Discover How to Pick the Best Crochet Yarn: A 2023 Guide
3 Yarn Hacks To Level Up Your Crochet Today
Hello crochet lovers!
How would you like to level up and discover the best crochet yarn? Don’t miss out on these crochet tips you can get results with right away.
As a teacher turned crochet designer, I’ll save you time and energy with this yarn guide sharing tips every crocheter should know.
You’ll get answers to these questions:
- How do I choose the best crochet yarn for my project?
- How does yarn weight affect my crochet project?
- What type of yarn is best for crochet garments like sweaters and dresses?
- How does yarn fiber content impact the final outcome of a crochet project?
- What are the top crochet yarn brands of 2023?
As the founder of Mermaidcat Crochet Patterns with customers in 60+ countries around world, you can benefit from common mistakes and successes to quicken your learning curve.
With thousands of hours on the hook, you’ll learn top tips to level up your next project that you can implement right away.
When you first started crocheting what kind of yarn did you use? Was it a cheap acrylic yarn from a big box store?
Sure, it did the job okay but did you know your yarn choice could be holding you back from reaching your full potential.
With this Guide, you’ll learn how to choose the right yarn for your crochet vision. You won’t look back after getting some of these yarns on your hook.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crocheter, this guide and blog will help you along your crochet journey.
So let’s unravel the secrets of yarn together!
Thank you for coming on this adventure.
Happy Hooking!
-Stacey 💕
Below you’ll find links to yarn I love and use. As an affiliate, I may earn from qualifying purchases.
Yarn Made Simple
First, we’ll go over some basic concepts to keep in mind as you consider your next crochet project.
Every project is unique, and choosing the right yarn involves considering factors like weight, fiber type, durability, and care instructions.
Each aspect can affect your final creation, so it’s essential to find the right balance. Consider these qualities as we dive in:
What is the Best Yarn Weight?
1. beginners should stick to the Advice in the pattern but with experience, EXPERIMENT.
Weight plays a vital role, as it determines the fabric’s overall appearance and texture.
Yarns come with a number indicating their thickness or weight—the higher the number, the thicker the yarn.
Top Pick: What Yarn Weight Is Best For Crochet Beginners?
For anyone getting started, I recommended looking for beginner projects that suggest Worsted Weight 4 Yarn.
This yarn weight works up quickly and it is easy on the hook as you develop your crochet muscle memory.
I work with many beginners and often get asked for my top worsted weight 4 yarn recommendation.
Personally, I love and recommend Dishie by Knit Picks to my customers. What an amazing difference between store brands and Dishie Yarn. Check it out here:
Yarn Weight Sizes
Now Let’s quickly break down each yarn weight and projects they are well suited for:
- Lace (0) : The finest and lightest weight, lace weight yarn, also called crochet thread, is ideal for intricate projects like shawls, doilies, and lacy accessories. It’s perfect for experienced crocheters.
- Super Fine (1) : Also called fingering or sock weight, super fine yarn is great for lightweight garments, baby items, and socks. It offers excellent stitch definition for intricate patterns and designs.
- Fine (2) : Known as sport or baby weight, fine yarn balances delicacy and warmth. It works well for lightweight sweaters, shawls, and baby blankets, suitable for both intricate designs and simple stitches.
- Light (3) : Light yarn, or DK weight yarn, is popular for various projects, including garments, accessories, and home décor. Its medium thickness and stitch definition make it suitable for beginners and experienced crocheters.
- Medium (4) : Worsted weight yarn (or aran weight) is versatile, perfect for crocheting blankets, sweaters, and scarves. It’s easy to work with, making it an excellent choice for beginners and quick projects.
- Bulky (5) : Bulky yarn is ideal for cozy, warm, and textured projects like chunky scarves, hats, and blankets. Bulky yarn allows for speedy project completion.
- Super Bulky (6) : Thick yarn. Super Bulky yarn is perfect for creating ultra-warm items like oversized blankets, rugs, and winter accessories. This weight makes a statement with crochet creations. A fun example is this super bulky jacket, “Baby”
What is the Best Crochet Hook?
2. The BEST hook is the right hook. check the pattern and use ADVISED hook size - try ergonomic hookS and you won't go back.
Choosing the right crochet hook is essential for creating a well-fitting, properly structured finished piece. The hook size affects your stitches, tension, and drape.
Check the yarn label for the recommended hook size and create a gauge swatch to determine if adjustments are needed.
Using a hook that’s too small results in tight stitches and a stiff fabric, while a large hook leads to loose stitches and excessive drape.
Rules are made to be broken! So don’t be afraid to experiment with hook size to achieve the amount of structure or drape you’re after. (Check out my post on The Best Crochet Hooks)
If you want to minimize hand pain I highly recommend an ergonomic crochet hook. I wish I knew about this years ago! Here is the ergonomic crochet hook set I now use and love.
What is the Best Fiber Type for Crochet?
3. Learn the pros and cons of different yarn fibers. Find the right match for your project. There are trade-offs with each.
Natural vs. Synthetic
Now we’ll go over the most common yarn fibers and some of their pros and cons.
Cotton and wool are fantastic choices if you’re seeking breathability, warmth, and sustainability in your crochet projects.
On the other hand, synthetic fibers like acrylic might be more suitable if you prioritize affordability, durability, and easy maintenance.
What’s my favorite fiber?
I’m a cotton lover all the way! It’s the perfect balance of durable and natural. Soft on the skin and not itchy like wool, it’s ideal for easy summer garments. ✨
Yarn Fiber Types
A Closer Look
Let’s talk about the unique properties of different yarn fibers to make the best choice.
The “best” fiber depends on your project goals. Different fibers offer unique characteristics, making some more suitable for certain projects.
Consider factors like texture, warmth, drape, definition, care requirements, and budget as we review the different fiber types below.
Cotton Yarn:
Cotton yarn is soft, absorbent, and strong. Great for dishcloths, summer garments or a cozy baby blanket, it has a smooth texture but can lack elasticity.
Linen Yarn:
A fiber made from flax plants, linen yarn is strong, breathable, and absorbent. It’s ideal for lightweight summer garments and home décor but may initially feel stiff.
Alpaca Yarn:
Soft, warm, and luxurious, alpaca yarn is hypoallergenic and great for cozy garments and accessories. However, it can be more expensive and may need special care.
Acrylic Yarn:
A synthetic fiber, acrylic yarn is affordable, easy to care for, and colorfast. It’s versatile but may lack breathability and softness compared to natural fibers. Machine washable.
Wool Yarn:
A classic natural fiber, wool yarn provides warmth, breathability, and elasticity. It’s perfect for cozy garments and accessories but it can be itchy and may require special care.
Silk Yarn:
With a lustrous sheen and smooth texture, silk yarn drapes beautifully, making it perfect for elegant garments and accessories. It can be delicate, pricey, and require special care.
Yarn Blends:
Yarn blends combine the best qualities of multiple fibers, offering versatility and balance. Popular blends include cotton-acrylic, wool-acrylic, and cotton-linen. Machine washable.
Dye Lot Number:
Color Consistency
A dye lot number identifies a yarn batch dyed together, ensuring color consistency in your project. Check the number on the yarn label and buy enough yarn from the same dye lot to complete your project.
Mixing dye lots may result in noticeable color differences. By paying attention to dye lot numbers, you’ll achieve a polished and consistent final result.
Top Pick: A Self-Striping Yarn For Easy Multicolored Crocheting
Using a self-striping yarn can add a fun and colorful element to your crochet projects without the hassle of changing colors manually.
Multi-colored yarn: Multiple colors within the same skein, making it easy to add pops of color to your project without having to weave in ends or switch yarns.
Hand-dyed yarns: When yarns are hand-dyed, each skein has a unique and one-of-a-kind look.
Beginner crocheters: Using a self-striping yarn can be a great choice for beginner crocheters who may be intimidated by changing colors manually. The color changes are already built into the yarn, making it easy to create a multicolored look.
What Are The Best Crochet Yarn Brands
Knit Picks, LoveCrafts, and Lion Brands are go-to yarn brands that won’t let you down. Give them a try!
Knit Picks offers diverse, and sustainable yarns, with budget-friendly pricing. Knit Picks has been my top recommendation for years.
LoveCrafts is a leading online yarn brand that offers a wide selection of high-quality and Eco-friendly yarns and tools for crochet.
Lion Brand Yarns is an International online retailer of yarn and crochet supplies. They offer a wide selection of budget-friendly yarns.
Understanding yarn terminology is key to selecting the best materials for your crochet projects.
This glossary provides definitions for common yarn terms and their importance in determining the quality, texture, and weight of yarns.
Use this guide to enhance your knowledge and elevate your crochet skills.
Glossary
Acrylic Yarn: A synthetic yarn that is inexpensive and easy to care for.
Animal Fibers: Yarns made from animal hair, such as wool or alpaca.
Baby Blanket: A type of blanket made for infants, often made with soft and washable yarns.
Bulky Yarn: A thick yarn that creates a chunky and warm fabric.
Cotton Yarn: A yarn made from cotton fibers, which can be soft and breathable.
Crochet Blanket: A type of blanket made through crochet techniques.
Crochet Hooks: Tools used to create crochet stitches.
Crochet Patterns: Instructions for creating specific crochet projects.
Crochet Project: A specific item or project created through crochet techniques.
Crochet Stitches: The various stitches used in crochet projects.
Crochet Thread: A thin and lightweight yarn often used for creating delicate crochet projects.
DK Weight: A type of yarn weight that is between a sport and worsted weight.
Dye Lot: A batch of yarn dyed together to ensure consistent color throughout.
Lace Weight Yarn: A lightweight yarn often used for delicate crochet projects.
Light Yarn: A weight of yarn that is lighter than DK weight.
Medium Weight Yarn: A weight of yarn that is suitable for a wide range of crochet projects.
Multi Colored Yarn: Yarns that feature multiple colors.
Natural Fiber: Yarns made from natural materials, such as wool or cotton.
Ply: The number of strands twisted together to create the yarn.
Self Striping Yarn: A yarn that features stripes of color without requiring a change in yarn.
Soft Yarn: Yarn that is soft to the touch and comfortable to wear.
Stitch Definition: The clarity and definition of the crochet stitches in a project.
Synthetic Fibers: Yarns made from synthetic materials, such as acrylic or polyester.
Thicker Yarns: Yarns with a higher weight category, often used for creating warm and cozy crochet projects.
Weight Yarn: Refers to the thickness or weight of the yarn, which affects the appearance and texture of the finished project.
Wool Blend: A yarn made from a combination of wool and another fiber.
Wool Yarn: A type of yarn made from animal hair, which can be warm and durable.
Worsted Weight Yarn: A type of yarn that is in the middle range of yarn weights.
Yarn Fiber: The material used to create the yarn.
Yarn Label – The label on a skein of yarn provides important information such as weight, fiber content, and yardage.
Thank you and Happy Hooking!
I wish you the best of luck on your crochet journey and hope that you find the perfect yarn for your next project.
If you’re currently on the lookout for your next crochet adventure, I would like to invite you to check out my 5-Star rated pattern shop.
With step-by-step photos and a 100% satisfaction guarantee, I am confident that you will find a pattern that speaks to your creative soul.
The Story of Mermaidcat
Greetings and a warm welcome to Mermaidcat Designs, where crochet is not just a hobby, but a passion.
In the Summer of 2015, living in a travel trailer in the midst of the Ozark Mountains, I started designing my own crochet patterns with a simple $50 loan from my fiance.
My first crochet top, Deep-Sea Cosmos, received much positive feedback from my friends and loved ones.
This boosted my confidence and inspired me to create even more original designs and turn my dream of starting my own business into a reality.
With the support of my amazing customers, my work has now reached dozens of countries around the world.
My fiance and I now work together from our sailboat, Serenity NOW!
Each Mermaidcat pattern comes with step-by-step photos, making it accessible for both beginners and experts alike.
I also provide free crochet patterns and tutorials on my YouTube channel to help you enhance your crochet skills and achieve your desired results.
It fills me with joy to know that you have chosen Mermaidcat Designs for your crochet needs.
Let’s stay connected and build a community of like-minded crochet enthusiasts. Follow me on Instagram and YouTube to be a part of our creative journey and stay updated on my latest designs. Swing by the blog for in-depth yarn reviews and more!
So, what are you waiting for? Come join the Mermaidcat Designs community and let’s create something beautiful together! Happy Hooking!
–Stacey / Founder of Mermaidcat Designs