Best Yarn For Crochet – Guide To The Best & Worst Yarns In 2023

Without a hook, yarn is useless. What does a beginner choose? It’s incredible how many types of yarn there are. The more there is, the harder the decision! What are the best yarns for crochet? I’ll show you.

My Quick Recommendations

• My Top Pick – Scarfie Yarn
• Best Luxury Option – Biggo
• Best Budget Pick – Pound Of Love

Here is my review article of good-quality, popular yarns for your crocheting needs. To make your buying research easier, they’re categorized in the list by the material (fiber content).

This post has been updated, fact checked and reviewed on April 6, 2023.

Table Of Contents

• The Best Fibers For Crochet
• The Way Yarns Come
• Yarn Weights
• How To Read Yarn Labels
• Things To Remember When Choosing The Best Crochet Yarn
• Crochet Yarn – Q&A

The Best Yarns For Crochet

These yarn recommendations and fiber types are perfect for a beginner crocheter. None of these are poor-quality, nothing but the best for my readers!

Acrylic Yarns

Red Heart Soft Yarn

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There’s a silky soft feel to this yarn. A versatile worsted weight yarn appropriate for all projects, from hats to throws and accessories to garments. Easy care as you wash and dry in the machine. An easy choice for crocheters, as it’s one of the best acrylic yarns. There’s a lovely range of colors, brights, and pastels.

• Suggested size crochet hook – I-9 (5.5mm)
• 5-ounce ball weight
• 256-yard length

Pros

• Soft with a lovely luster
• This fiber type has great drape
• Good value for money
• Lovely textures
• Fits a variety of people
• Looking for something bigger or smaller? Red Heart has a good range of sizes

Cons

• Some crafters found the yarn splits when crocheting.

Lion Brand Yarn Pound Of Yarn

This premium acrylic worsted weight yarn comes in lots of lovely colors and is perfect for many projects. Suitable for baby items and blankets. It’s machine washable at a temperature not above 40C / 105F and tumble-dried on the hottest setting. It’s an economical size (16oz, yardage 1020yds.)

Makes an excellent choice of yarn for baby blankets.

Pros

• Economical size for fun larger projects like rugs
• Great choice of colors
• Excellent pick for lots of small projects from one ball
• Great for beginner crocheters
• Often readily available in craft stores
• Easy to rip back when you make a mistake

Cons

• Rough, but it softens beautifully after washing

Caron One Pound Solids Yarn

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The amount of yardage in this one-pound acrylic yarn skein makes it more economical for projects. Makes gorgeous scarves, sweaters, home decor items, and afghans/blankets. Have a play and see what you create! It’s 16 oz with 812 yards worsted weight, and available in 39 different colors.

Pros

• Manufactured in North Carolina USA
• Perfect to develop your crocheting skills or to create any other art or craft
• Machine washing in warm water, gentle cycle, and tumble drying on low heat
• Many crocheters say it’s the easiest yarn to crochet with
• Makes lovely results

Cons

• It may feel rough, but it becomes softer after washing

Red Heart With Love

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A cuddly acrylic yarn with great solids and multi-colors. It’s machine washable and safe to place in a tumble dryer. The solids are 7oz, and the multi is 5oz balls.

Pros

• No matter what you want to make, it’s great for many projects – hats, scarves, mittens
• Excellent stitch definition
• This type of yarn feels soft as you work, even more so after multiple washes

Cons

• Some users found the yarn had knots

Bernat Blanket Yarn

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A gorgeous soft chenille yarn, perfect for normal and baby blankets and home décor items. Bernat baby blanket yarn has a super bulky weight, which means projects crochet up quickly.

• Ball Size: 300g / 10.5 oz
• 201 meters / 220 yards

Pros

• Machine washable and dryable
• Economical size
• Naturally cozy and cuddly!
• Babies love it

Cons

• Check the color you select is 10.5 oz. Some colors are the smaller size of 5.3 oz

Bernat Super Value

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Bernat Super Value yarn is an economical, worsted weight yarn in a vast color range. Available in solid and multi-colored shades. (Brights, neutrals, stripes.) There are different ounces for each ball size.

• Solids/Ragg/Heathers: 197g / 7 oz, 389 meters / 426 yards
• Ombres: 142g / 5 oz, 251 meters / 275 yards.

Pros

• Machine washable and dryable for easy care
• Good quality
• Doesn’t split
• Some of the best yarn for crochet clothes
• One of the cheaper, high-quality acrylic yarns

Cons

• Check the ounces of yarn for the color you select

Want to make your crochet project unique? Learn about the best luxury crochet yarns.

Wool Yarn Blends

Scarfie Yarn

Scarfie is a soft and lofty wool blend yarn with enough yardage to knit or crochet a full-length scarf. A great place to start in your crochet journey.

Pros

• Lovely, wide range of colors
• A textured yarn
• Has great durability
• Gradients are great if you find it hard to settle on colors to use
• Suitable for garments, accessories, and afghans.
• Cheap shipping to the United States of America

Cons

• If you don’t like gradients, this yarn isn’t for you
• Hand wash, not machine washed and dryed

Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn

A super bulky blend of 80% acrylic and 20% wool. It crochets up quickly and is an ideal beginner yarn. One skein has 106 yds, and weighs 6oz.

Pros

• Machine washable and dryable
• It’s the best yarn for crochet clothes if you’re making various projects like extra warm sweaters, jackets, vests, slippers, and hats
• Made with natural and synthetic fibers
• Good for kids to learn with
• This woolen style yarn is great for other hand crafts like weaving and knitting
• Durable
• These yarn choices are easy to work with
• Great for a baby blanket or home decor items

Cons

• Some found the yarn splits
• Not great for people with sensitive skin

Patons Classic Wool Worsted

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100% worsted weight wool, great for garments, scarves, hats, mittens, and home décor items. Also great for felting projects. A soft feel, not itchy and scratchy.

Pros

• Fabulous range of colors

Cons

• Only hand wash and leave flat to dry. This is a little more time-consuming than machine wash. But keeps it woolens looking beautiful, so it’s worth it.

Biggo Yarn

A super-soft blend of 50% superwash merino wool and 50% nylon. Biggo is the perfect choice for easy-care garments and accessories. The bulky quality crochets items quickly.

Pros

• Machine washable and dryable
• Lovely, soft yarns
• Easy on the skin and body
• Stands up to the quality test
• Great versatility for craft projects
• Luxurious feel
• Reasonably priced
• These items ship to the UK

Cons

• Comes in a hank, so you need to wind into balls before use

Lily’s Sugar n Cream Pound Solids Yarn

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Worsted weight 100% yarn made from natural fibers. (Cotton grown in the USA.) Great for small projects like dishcloths and potholders, home décor items. The ball is 4 oz/113g, and 200 yds/184 m.

Pros

• Machine washable and dryable
• Available in a wide variety of shades (neutrals, brights, and pastels)
• Great for home décor projects, bags, and creations worthy of long-lasting memories
• Easy cleaning
• The strands have excellent color options
• Great for summer projects

Cons

• Not super soft

Want to try a fun project? Have a look at the best self striping sock yarn.

Cotton Yarn

Paintbox Cotton Aran

Worsted Weight cotton yarn in a fabulous range of 64 colors. An affordable yarn that is machine washable and you can iron it. Great for summer garments and lightweight blankets.

Pros

• Excellent stitch definition
• Holds its shape
• Lovely sheen
• Soft texture

Cons

• Cotton is inelastic so it is a little harder on the hands when crocheting

Lily Sugar ‘n Cream

These versatile yarns for crocheting a favorite of many crocheters because of the low price, soft texture and gorgeous colors. A workhorse yarn suitable for heaps of projects including washcloths, bags, dishcloths, toys and blankets. Worked double it creates a great potholder.

Pros

• 100% cotton grown in the USA
• Easy care and gets softer with multiple washes
• High absorbancy
• Lightweight
• Lots of free patterns available using this yarn

Cons

• Prone to splitting
• Dye lotted so be sure to get the amount you need for your project plus a little extra.
• Can have knots

Curio #3 Fingering Yarn Weight

Perfect for your stash! This yarn is mercerized 100% cotton, 2-ply #3. The number relates to the thickness of the thread. #3 sounds thin, but the larger the number, the thinner the thread.

Pros

• Perfect for doilies, jewelry, amigurumi, garments and others
• Great color range
• Creates lovely fabric
• Easy on the eyes
• Cheap shipping to the US
• A great shopping experience

Cons

• Can’t put it in the washing machine
• Hand wash & dry flat is time-consuming but worth it to maintain your gorgeous crocheted items

More Suggestions & Yarny Goodness

• Looking for linen yarn? Try Katia Lino 100%
• Want an affordable yarn to buy in bulk? Check out Red Heart Super Saver
• Searching for Alpaca Yarn? See Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca

Yarn Weights

The yarn weight refers to how thick or thin the strand is. Yarns will fall into different categories depending on their thickness. There are 8 categories on a scale from 0 – 7 (Lace weight to Jumbo). Many of the yarns I’ve recommended for crochet fall into the worsted weight (medium) category as there are many wonderful options.

The Way Yarns Come

Know how your yarn comes. It affects how easy it is to crochet. Something to consider when planning! There are four ways a yarn is sold. Here is essential info to consider.

• Cake – Usually created with a yarn winder, it’s flat on the top and bottom, like a cylinder. You pull the end from the center, making it easier to crochet.
• Ball – It’s wrapped up like a ball. Use it right away, though it’s prone to tangling.
• Hank – A large ring twisted to stop it tangling. Most indie/luxury/hand-dyed yarns are sold like this. Wind it into a cake or ball by hand or using a yarn winder before using it. Crocheting from it is disastrous!
• Skein – Similar to a ball, yet it’s oval-shaped, not circular. This is the shape cheaper yearns come in.

Yarn vs Thread – What’s The Difference?

Yarn is thicker, designed for regular projects such as sweaters, socks, and blankets. Materials yarn is made from varies. Thread is much finer, made from cotton, designed for delicate projects like tablecloths or doilies.

For example, if you’re a beginner, start with yarn, and once you get the hang of it, tackle smaller projects using thread. A useful fact to know, as there’s nothing more frustrating than fiddly things. You want your first project to be a success, not a stressful job!

How To Read Yarn Labels

Here are the essential parts of a yarn label.

Keep an eye out for these when yarn shopping.

• Yardage – This is how many yards a ball would measure if it was stretched out. This tells you how many of one product you need for one project. 
• Dye Lot – Want it to be the same color with no noticeable differences? Ensure your purchase has the same dye lot number.
• Care Instructions – This tells you how to wash it, iron it, and other info on how to care for your handcrafted item.
• Gauge – This is estimated. Do a swatch before a project in the crocheting process

Here are some tutorials and videos to help.

Remember This When Choosing The Best Crochet Yarn

• Care Instructions – Washing instructions vary significantly from one yarn to the next. Sometimes you need it to be machine washable. Read the yarn label carefully.
• Color – If you’re a beginner, choose lighter colors because it’s much easier to crochet with, and it’s easier to see your stitches than something darker.
• Dye Lot – If you’re making a large project all in the same color, you’ll want to buy all from the same dye lot.
• Price – This varies depending on many factors, from the fiber to weight, to the company, and more. Cotton, acrylic, and wool yarn are the best choices for beginners because they’re more affordable.
• Texture – Smooth yarn with an even texture are best because textured and novelty yarns are hard to use for crochet beginners.
• Yardage – The amount of yarn in one ball, usually the more there is, the more expensive it is. It tells how many balls you need for one yarn crafts project.

FAQs About Crocheting Yarn

What Yarn Is Best For Beginner Crochet?

Either wool or wool blend yarns, acrylic or cotton yarns, with a smooth texture, and weight DK or sport. Wool yarns are excellent for practicing crochet stitches.

What Is The Best Yarn for Crochet Garments, Wool, Or Acrylic?

It depends on your preference. If you’re a beginner and want affordable, lightweight, hypo-allergic, acrylic is the best choice. Want something moisture-wicking, soft, and long-lasting? Wool is the best choice. These are your crochet projects. You decide what’s best.

What Is The Best Yarn For Crochet Hats?

Hats need a stretchy yarn that holds their shape. If it’s for winter, get a thick yarn, like worsted weight or chunky yarns. Wool or wool blends are an excellent fiber choice, but if you or the person you’re making it for has allergies, avoid this type.

If it’s for the warmer months, choose a lighter one. Regardless of the climate, ensure it’s soft. You want a comfortable hat to wear! Refer to your crochet pattern for any tips it may have.

What Is The Best Yarn For Crochet Scarves?

This is a flexible project. Use any yarn you wish! But here’s a few questions you should ask yourself when selecting one.

• What climate are you going to wear it in?
• How thick does it need to be?
• Any allergies or preferences to consider?
• What color or a mix of colors do you want?

What Is The Best Yarn For Crochet Sweaters?

You want flexibility in the yarn if you’re going to make a sweater. This isn’t so important if it’s a cardigan, but both need to hold their shape. Consider the season you want to wear it in, too.

What Is The Best Yarn For Crochet Blankets?

Make sure it’s soft. I can’t stress the importance enough! Crochet blankets are for snuggling underneath. Ensure it’s soft, cuddly, and warm. Larger crochet patterns for blankets are expensive because super bulky yarn costs more, so keep your budget in mind.

I wouldn’t recommend them for crochet beginners, as it’s hard to manipulate. More affordable yarn might be the way to go! Though baby blankets won’t have this problem, as they’re lightweight, be sure they handle machine washing if you’re making one.

Often, a company has lines of products (usually chenille style yarn) designed for blankets in their softness and quality.

What Size Of Yarn Is Best For Beginners Of Crocheting?

Thick but not cumbersome, so it’s easier to handle and not so fiddly. You want a medium thickness soft yarn. Either sport, DK, medium weight, or worsted weight.

Can I Crochet With Knitting Yarn?

Yes! There’s no yarn only for knitting. Use any for both, except thread, as it’s too fine for knitting needles.

Conclusion

Hope you find the perfect yarn to start you on your crocheting adventures. Best of luck! There are tons of choices out there. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed. I hope this post gave you a jumping-off point for the crochet technique. Need help? Tell me in the comments.

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