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Choosing the right yarn is a key factor in any crochet project. There are a plenty types of yarn you can choose form to make your crochet project, and each one will impart different qualities to the final product. However, since you are here, it means that you prefer natural yarn to synthetics and you have already decided that cotton yarn for crochet is best for you!
Great choice, as it is a popular option for crocheting, for good reason. It is soft, breathable, and versatile. But it’s still not the end of the “choosing”. Now you are likely wandering which one to choose to make you project look its most impressive.
With so many options out there, it’s often overwhelming to make the right choice. Never fear. In this article, we will discuss the types of cotton crocheting yarn available, and give you some tips on how to choose the best one for your crochet project.
You are in the right place. I will try to answer your questions below.
Best Cotton Yarn for Crochet The Ultimate Guide
To begin with, think a little bit about your future project. Here are some points to consider in order to choose the best cotton yarn for your crochet item:
Weight and Thickness:
Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn strand. Cotton yarn comes in various weights, such as lace, fingering, sport, worsted, and bulky. Choose a weight according to your project type, the season and destination.
For example, if you are making a shawl for the summer, the thinner the yarn, the better; and a lace cotton will be the best choice. In contrast, if you are planning a warm winter blanket, you will be choosing from heavier, bulkier yarns.
Most times, your pattern will recommend the type of yarn, so follow those instructions and choose the same or corresponding yarn in weight. However, for more experienced crocheters, modifying the yarn weight can a way of customizing the project, but this will require more knowledge of how to adjust for yarn weight.
Texture and Ply:
Cotton yarn comes in different textures. Normally, this is not single strand. Instead it’s predominantly composed of two or more strands of yarn twisted together. A yarn composed from two strands is called a two-ply yarn.
Single-ply yarns are generally smoother and slicker. Multi-ply yarns present more texture and better defined stitches. It’s best to consider the pattern and stitches included in the project. You will also want to determine whether you want a smoother or more defined texture ahead of time.
Softness and Comfort:
Cotton yarns come in a great variety of softness. Depending on the project, and your own individual preferences you will want to consider the softness of the yarn. While softer cotton yarns for wearables are a frequent choice, one may prioritize durability and sturdiness, for example if you are crocheting something that will be worn and washed often.
The best way to do this is to feel the yarn with your fingers, and rub it up against your skin to determine if it’s comfortable. This is especially true if you’re making clothing or accessories.
Color and Dyeing
While perhaps less so than acrylic, cotton yarn is still available in a broad range of colors, from uncolored , through solid colors to ombre and variegated yarns. An important consideration is the color palette for your project, your own color preferences as well as the mood you want to impart.
Moreover, some colors are particularly season-appropriate. Finally, be aware that since cotton is naturally white and is colored by dyeing, the final appearance of your crocheted work may be affected by the dyeing technique used for your particular yarn.
If you want to give your project a uniform appearance, it’s a good idea to choose all the skeins of a particular hue from the same dye lot, as the color will vary between lots. The dye lot is generally given on the yarn label.
Care Instructions
Next, check the care instructions for the yarn you want. Pick the one corresponding with the intended use of your crochet items. In particular, you should look for the info whether the yarn can be machine washed and/or dried. Don’t choose delicate maintenance yarn for items that require frequent washing or tough use.
Budget
You probably already know, that yarn can be expensive. Consider the money you want to spend as well as the amount of yarn you need. High-quality yarn might cost you more, but could result in a better quality, harder wearing finished product, so if you are making a gift or representative item, it’s a good way to go.
Local Availability:
Check your local yarn or craft stores to see what cotton yarns they carry. You can also check big box stores like Walmart to see their stock. Locally purchased yarn will be cheaper (you don’t have to pay delivery costs) and will give you a chance to feel the yarn with you hand before buying it.
Brand and Reviews
Research for well known brands producing quality yarns. Their yarn is used by plenty of crocheters, so you will be able to find many recommendations and reviews of its durability and performance, both in terms of working with on a project as well as over time.
Best Durable and Affordable Cotton Yarns for Crochet
In these times, breaking the bank and quality per dollar spent are prime concerns. Household items also require durability and resiliency. Consider sturdy and affordable cotton yarns, as they may be the perfect fit for quality and affordability.
While there are SOOO many more to select from, here are some of the best options available today. The right choice of a sturdy and affordable cotton yarn will ensure that your creation will hold its shape and properties but stays within your budget. All of these yarns are universal and can be used in almost all projects.
Sugar & Cream
Sugar & Cream is a popular yarn among crocheters. It is made in the US by Lily. They offer a wide choice of worsted weight yarns in different colors. You can find it in Joann, Michaels or Walmart, and there are plenty places online as well such as Yarnspirations or Amazon.
The size 4 yarn (worsted yarn) is popular for a variety of items like winter hats, scarfs, househouse items, bags, as well as blankets or amigurumi.
Peaches & Creme
Peaches & Creme is a little bit thicker than Sugar and Cream, but is still a medium worsted yarn. It comes in a wide range of colors and is perfect for household items that require stiffness and durability. This yarn is produced in Canada by Pisgah Yarn & Dyeing Co..
I love this cotton
This is made by Hobby Lobby and consists of a wide choice of solid 4-ply medium worsted yarns.
Classic Crochet Size 10
This yarn is made by Aunt Lydia’s and is a very popular 100 % cotton thread you can use for any lacy project you want to make. It’s a mercerized yarn, which means it had a finishing treatment which improves its strength and reduces fabric shrinkage. This is an important consideration if the product will be used in the wet or washed.
Whirl
Whirl by Scheepjes is increasingly popular due to its amazing colorways and gradient yarns. While not pure cotton, it’s a mix of cotton and acrylic, 60 % to 40 %, it’s an amazing material to work with. It’s fingering weight is thicker then lace but is still thin and soft. It’s perfect for lightweight and breathable projects such as shawls, accessories, garments and stylish home décor projects.
DROPS Cotton Merino
This premium yarn is made by Garnstudio. It’s also a mixed fiber yarn made from 50 % cotton and 50 % merino. This yarn is made in the EU, but the merino wool originates from free-range animals in South America.
The unique manufacturing process takes tiny strands and spins them together, yielding a round and very elastic yarn. The manufacturer and online reviews particularly recommend it for cable, structure and moss patterns. However, these unique properties also mean that you really need to pay attention to maintaining a constant and appropriate tension as you work up the project. Moreover, it will be sensitive to washing temperatures and liable to warp and kink if not dried completely flat.
Conclusion
It’s essential to choose the most optimal cotton yarn for your crochet project. It will truly make all the difference between a fabulous final result or failure. If you carefully consider the factors we discussed above, you will be more than half way to success. Take a look at some of these best cotton yarns for crochet that we have recommended and enjoy all of the wonderful benefits that cotton presents.