Yarn Choices Explained: Find Your Perfect Yarn
Fiber Options And Best Uses
Nothing is better than finishing a project and realizing that you found and used the perfect yarn for it! Depending on your project, you will want to find the best yarn to use. There are many fiber options to consider. In this post I will be explaining many of the yarn choices available so you can find your perfect yarn! See some of the most popular fibers used in crochet below.
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Acrylic
One of the most versatile yarn types for a variety of projects. From afghans to amigurumi, it is easy to use, easy to clean, comes in a variety of colors, and is durable for a variety of projects.
Blended Fiber
Fiber blends and combinations can help with a project’s overall shape and appearance but it also has some other benefits. Blended fibers can increase absorbancy, improve the comfort of the finished project, and give better visual appeal to the item you are making. Not to mention the reduction of static electricity!
Cotton
One of the best options for home goods such as disc towels, wash cloths, scrubbies, etc. Absorbent and machine washable make cotton projects easy to clean.
Mixed Materials
Similar to blended fibers, mixed materials can enhance a project, but there should be a disclaimer on mixed materials. Make sure to check which materials are mixed together. The types of materials mixed could have different textures and care instructions. Also
Nylon
A great yarn choice for items like socks, clothing, and other accessories. Often used when you need some elasticity and strength in your material.
Olefin
A synthetic material often used for upholstery, carpets and outdoor furniture. Can withstand weather and is also known to dry faster than other materials. It’s also stain resistant. Unfortunately it can be damaged by friction and is a heat sensitive fiber.
Polyester
Strong and durable, polyester is used in many projects. Clothing and other home furnishings often have polyester blended into them. Also found in sewing threads.
Wool
A great fiber for warm and cozy projects! It’s absorbent but also breathable. If you take good care of it, it will last a while also. When I think of wool, I immediately think of scarves!
The type of fiber isn’t the only thing you need to consider when choosing yarn. Also pay attention to yarn weight. The yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn strand (think diameter). It’s a big part of the overall look of the final project. It also is important when following or setting a gauge for a type of project.
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Yarn Weight Choices:
Something for consideration is a yarn’s weight. There are multiple yarn weight choices to choose from! Choosing the right yarn weight for your project will determine the quality and visual appeal of your project.
Find this yarn weight chart on Lionbrand’s website.
For more information about yarn weights, check out other yarn brand website, like Yarnspirations . This chart from Yarnspirations also includes lace weight.
Additional Tips:
Choosing the best yarn depends on your project and how you want it to be shaped. Do you want it to be flowy or durable and rigid? Once you choose the yarn you feel is right, create a gauge and see if the yarn you chose works well for the intended project.
Don’t forget to play with hook size as well. The yarn companies do a great job giving you hook recommendations for the weight of yarn you are using, but their recommendations are just suggestions. You can adjust (go up or down in hook size) depending on how you want the final product to look and how tight you want the stitches to be.
Technically, there is NO perfect yarn. Though I’m hoping that this post has helped you to see all of the options that are out there. Play around with different yarns and textures to find your preferred yarn! Now go forth and create!
