Best Yarn For Crochet – Recommended Yarns for Crochet Yarn

By Jodie Morgan

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Yarn. A hook without it is useless. Which is best for beginners? There are so many types of yarn. The more there are, the harder it is to choose! Is there a best yarn for learning to crochet? Read on.

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My Quick Recommendations

Want other suggestions? Here’s my review of good-quality, popular yarns for crocheting. This list is organized by material (fiber content) to make your yarn shopping easier. Have fun buying yarn!

Table Of Contents

What Yarn Is Best For Crochet?

These yarn recommendations are perfect for a beginner crocheter. None are tricky to make with! (Most of these are synthetic or plant-based, not from animals.) These are the favorite yarns of many different crocheters I found when writing this blog post. Perfect as part of your yarn stash.

Scarfie – Top Pick Bulky Weight

Lion Btand Scarfie Yarn 78% Acrylic, 22% Wool

Scarfie is a soft and lofty wool blend yarn with enough yardage to create a full-length scarf. Getting started is easy with these wool blend yarns.

How Does It Compare?

  • Washing Instructions – Hand Wash, Lay Flat to Dry
  • Made Of – 78% Acrylic, 22% Wool
  • Yardage – 312 yds
  • Yarn Weight – Bulky
  • Skein Weight – 5.3 oz
  • Gauge – 11 sc x 14 rows = 4″
  • Suggested Crochet Hooks – K-10.5 (6.5mm)

Product Design: You’ll see a unique self-striping ombre effect emerge, with gradual shading between colors when used to make a scarf. The multi colored yarn properties of ombre create a sophisticated, tonal blend of solids and heathered colors. The yarn texture feels great against the skin.
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Pros

  • Nice, wide range of colors in this yarn for crocheting
  • Textured strands of yarn
  • These weight yarns have great durability and multiple uses
  • If you can’t decide which colors to use, gradients are great
  • For garments, accessories, and blankets, knitted or crocheted
  • This knitting yarn offers cheap shipping to the USA
  • Good value for money
  • This seller has many free modern crochet patterns to try

Cons

  • If you don’t like gradients, don’t use this yarn
  • Hand wash, not machine wash and dry
  • Not suitable if you have wool allergies

Biggo Yarns

Biggo Yarn 50% Superwash Merino Wool, 50% Nylon

For easy-care garments and accessories, Biggo is the best choice. Large pieces crochet quickly with these chunky yarns. (It’s the thickest yarn on this list.)

How Does It Compare?

  • Care Instructions – Easily washed and dried in the machine
  • Made Of – A mix of 50% Superwash Merino and 50% Nylon
  • Yardage – 110 yds
  • Yarn Weight – Bulky
  • Skein Weight – 100g
  • Gauge – 8–11 sc = 4’’
  • Suggested Hook – K-M hooks (6.5mm – 9mm)

Product Design: The combination of superwash merino and nylon is plied into a light and lofty yarn. The colors aren’t too washed out or too bright. Perfect if your preference is basics or neutral shades.

Pros

  • These threads have a soft feeling
  • Lovely yarn
  • These brands are skin-friendly
  • Meets quality standards of the others in the range
  • Easy to pull back if you make a mistake
  • For craft projects of all kinds
  • Luxurious feel for a reasonable price
  • Ships to the UK
  • Beautiful drape
  • Doesn’t shed

Cons

  • You must wind into balls before using, as it’s shipped as a hank
  • Some found it got fuzzy and pilled far too quickly
  • Limited color selection
  • Sometimes felts if you wash it on a too high heat

Pound Of Love

Lion Brand Pound Of Love Yarn in Pink 100% Acrylic

You can use this worsted weight yarn for a variety of projects. Especially good for blankets for babies.

How Does It Compare?

  • Care Instructions – Machine wash – 40C / 105F & Tumble-dry on hot
  • Made Of – 100% Acrylic Yarn
  • Yardage – 1020 yds
  • Yarn Weight – Light worsted weight yarn
  • Skein Weight – 16 oz
  • Gauge – 14 sc x 18 rows = 4″
  • Suggested Hook – J-10 (6mm)

Product Design: Though it’s designed for babies, it’s great for crochet beginners who want to make simple crochet projects like scarves.

Product Evolution: Because it’s a little scratchy, most crocheters recommend it for crochet projects that aren’t too close to the skin.

Pros

  • Suitable for larger projects like rugs
  • This yarn type has a variety of colors
  • Ideal for lots of small projects
  • This one pound skein is perfect for beginners
  • Available in craft stores
  • Rip back mistakes easily

Cons

  • Scratchy, but the fabric softens beautifully after washing
  • Some found knots or tangles in the fiber, but this is usually a defect, and the customer service team sorts it out for you

Caron One Pound Solids Yarn

Caron One Pound Solids Yarn Check Price On Amazon

One-pound skeins are more economical for projects because of the yardage. Beautiful scarves, sweaters, quilts, and home décor items. Play around and see what you can make!

How Does It Compare?

  • Care Instructions – Machine wash in warm water and tumble dry on low
  • Made Of – 100% acrylic yarn
  • Yardage – 812 yds
  • Yarn Weight – Worsted Weight
  • Skein Weight – 16 oz
  • Gauge – 12 sc and 13 rows = 4″
  • Suggested Hook – 5 mm (U.S. H/8)

Product Design: These worsted weight yarns comes with 39 colors to choose from.

Pros

  • Made in North Carolina, USA
  • Perfect for crocheting or any other craft
  • Crocheters say it’s the easiest yarn they’ve ever used
  • Produces lovely results
  • Affordable

Cons

  • It may feel rough, but it becomes softer after washing
  • Not suitable for dishcloths, cotton yarns are better
  • Get all the yarn you need for one project at once as the yarn has dye lots
  • The more complex the crochet stitches, the less definition it has and the stiffer the yarn feels

Red Heart Soft Yarns

Red Heart Soft Yarn Check Price On Amazon

This medium weight yarn feels silky soft. Versatile worsted weight yarn is suitable for hats, throws, accessories, and garments. It’s one of the best acrylic yarns for crocheters.

How Does It Compare?

  • Care Instructions – Wash and dry in the machine
  • Made Of – 100% acrylic yarn
  • Yardage – 256 yds
  • Yarn Weight – Worsted Weight
  • Skein Weight – 5 oz
  • Gauge – 12 sc x 15 rows = 4″
  • Suggested Hook – I-9 / 5.5mm

Product Design: The colors are bright and pastel.

Pros

  • This fiber type is soft and lustrous
  • It drapes well
  • A great place to start a part of your crochet journey
  • At a good price
  • No dye lots, so the colors are consistent
  • Nice textures
  • Suitable for everyone, including baby items and beginner projects
  • Need something bigger or smaller? Red Heart has the thing you need

Cons

  • Crafters sometimes found yarn splits while crocheting
  • Some found the color differed slightly from the one advertised

Bernat Blanket Big Ball

Bernat Blanket Big Ball Yarn Check Price On Amazon

This soft chenille yarn is perfect for blankets and home decor. Bernat baby blanket yarn has a bulky weight, so you can crochet projects quickly. There are many free crochet patterns available from Bernat which I highly recommend.

How Does It Compare?

  • Care Instructions – Machine wash and dry
  • Made Of – 100% Polyester yarn
  • Yardage – 220 yds
  • Yarn Weight – Super Bulky Yarn
  • Skein Weight – 10.5 oz
  • Gauge – 7 sc and 8 rows = 4″
  • Suggested Hook – 8 mm (U.S. L/11) crochet hook

Product Design: The colors are a little muted, and there are thirty-two colors to choose from.

Pros

  • Economic size
  • Perfect for absolute beginners
  • Cuddly and cozy!
  • Bernat blanket yarn is great for babies
  • This chenille style yarn washes well for easy care

Cons

  • Choose a color that’s 10.5 oz. Some colors are smaller at 5.3 oz
  • Need to order a minimum of two balls of yarn
  • Be careful with colors, wash separately to prevent bleeding
  • Some found the thickness inconsistent

Red Heart With Love

d Heart With Love Check Price On Amazon

This yarn feels silky soft. Versatile worsted weight yarn is suitable for hats, throws, accessories, and garments. It’s one of the best acrylic yarns for crocheters.

How Does It Compare?

  • Care Instructions – Machine washable and tumble dryer safe
  • Made Of – 100% acrylic yarn
  • Yardage – 370 yds
  • Yarn Weight – Worsted Weight
  • Skein Weight – Solids – 7oz | Multi-colors – 5 oz
  • Gauge – 14sc x 14r = 4″
  • Suggested Hook – I-9 / 5.5mm

Product Design: It’s available in a range of colors, both solid and multi-colored. The shades aren’t dye lotted for added convenience.

Pros

  • There’s no end to what you can create with this yarn – hats, scarves, mittens, etc.
  • This affordable yarn has good stitch definition
  • As you work, this type of yarn feels soft, and more so after washing
  • Manufactured in Albany, GA, the US
  • These yarn types are a good choice for a newcomer to the hobby

Cons

  • Knots were found in some yarns
  • Some found the yarn end wasn’t easily accessible, which made it difficult to start a project

Bernat Super Value Yarns

Bernat Super Value Yarn Check Price On Amazon

Bernat Super Value yarn is an economical worsted weight yarn made of synthetic fibers available in a wide range of colors. Various colors are available, from brights and neutrals to stripes and solids.

How Does It Compare?

  • Care Instructions – Easy care, machine washable and dryable
  • Made Of – 100% acrylic yarn
  • Yardage & Skein Weight – Ball Sizes vary in ounces – Heathers/Solids: 7 oz, 426 yds | Ombres: 5 oz, 275 yds
  • Yarn Weight – Worsted Weight
  • Gauge – 13 sc and 14 rows = 4″
  • Suggested Hook – 5 mm (U.S. H/8) crochet hook

Product Design: The Bernat range of synthetic dyed yarns is excellent for any beginner crocheter. They’re great for beginners because they’re budget friendly, are easily washed and dried, and they have plenty of patterns to choose from.

Pros

  • These textured yarns are of good quality and don’t split
  • Great yarn for crochet clothes
  • Cheap, high-quality acrylic yarn
  • Excellent yarn choices if you’re looking for a baby weight yarn
  • Great value with the amount of yarn you get in one skein

Cons

  • When you select a color, check the ounces

Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn

Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick in White with blue, red, and yellow stripes - 80% Acrylic; 20% Wool

This super bulky blend crochets up quickly and is ideal for beginners. There are some excellent free patterns available for this brand.

How Does It Compare?

  • Care Instructions – Washable and dryable in the machine
  • Made Of – 80% Acrylic and 20% Wool
  • Yardage – 106 yds
  • Yarn Weight – Super Bulky
  • Skein Weight – 6 oz
  • Gauge – 6.6 sc x 8 rows = 4″
  • Suggested Hook – N-13 (9mm)

Product Design: Wool’s feel, warmth, and softness with acrylic’s easy maintenance. A brilliant combination of animal fibers and synthetic fiber types.

Pros

  • Make extra warm sweaters, jackets, vests, slippers, and hats
  • Made from natural and synthetic fiber
  • This yarn fiber is great for large projects
  • This thick yarn is great for kids
  • Also useful for weaving and knitting
  • Strong, good yarn
  • The ball size is easy to work with
  • Easily machine washed
  • Excellent for baby blankets or home décor

Cons

  • The yarn splits for some people
  • Isn’t ideal for sensitive skin

Patons Classic Wool Worsted

Patons Classic Wool Worsted Check Price On Amazon

Woolen yarn, great for garments, scarves, mittens, hats, and accessories. Perfect for felting. Soft, scratch-free feel.

How Does It Compare?

  • Care Instructions – Hand wash and let it dry flat
  • Made Of – 100% wool yarn
  • Yardage – 210 yds
  • Yarn Weight – Worsted Weight
  • Skein Weight – 3.5 oz
  • Gauge – 14 sc and 14 rows = 4″
  • Suggested Hook – 5 mm (U.S. H/8)

Product Design: Patons Classic Wool Worsted is a versatile yarn that’s perfect for garments, accessories, and home décor.

Pros

  • A great range of colors to choose from
  • Subtle heathering effect improves the overall look
  • Lovely texture makes all the difference
  • Great for children and
  • Make shawls or an Afghan in a beautiful colorway
  • Suitable for various projects and other hand crafts like knitting

Cons

  • Hand wash and let it dry flat. More time-consuming than machine washing, but it keeps the woolens looking nice
  • Not as soft as merino, but washing it with wool wash helps
  • Not for people with sensitive skin
  • Some would prefer it to be a bit cheaper

Lily’s Sugar n Cream Pound Solids Yarn

Lily’s Sugar n Cream Pound Solids Yarn Check Price On Amazon

Yarn made from 100% natural fibers. (U.S. grown cotton.) Can be used for dishcloths and potholders and home décor. Make things you enjoy.

How Does It Compare?

  • Care Instructions – Machine washable
  • Made Of – 100% USA Grown Cotton (Plant Fibers)
  • Yardage – 200 yds
  • Yarn Weight – Worsted Weight
  • Skein Weight – 4 oz
  • Gauge – 13 sc and 14 rows = 4″
  • Suggested Crochet Hook Size – 5 mm (U.S. H/8)

Product Design: Use it for small projects like dishcloths and potholders, or for home decor staples like Afghans. Have a fun crochet experience.

Pros

  • These acrylics are machine washable
  • Colors include neutrals, brights, and pastels
  • Perfect for home décor projects, bags, and creations for all occasions
  • This light yarn is easy to clean (nothing beats convenience!)
  • Good choice of cotton yarn for beginners
  • Color options are excellent
  • These products are great for the knitter too
  • Perfect for your next crochet project for summer or for times whenever the weather is hot outside

Cons

  • Not too soft. No thanks to that!

Curio #3 Cotton

Curio Crochet Thread in multiple colors 100% Mercerized Cotton

A great stash item! Mercerized 100% cotton, 2-ply #3. Number shows thread thickness. The larger the number, the thinner the crochet thread.

How Does It Compare?

  • Care Instructions – Hand wash and dry flat 
  • Made Of – Mercerized 100% cotton yarn
  • Yardage – 295 yds
  • Yarn Weight – Lace
  • Skein Weight – 100g

Product Design: The jewel tones are beautifully named, and the colors on the website are accurate. Why not make home decor items like dish cloths? There’s a family of similar yarn in different sizes. Something to suit anyone! Keep an eye out for this site’s yearly sales.

Pros

  • Perfect for doilies, jewelry, amigurumi, toys, garments and anything else in crochet project categories
  • This strand has a wide color range
  • Lovely fabric, soft on the hands
  • Suitable for any skill level
  • Easy on the eyes
  • These ones feature low shipping costs
  • Easy to shop and purchase other yarns for other projects

Cons

  • It can’t go in the washing machine
  • Maintaining your beautiful crocheted items is time-consuming but worth it
  • Get all your yarn in one go so it has the same dye lot number before you crochet
  • Only ships to select places in the world
  • Not small enough for sewing, only for embellishments or large details

What To Look For In Yarn For Crochet Beginners

Here are some key decision-making factors to consider when choosing the best yarns for crochet. Here are some YouTube videos and tutorials on choosing yarn to take into consideration during your search.

What Kind Of Care Does It Need?

Each yarn has a different washing instruction. It might be machine washable or require hand washing. Check the yarn label carefully for washing details. It also gives you basic things of what you need to know about that one ball.

What’s It Made Of?

Is the yarn made of natural or synthetic materials? Get the best fiber for you. Superwash wool is an excellent practice yarn, as you can wash it in the machine on a gentle cycle. No hassle from hand-washed items!Acrylic wool is also a popular fiber to practice swatches with if you’ve started crocheting for the first time.

Beginners should use smooth yarn with an even texture, as novelty yarns are hard to use. Linen yarn is a great natural fiber. You see your stitches better when you crochet with lighter colors. If you’re making a large project in the same color, buy all from the same dye lot.

How Much Yardage?

The more yarn in a ball, the more expensive it is. This tells you how many balls you need for one project. View details of yardage on the label.

What’s Your Budget?

There are several factors involved, from the fiber to the weight to the company. Cotton, acrylic, and wool yarn are the best choices for beginners.

Which Is Best For You?

  • Scarfie Yarn – This crochet yarn has a lovely gradient effect for crocheters who want to make their first scarf
  • Biggo Yarn – This is a splendid choice for beginners wanting to try bulkier yarn weights
  • Pound Of Love Yarn – Some of the best yarns for crochet for practicing crochet stitches
  • Caron One Pound Solids Yarn – This is an excellent yarn for those on a budget. Make multiple projects with one skein
  • Red Heart Soft Yarn – An excellent crochet yarn for baby projects or creations that need to be super soft
  • Bernat Blanket Big Ball Yarn – These are some of the best yarns for cozy, fluffy blankets
  • Red Heart With Love – These affordable yarn weights are great for experimenting with different techniques
  • Bernat Super Value Yarn – A perfect crochet yarn for learning a new crochet stitch
  • Patons Classic Wool Worsted – This wool yarn is a superb choice for afghans and winter accessories and garments
  • Lily’s Sugar n Cream Pound Solids Yarn – A great choice for summer crochet beginners
  • Curio #3 Cotton Yarn – Perfect for your first foray into using crochet thread

FAQs About Yarn For Crochet

What Is The Best Yarn For Beginner Crochet?

Wool, wool blends, acrylic or cotton yarns, with a smooth texture and a DK (Double Knitting) or sport weight. Practice crochet stitches with wool. When it comes to yarn, it’s essential to consider storage details to ensure its longevity and prevent any damage or tangling.

What Yarn Is Best For Crocheted Sweaters?

Acrylic yarn is an excellent choice because it holds up well to washing, is available in a wide range of colors, and is not very expensive. It feels as soft as natural fibers and makes a great sweater material. However, wool yarns are also excellent.
If you’re making a sweater, you need flexibility in the yarn. It’s not so important if it’s a cardigan, but both need to keep their shape. Think about the season, too.

What Is The Best Wool For Crocheting A Blanket?

Yarns made from merino wool, cashmere (from goats), or alpaca are soft and luxurious, making them ideal for crocheting a blanket. However, they’re expensive. Acrylic yarn or wool blends are an excellent alternative if you’re on a budget.

What Size Yarn Is Best For Beginner Crochet?

So it’s thick but not cumbersome, so it’s easier to handle, choose a medium-weight, soft yarn. Like sport, worsted, or DK weight. Beginner crocheters should avoid fingering weight yarn or lace weight yarn, as it’s too small. Different yarn weights will require different sized hooks.

Is Polyester Yarn Good For Crochet?

No. Polyester is a synthetic material, and it won’t absorb moisture like natural fibers. This causes your crochet project to become heavy and stiff. However, it’s great for blankets. Not for garments and other things.

What Is The Warmest Yarn To Crochet?

Qiviut. This fiber comes from the inner down of the muskox. Greenland has frigid winters, so it keeps that animal warm. However it’s rare, and expensive, so merino wool (from sheep) is the best, cheaper alternative.

What Type Of Wool Is Best For Crochet?

Different wools have unique qualities, depending on the climate and purpose for which they are used. Merino wool is prized for its softness and warmth, while normal wool is more durable and less prone to pilling.

Yarn Vs Thread

The yarn is thicker and designed for normal creations. Its material varies. Often made of cotton, thread is much finer and designed for delicate projects. Beginners start with yarn, and once they get the hang of it, move on to thread. Fiddly things are frustrating. You want your first project to be successful, not stressful!

What Is The Best Yarn For Crocheted Scarves?

It’s a flexible project. Choose any yarn! When picking one, here are some questions to ask.

  • Where are you going to wear it?
  • How thick should it be?
  • Do you have any allergies or preferences?
  • Which colors would you like?
  • What different fiber types would you prefer to use?

What Is The Best Yarn For Crocheted Blankets?

It should be soft. Crochet blankets are ideal for cuddling. Super bulky yarn costs more, so keep your budget in mind. For crochet beginners, I wouldn’t recommend them. Try cheaper yarn instead! If you’re making baby blankets, be sure they are machine washable. There are often chenille yarns designed for blankets in their softness and quality.

What Is The Best Yarn For Crocheted Hats?

To fit a variety of heads without becoming floppy, hats need a stretchy yarn. Winter yarn should be thick, like worsted weight or chunky yarn. Wool or wool blends are excellent fiber choices, but avoid this if you or the recipient have allergies. Choose a lighter one for the warmer months. Be sure it’s soft. Hats should be comfortable! Check your crochet pattern for tips.

What Is The Best Chunky Yarn For Crochet Blankets?

Here are my recommendations for a blanket.

What Is The Best Yarn For Crocheted Garments, Wool, Or Acrylic?

You decide. Acrylic is a superb choice if you want cheap, lightweight, non-allergic material. Need a long-lasting, moisture-wicking yarn? Choose wool.

What Is The Best Yarn For Crocheted Socks?

Chunky yarn for winter. Finer is better for everyday wear. They need to fit in your shoes. Make sure it’s breathable and moisture-wicking to keep you comfortable. Cotton blends work well. Buying socks-specific yarn is best.

What Is The Softest Yarn To Crochet With?

Silk, bamboo, and wool are soft choices. Avoid acrylic if you want a super soft project! It can be scratchy.

Can You Use Crochet Yarn For Knitting?

Sure! Yarn isn’t just for knitting. Use any yarn except thread, as it’s too fine for knitting needles.

What Kind Of Yarn Should You Use For Crochet Dishcloths?

What to use? Wool or cotton? For dishcloths, cotton yarn is best, but make sure it’s absorbent. These make fun summer projects, and cotton yarns often come in beautiful colors. Read the yarn labels to check whether it can be machine washed or needs extra care.

How Does Yarn Come?

Get to know your yarn. It’s sold in four ways.

  • Cake – Usually made with a yarn winder, it’s flat on top and bottom. Pull the end from the center, making it easier to crochet.
  • Ball – It’s rolled up. Though prone to tangling, use it right away.
  • The Hank is a twisted, large ring. Indie/luxury/hand-dyed yarns are sold this way. Wind it before using it. Don’t crochet directly from it!
  • Skein – It’s oval-shaped, not circular. It’s the shape cheaper yarns come in.

Conclusion

Here’s to finding the perfect yarn to get you started. Enjoy! You have lots of choices. It can be overwhelming. This post hopefully gave you a starting point. Need help? Let me your question in the comments of this site.

Continue Reading – My guide to the best place to buy yarn here, and a post on quality yarns for knitting.

Frustrated Teacher Quits In Disgust, Sells The Farm, Moves The Family Halfway Across The World And… Starts Knitting

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