Embarking on a journey into the world of crochet as a beginner is an exciting and creative endeavor. One of the essential factors in ensuring your crochet projects turn out beautifully is choosing the right yarn. With the myriad of options available, it can be overwhelming to select the perfect yarn for your skill level and desired outcomes. In this blog post, I’ll guide you through the top 5 types of yarn that are ideal for crochet beginners. Whether you’re aiming to create cozy scarves, adorable amigurumi, or anything in between, the right yarn can make all the difference in your crochet experience. Let’s dive in and discover the yarn that will set you on a path to crochet success!
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#1 Acrylic Yarn
Acrylic yarn is by far the most versatile. It can be used for simple projects such as crocheting a scarf, a hat, a blanket, or many other items. This is my top pick for beginners because it is forgiving when you need to unravel and redo part of your project due to an error somewhere. It isn’t going to fray or get stringy after a time or two of undoing your work (called frogging). Don’t get me wrong, there are different brands (from cheap to not-so-cheap), so beware that in general the cheaper the less durable it will be. However, acrylic is the most economical yarn to use when you are learning due to the crochet and re-crochet beating it may take. Lion Brand Yarn (paid link) is one of my favorites for various projects.
#2 Wool Yarn
Wool yarn is also extremely versatile. It is most commonly used to make winter wear such as hats, gloves and scarves. You can also make a nice wool throw blanket for those cold winter days. Be careful when choosing a wool yarn when you are beginning. Try to stay to a worsted weight of 4 and take notice of the smoothness. The fuzzier it looks in the skein at the store, the fuzzier it will probably get when you have to re-do part or all of your creation. Here is a great wool yarn (paid link) that I love to work with.
#3 Polyester Yarn
Polyester yarn is another great choice for beginner projects. It has many of the same characteristics as acrylic, however it has more breathability than acrylic yarn. If you are looking to make something warm yet breathable, polyester is the best way to go. It is my choice for baby blankets and amigurumi. I have personally made many blankets & amigurumi using Bernat Baby Blanket Yarn (paid link)- it is so snuggly soft!
#4 Cotton Yarn
Cotton yarn can be tricky in the beginning, but it is used in many simple crochet creations. It is great for summer clothing and winter clothing as well as accessories. It is plant-based so if you are looking for something a little lighter than wool and prefer to stay away from the man-made materials like acrylic and polyester, then cotton should be your yarn of choice. As with any other yarn, stay away from dark colors (harder to see your stitches) and stick with a worsted weight of 4 when starting out. Lily Sugar’n Cream cotton yarn (paid link) is a perfect choice for small projects such as coasters and wash cloths or dish cloths. Cotton is also the best yarn to use to crochet totes and handbags as it will not stretch as much as acrylic yarn.
#5 Cotton/Acrylic Blend
A cotton and acrylic blend yarn is another great choice for beginners. It can be used for various projects such as accessories, home decor and light blankets. When starting out, try to stick with one solid color skein as variegated colors can be difficult to see your stitches as you go.
Selecting the right yarn for your crochet projects is a fundamental step towards ensuring your success as a beginner. We’ve explored the top 5 types of yarn that are perfectly suited to those just starting their crochet journey, each with its unique characteristics and advantages. From the softness of acrylic to the natural beauty of cotton and the warmth of wool, you now have the knowledge to make informed choices for your next crochet adventure. Remember, practice makes perfect, and with the right yarn in hand, you’ll be well on your way to creating beautiful and satisfying crochet creations. So, go ahead, choose your yarn, pick up your crochet hook, and let your creativity flow!
Happy Crocheting!
