Types of Yarn: Best Yarn For Beginners

Finding a new and relaxing hobby to fixate on feels like discovering a new world of fun. Crocheting, even though a long-known handicraft, is one of those popular hobbies that make you want to keep creating more and set it up for something much more.

Because the hobby found a home in so many people’s hands, many of them have leaped through the idea of making it a source of income and a way of sharing their art with others.

One great example of this is Angie of Angie Craft Yarn who began her small business by simply crocheting at home to pass the time during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, she’s been able to attend events and bazaars, and witness her business thrive and reach more and more people.

Cotton Yarn

Cotton Yarn is one of the most used and considered best yarn for beginners. Cotton yarn is made from the fibers of the cotton plant, which makes it versatile, durable, soft, and flexible enough to be used for all types of creations like bags, clothing, stuffed toys, and even house mats.

Is Cotton Yarn Good for Beginners?

Cotton yarns are affordable, accessible, smooth, lightweight, and breathable. It’s durable, holds color well, and is hypoallergenic as well. This type of yarn is perfect for projects where you want the shape to hold.

If you’re a beginner, you can most likely get confused about what item to create. Using cotton yarn gives you the flexibility to make whichever you want without making it seem unfitting to the material. In short, it’s the ultimate yarn for letting your creativity out!

Crochet Stuffed Toy

Curious what a crocheted stuffed toy looks like? Look at his white bunny toy made out of milk cotton yarn.

This will give you an idea of how cotton yarn greatly forms an intended shape. It gives a defined form while keeping it soft and ideal for cuddles as it is also non-toxic, making it free from the risk of allergies or irritation.

Crochet Bag

Cotton yarn also looks unique in the form of tote bags especially when designed in a dainty way. It gives off that fluffy, cozy look, elevating your looks for a more comfortable approach.

Cotton Yarn vs. Milk Cotton Yarn

According to an article by Hirocrochet, milk cotton yarn is a semi-synthetic yarn that combines milk protein and cotton fibers to create a soft, durable, and luxurious material. The name "milk cotton" derives from the casein protein extracted from milk, which is then blended with cotton fibers.

Compared to regular cotton yarn, milk cotton yarn has exceptional softness, hypoallergenic properties, and moisture-wicking abilities.

Wool Yarn

Made from the fleece of sheep, alpacas, and goats, wool yarn is great for cold weathers due to its excellent insulating properties. It helps regulate body temperature and trap warm close to the body.

It can absorb moisture up to 30% of its weight and is elastic enough to stretch and still retain its original shape. This makes it suitable for crecrocheting sweaters, socks, and other clothing items that can suck up sweat or those that you typically stretch.

Like cotton yarn, wool yarn is also durable, soft, and environmentally friendly. It is also fire resistant and doesn’t melt or drip when exposed to flames.

Another advantage of wool yarn is its UV protection properties which make it ideal for outdoor apparel in the summer.

Aside from the benefits, there aren’t many advanced crocheters that recommend wool yarn as it is more difficult to use than cotton yarn due to it being “scratchy.” It is also typically more expensive difficult to wash than cotton yarn. But if you find yourself to progress pretty smoothly in your crocheting journey, you are more than welcome to start picking up that ball of wool yarn.

Acrylic Yarn

Acrylic yarn is a go-to option for crocheters who prioritize affordability and versatility. Its synthetic nature makes it lightweight, available in a wide array of colors, and easy to care for.

While it delivers excellent stitch definition and is beginner-friendly, it lacks the natural softness and breathability of cotton or wool. Acrylic may feel less luxurious but compensates with its practicality and cost-effectiveness.

In comparison, acrylic yarn tends to be lighter than cotton yarn. Despite this, acrylic traps more warm air and is less breathable even when compared to wool yarn. It also loses its shape fastest. So if we’re talking in terms of longevity and durability, acrylic may not be the best option.

Ultimately, the right yarn depends on your project’s needs. Acrylic is best when it comes to affordability and ease of use, cotton delivers natural durability and breathability, while wool provides warmth and stretch for cozy creations.

Ready to start a new project or looking for inspiration? Check out the best crochet gift ideas!