How to Choose the Right Yarn to Crochet
By Rachel Choi – 15 CommentsHave you ever stood in the yarn section at the store not knowing which yarn to pick? If so, here are some things to keep in mind when choosing the right yarn for your project!
Color – Finding the right color is like an art. Pick colors that are going to match and that would look good for the project you’re making. When in doubt, just use the colors the designer chose, if you’re following a pattern.
Price – No one wants to over pay for yarn. But then again, you don’t want that cheap stuff either. Granted the cheap stuff can be useful for somethings, but if you’re crocheting a special gift for a special someone you’re going to want to purchase yarn that has better quality.
Quality – Who wants that crappy, itchy yarn? Certainly not me. If you’re going to take the time to crochet something, you might as well do it with good yarn. I’m not saying to go out and get the best thing there is, although you can. The point is to get yarn that is going to hold up and not irritate you skin.
Texture – Yarns can be soft, rough, furry, fluffy and just about any other adjective you can think of to describe a texture. Each yarn gives a different look when it’s crocheted, so try out different types to find what looks good for your project. Also remember that novelty yarns can be more difficult to crochet with.
Material – Just like there are different textures, there are so many different materials that yarn can be made out of. There is the typical acrylic, wool and cotton, then you can get fancy with the bamboo, mohair and recycled yarns. Keep in mind that some materials are easier to take care of and can be machine washed. You can check the yarn’s package for care instructions.
Weight – Weight measures the thickness of yarn. Smaller weights are better for crocheting lace and light, delicate items, while the higher numbered weights are great for thicker projects like blankets, bags or sweaters. If you’re working with a pattern it should tell you what weight of yarn you need.
Brand – Most avid crocheters have a favorite yarn brand. I know I do! It’s okay to opt for the brand you trust when choosing your yarn. After all, they are your favorite for a reason.
Do you have a tip for choosing the right yarn?
I get the yarn according to the suggestion on what the pattern is asking for, but if its some thing for around my house or something new i want to try out I always start with the cheap stuff first this way if I just need to practice more I don’t mess up the good yarn.
I usually try whatever is on sale!
I’ve been wanting to get a WEBS grab bag to get something I normally wouldn’t pick out. Have you ever gotten one of those Rachel?
I didn’t even know about grab bags until you told me about them. I must have been under a rock! Now i want one too, just to try out a bunch of different yarns 🙂
What’s a grab bag?
It’s a bag with a bunch of different yarns in it. The yarns may vary in color, fiber and weight. You don’t really get to choose the yarns that come in the bags, but you do get it discounted.
Rachel- what is your favorite brand of yarn? (I’m curious!)
My question is the same as Lizzy’s! I’m curious too. I like Lion Brand, myself. I get it on sale at Michael’s or Joann’s. But, every once in awhile, I splurge and buy yarn at the Needle in a Haystack shop in Montrose, CA. They have such nice yarn.
That’s a hard question for me to answer! I would say that it depends on the type of yarn I want to use. For example, I use acrylic a lot to make everyday things, and I love using Caron Simply Soft for that. It’s nice and soft (as the name implies) and not too pricey.
Another thing to note is stretch – wool yarn is a heck of a lot stretchier than acrylic, for instance. It makes a difference in your tension when you’re working it up and in the final fabric.
[…] that you’ve decided on your yarn you need to find the perfect match in a hook. Your crochet hook is like a magic wand turning […]
I would like to crochet some “window coverings”. I was thinking about using a type of Twine and experimenting with a fish net look. Has anyone done this before? I have made your gift bag out of a heavy colored twine. Making it a bit bigger- it turned out to be a cute handbag.-durable also.I am in the process of making pillow case dresses to take on a Humanitarian trip to Africa for little girls. I have used recyled yarn to make these bags to match for these dresses. I love how fast they make up(easy to make while traveling)and by adding flowers that I crocheted they look beautiful. I also use my “odd short strands ” that are snipped off and tie them together to make a strand of assorted colors. When this is made into a bag , I leave the tied ends to make any interesting texture on the outside. When turned inside out, the tied ends do not show- a reversable purse! I love your ideas. Thank you for sharing. Chris
If I’m changing colors in a project, do I need to use the same brand of yarn or will the same weight work just fine?
Hi Jamie, the same weight would be fine. It doesn’t have to be the same brand unless you prefer it to be.
I found when I bought some 100% Acrylic it seemed to end up very tight and it was very hard to crochet into each stitch. Is that common, that Acrylic is more slippery? Or was it just my luck?
My current yarn is 63/37 Wool and Acrylic it is easy to use and I have made some cuffs in it. I will be making a matching collar in it and as it is slightly tickle-ly, I will be lining it in t-shirt material – well I say I what I really mean to say is I will be drafting my Mum in to help me since she can actually sew.
I will probably also be making a version of the Chic and Simple Neckwarmer in it and will line that as well, although probably in fleece.
I was glad to see someone post that she uses Caron’s Simply Soft yarn – I love it too – it makes up a beautiful afghan – I have used the soft blue and beige for two for my daughters-in-law.