holds water well and dries out nicely, which is why it is the standard for washcloths and towels.
Durable: It creates a very sturdy fabric that holds up to rigorous scrubbing. The more you wash it, the softer it gets.
Stitch Definition: Because the yarn is smooth and not fuzzy, you can see every single stitch clearly. This is excellent for intricate patterns where you want the stitch to be noticed.
The Cons
No Stretching: Cotton doesn't bounce back. If you end up stretching it, it doesn't bounce back and stays stretched out. Overtime, this can cause items to lose their shape eventually, especially noticable in items like clothing.
Heavy: Cotton plant fibers are dense, so large items can get very heavy, very quickly. This can also make it difficult to wash.
Hard on Hands: Because it has no elasticity, crocheting with cotton can tire your hands out faster than other fibers because it's simply a tougher material to use.
When to Use It
Kitchen & Bathroom Items: You want to use cotton where you'll be exposing it to water or heat, such as hand towels in the bathroom or trivets in the kitchen for a hot pot.
Bags: Market bags made of cotton are strong and will not sag nearly as much as acrylic or wool when you fill them with groceries.
Wool
Wool usually comes from sheep, though the category can also include alpaca, goat (mohair), and rabbit (angora) fibers. Wool is also considered the gold standard for warmth and has magical properties that synthetics like acrylic cannot mimic.
The Pros
Warmth: Wool is an amazing insulator. Even when it gets wet, wool continues to keep you warm, which is why it is preferred for hiking socks and winter hats.
Elasticity: It will stretch and then snap back to the original size when you take an item made of wool off, such as a hat. This helps garments fit better for longer.
Breathable: It creates a microclimate against your skin. It regulates body temperature perfectly, keeping you warm in winter but breathing enough to prevent overheating.
The Cons
Care Requirements: This is the intimidating part for many crafters. Most wool will "felt" if you agitate it in hot water. This means the fibers lock together and the item shrinks. It usually requires hand washing and laying flat to dry, which is quite honestly, a big pain to deal with.
Itchiness: Not all wool is soft. Some people find wools itchy and uncomfortable against the skin.
Allergies: Some people are allergic to lanolin, which is the natural oil found in sheep wool.
When to use it
Winter Accessories: It is perfect for beanies, mittens, and scarves that need to block the wind.
Heirloom Sweaters: If you are spending 40 hours making a sweater you want to last a lifetime, wool is the best investment.
Chenille
If you have seen those giant, squishy plushies taking over social media, you have seen Chenille. It can also be called velvet or blanket yarn. Chenille yarn is made by sandwiching short piles of soft fiber between two central, core threads that are twisted together.
The Pros
Supreme Softness: It is incredibly soft to the touch. It feels luxurious against the skin, making it perfect for snuggling. No other yarn will be as soft as chenille.
Speed: Because it is usually bulky or super-bulky weight, projects work up remarkably fast. You can finish a large plushie in just a couple of hours.
The "Squish" Factor: It gives stuffed animals a professional, store-bought feel that is very huggable.
The Cons
Hard to See Stitches: Because it is so fuzzy, it can be very difficult to see your stitches when working. You'll often have to feel for the space between stitches with your hands to figure out where to insert your hook, especially when first trying chenille yarn.
"Worming": If your tension is too loose, loops of the fuzzy yarn can pull loose and stick out of the fabric. This is called worming, and it can look messy.
Shedding: The fuzzy bits can sometimes shed off the central string if you cut it or work it too hard. This is known as the "naked string" effect. It creates a mess that is annoying to clean up, and can cause further issues.
Fragility: You cannot pull this yarn tight like acrylic. If you pull too hard, the yarn will snap. This makes starting a "Magic Ring" very difficult with Chenille. I would recommend using the chain two method instead when working with chenille.
When to use it
Jumbo Amigurumi: It is perfect for making giant versions of our keychains!
Baby Blankets: It is soft on sensitive skin and works up quickly for last-minute baby shower gifts.
Blends
Can't decide what type of yarn to use? You can also use a blend, which is when different types of fibers are mixed together. For example:
Wool + Acrylic: This is a very common blend for clothing. You get the warmth and elasticity of wool with the washability (and lower price tag) of acrylic. It makes for a garment that is easy to care for but still feels high-end.
Cotton + Acrylic: This blend is often found in "cakes" of yarn. You get the breathability and definition of cotton, but the acrylic makes the yarn lighter, softer, and gives it a bit more stretch.
Wool + Nylon: This is the classic recipe for "Sock Yarn." The wool keeps your feet warm, while the strong nylon prevents your heels from wearing holes in the socks.
Final Thoughts & How to Choose
There is no "wrong" yarn, only the wrong application. You wouldn't wear a swimsuit in a snowstorm, and you shouldn't use acrylic for a hot pad!
When in doubt, check the yarn paper label before you buy. It will tell you the fiber content, the weight, and the washing instructions. It is your roadmap to success and if that yarn will work for whatever project you have in mind.
My last thought is to experiment with the various types of yarn outlined in this blog post! You may find a type of yarn that you prefer over others, or that you really, really hate working with another type!