Since starting my crochet journey, I honestly had NO idea there was so much yarn to choose from. And I’ve learned no two yarns are the same. Here’s a few things I’ve picked up about choosing the right yarn for your crochet projects.
Choosing the Right Yarn for Crochet
1. Just staring out: First off, know that a skein is a length of yarn wound together. I didn’t know what that meant, so I thought I’d start there!
When just starting out, choose something cheap, as you are probably going to make a few mistakes. Which is okay, that’s what it’s all about. My first project was with this Lion Brand Yarn chenille yarn pictured below which I made into a scarf for my daughter. It’s soft and on the thick side, perfect for beginners. This yarn hides all your mess ups, I love it. But as you can see, I still hit all the edges right after watching the how-to videos. There are a few holes I accidentally skipped, but you can’t see them through the yarn and my sweet daughter doesn’t know the difference!
2. Sale, Sale, Sale: Hit up those sales!! Every shop has a sale bin or watch for sales at the big craft stores. Then stock up! I bought this bundle last month and I’m almost halfway through it… scarf pattern coming soon.
3. Texture: As you go on the cheap side, make sure you pick something soft. It’s better on your hands as you work with the yarn and on your neck as you wear it! Michael’s craft store has a Loops and Threads line that is inexpensive and soft, see photo above.
But if you can, try to head to your local specialty yarn shop as they usually carry the good stuff. Seattle Yarn is where I go, Virginia is great at answering questions! It’s pricier, but so soft. There’s usually a sale rack at these local shops, head there first!
4. Color: Color can matter too. It always depends on what you’re making, but think what a solid color of red will be in a scarf, or all mustard yellow (which is actually super cute). There are also skeins of yarn that are multi-colored, perfect for changing color in a project without having to start and stop with all different colored skeins of yarn.
5. Yardage: When I crocheted my second scarf, I didn’t realize that yardage matters. I was only 3/4 of the way through a chunky scarf for my son when I ran out. Ugh! You’ll want to look at the yardage that your skein holds. Some don’t hold very much and you might find yourself going back to the store again and again, just to finish one scarf – take it from me, buy 2 of everything. Although, if you’re following a pattern, they will always tell you how many you need.
6. Pulling yarn: This little tip I learned at a group meet up as I watched what they did. If possible, try to start your yarn end from the center of the skein. It makes it sooooo much easier to crochet with, as your yarn isn’t always rolling away from you. Sometimes I can’t find that pesky center end and I have to go with the top end, but if you can find it, it’s a dream!
I know I haven’t covered it all, I’m sure there’s more for me to learn. So what tips and tricks do you have for choosing yarn? What colors and textures do you like?
I’m no yarn snob — I love it all!
One thing with pulling from skeins — acrylic yarns have no cuticle, like human hair — so when you pull from the inside of a skein it will collapse on itself eventually, leading to possible messes. Pull from the inside if you’re using a man made/animal blend or mainly animal material.
When you have a coupon, get yourself a yarn winder (not a swift). It rewinds skeins into cakes that are very easy to use and store. You can get them at JoAnns and most other Big Box craft stores, but wait for a coupon, they’re a little pricey but worth it.
I’m not a snob either, and probably never will be. If it’s nice on the neck, it works for me. Although, I have to say, alpaca or cashmere are soooo soft!