Crocheting is a fun and creative hobby, but it also requires some planning and preparation. One of the most important decisions you need to make before starting a crochet project is what yarn to use. The yarn you choose can affect the look, feel, and durability of your finished product, so you want to make sure you pick the right one. But how do you know which yarn is the best for your crochet project?
A Complete List of Crochet Abbreviations and Terms
In this article, we will show you how to choose the best yarn for crochet, based on four factors: yarn weight, fiber content, color, and texture. We will also give you some tips on how to find and buy yarn online, and how to care for your yarn and crochet projects.
Yarn Weight
The weight of the yarn refers to how thick or thin the yarn strand is. Yarn weight affects how your crochet stitches look, how your project drapes, and how warm or cool your project is. Yarn weight is usually indicated by a number or a name on the yarn label, such as lace, fingering, sport, DK, worsted, bulky, or super bulky. The higher the number or the name, the thicker the yarn.
The weight of the yarn you choose depends on the type of project you are making, and the crochet hook size you are using. Generally, you want to match the yarn weight to the hook size, and follow the recommendations of the crochet pattern you are using. For example, if you are making a delicate lace shawl, you would use a thin lace weight yarn and a small hook size. If you are making a cozy blanket, you would use a thick bulky weight yarn and a large hook size.
Here is a table that shows the common yarn weights, their names, numbers, and suggested hook sizes:
| Yarn Weight | Name | Number | Hook Size (mm) |
| Lace | Lace | 0 | 1.5 – 2.25 |
| Fingering | Super Fine | 1 | 2.25 – 3.5 |
| Sport | Fine | 2 | 3.5 – 4.5 |
| DK | Light | 3 | 4.5 – 5.5 |
| Worsted | Medium | 4 | 5.5 – 6.5 |
| Bulky | Bulky | 5 | 6.5 – 9 |
| Super Bulky | Super Bulky | 6 | 9 – 15 |
You can also use the wraps per inch (WPI) method to measure the yarn weight yourself. To do this, you need a ruler and a yarn needle. Wrap the yarn around the needle as many times as you can within one inch, without overlapping or leaving gaps. Then, count how many wraps you have. The more wraps you have, the thinner the yarn. Here is a table that shows the WPI for each yarn weight:
| Yarn Weight | WPI |
| Lace | 18+ |
| Fingering | 14 – 18 |
| Sport | 12 – 14 |
| DK | 11 – 12 |
| Worsted | 9 – 11 |
| Bulky | 7 – 9 |
| Super Bulky | 6 or less |
Fiber Content
The fiber content of the yarn refers to what the yarn is made of. Yarn can be made from natural fibers, such as wool, cotton, silk, or bamboo, or synthetic fibers, such as acrylic, nylon, or polyester. Yarn can also be a blend of different fibers, such as wool and acrylic, or cotton and silk.
The fiber content of the yarn affects the texture, feel, and appearance of your crochet project, as well as how easy or difficult it is to work with, and how to care for it. Different fibers have different qualities, such as warmth, softness, durability, elasticity, breathability, and washability. Here are some of the most common fibers used for crochet, and their pros and cons:
| Fiber | Pros | Cons |
| Wool | Warm, soft, elastic, durable, breathable, water-resistant, natural | Can be itchy, allergic, expensive, felts easily, needs special care |
| Cotton | Cool, soft, smooth, durable, breathable, washable, natural | Can be heavy, stiff, inelastic, prone to shrinking, fading, and pilling |
| Acrylic | Cheap, easy to find, easy to work with, washable, durable, comes in many colors and textures | Can be scratchy, static, flammable, synthetic, not breathable, not eco-friendly |
| Silk | Luxurious, smooth, shiny, soft, strong, breathable, natural | Expensive, delicate, slippery, needs special care |
| Bamboo | Soft, smooth, shiny, breathable, eco-friendly, natural | Can be expensive, delicate, slippery, prone to splitting |
The fiber content of the yarn you choose depends on the purpose and style of your crochet project, as well as your personal preference and budget. Generally, you want to choose a fiber that suits the season, function, and look of your project.
For example, if you are making a summer top, you would use a cool and breathable fiber, such as cotton or bamboo. If you are making a winter hat, you would use a warm and elastic fiber, such as wool or acrylic. If you are making a luxury scarf, you would use a smooth and shiny fiber, such as silk or bamboo.
Color
The color of the yarn is one of the most fun and creative aspects of choosing the best yarn for crochet. The color of the yarn can make your crochet project stand out, complement your skin tone, or match your home decor. The color of the yarn can also affect the mood, style, and impression of your crochet project, such as bright, cheerful, elegant, or cozy.
The color of the yarn you choose depends on your personal taste, the theme or occasion of your project, and the color theory. Color theory is the study of how colors interact and influence each other, and how they affect human perception and emotion. Color theory can help you choose colors that harmonize, contrast, or complement each other, and create different effects, such as warm, cool, or neutral.
One of the most useful tools for applying color theory is the color wheel. The color wheel is a circular diagram that shows the relationship between the primary colors (red, yellow, and blue), the secondary colors (orange, green, and purple), and the tertiary colors (the mixtures of primary and secondary colors). The color wheel can help you find different color schemes, such as:
- Monochromatic: using different shades, tints, or tones of the same color. This creates a simple and harmonious effect.
- Analogous: using colors that are next to each other on the color wheel. This creates a warm or cool and cohesive effect.
- Complementary: using colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. This creates a contrast and vibrant effect.
- Triadic: using colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel. This creates a balanced and dynamic effect.
- Tetradic: using four colors that form a rectangle on the color wheel. This creates a complex and rich effect.
Here are some examples of how to use the color wheel to choose colors for your crochet project:
- If you want to make a monochromatic scarf, you could use different shades of blue, such as navy, royal, and sky blue.
- If you want to make an analogous blanket, you could use colors that are next to each other on the color wheel, such as yellow, orange, and red.
- If you want to make a complementary hat, you could use colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, such as purple and yellow.
- If you want to make a triadic pillow, you could use colors that are evenly spaced around the color wheel, such as green, orange, and purple.
- If you want to make a tetradic bag, you could use four colors that form a rectangle on the color wheel, such as blue, green, orange, and red.
Texture
The texture of the yarn refers to how the yarn feels and looks, such as smooth, rough, fuzzy, or shiny. The texture of the yarn affects the comfort, style, and appearance of your crochet project, as well as how easy or difficult it is to work with. Different textures can create different effects, such as cozy, elegant, or fun.
The texture of the yarn you choose depends on the type of project you are making, and the effect you want to achieve. Generally, you want to choose a texture that matches the purpose and style of your project. For example, if you are making a baby blanket, you would use a soft and smooth texture, such as cotton or acrylic. If you are making a shawl, you would use a shiny and drapey texture, such as silk or bamboo. If you are making a toy, you would use a fuzzy and fun texture, such as wool or eyelash yarn.
How to Find and Buy Best Yarn for Crochet Online
If you are looking for the best yarn for crochet, you might want to shop online. Shopping online can give you more options, better prices, and convenience. However, shopping online can also have some drawbacks, such as not being able to see, touch, or compare the yarn in person, or having to pay for shipping and wait for delivery.
Here are some tips on how to find and buy yarn online:
- Use a reputable online yarn store, such as [Yarn.com], [LoveCrafts], or [WeCrochet]. These are some of the most popular and trusted online yarn stores, where you can find a wide range of yarns, patterns, hooks, and accessories. You can also read customer reviews, ratings, and feedback to help you choose the best yarn for your project.
- Use the filters and categories to narrow down your search. Most online yarn stores have filters and categories that allow you to sort the yarns by weight, fiber, color, brand, price, and more. You can use these features to find the yarns that match your criteria and preferences. For example, if you are looking for a worsted weight cotton yarn in blue, you can use the filters to select the weight, fiber, and color, and see the available options.
- Read the product description and details carefully. The product description and details will give you more information about the yarn, such as the yardage, gauge, care instructions, and origin. You can also see the photos of the yarn, which can give you an idea of the texture and appearance. However, keep in mind that the photos may not reflect the true color of the yarn, due to different lighting, monitor, or camera settings. You can also check the customer reviews and ratings to see what other crocheters think of the yarn, and how it worked for their projects.
- Order a sample or a swatch if possible. The best way to know if a yarn is right for your project is to see and feel it in person. Some online yarn stores offer samples or swatches of their yarns, which you can order for a small fee or for free. This way, you can test the yarn for its weight, fiber, color, and texture, and see how it works with your hook and pattern. You can also compare different yarns and choose the one that suits you best.
- Check the shipping and return policies before you buy. The shipping and return policies of the online yarn store will affect the cost and convenience of your purchase. You want to check how much the shipping fee is, how long the delivery time is, and what the return and exchange options are. You also want to check if there are any discounts, coupons, or free shipping offers available. You want to choose an online yarn store that has reasonable and customer-friendly shipping and return policies, and that offers good value and service.
How to Care for Your Yarn and Crochet Projects
Once you have chosen and bought the best yarn for your crochet project, you want to take good care of it. Caring for your yarn and crochet projects will help them last longer, look better, and feel softer. Here are some tips on how to care for your yarn and crochet projects:
- Store your yarn properly. You want to store your yarn in a cool, dry, and dark place, away from direct sunlight, heat, and moisture. You also want to protect your yarn from dust, dirt, and pests, such as moths, beetles, or mice. You can use plastic bags, containers, or bins to store your yarn, and add some lavender, cedar, or mothballs to repel insects. You can also label your yarn with the name, weight, fiber, color, and quantity, so you can easily find and use it later.
- Wash your crochet projects carefully. You want to wash your crochet projects according to the care instructions of the yarn label, or the crochet pattern. Different yarns have different washing methods, such as hand wash, machine wash, or dry clean. You also want to use the appropriate water temperature, detergent, and drying method, depending on the yarn fiber. For example, wool yarns need to be washed in cold water, with mild detergent, and laid flat to dry, to prevent shrinking, felting, or stretching. Cotton yarns can be washed in warm water, with regular detergent, and tumble dried, to prevent wrinkling or fading.
- Block your crochet projects if needed. Blocking is a process of shaping and smoothing your crochet projects, using water, steam, or heat. Blocking can help your crochet projects achieve the correct size, shape, and drape, and make your stitches more even and defined. Blocking is especially useful for lace, cables, or motifs, or for projects that need to be seamed or joined. To block your crochet projects, you need to wet them, pin them to the desired shape and size, and let them dry. You can also use steam or heat to set the shape, depending on the yarn fiber. For example, wool yarns can be steamed or ironed, while acrylic yarns can be killed or melted with heat.
Conclusion
Choosing the best yarn for crochet can be a fun and rewarding experience, but it can also be overwhelming and confusing. By following these tips, you can learn how to choose the best yarn for crochet, based on yarn weight, fiber content, color, and texture. You can also learn how to find and buy yarn online, and how to care for your yarn and crochet projects. Remember, the best yarn for crochet is the one that you love and enjoy working with, and that makes your crochet project beautiful and unique. Happy crocheting, yarn addicts!
Source: (1) Choosing the Right Yarn | Crochet.com. https://www.crochet.com/learning-center/choosing-the-right-yarn. (2) How to Choose the Right Yarn for Your Crochet Project. https://crochetpedia.com/best-yarn-for-crochet/. (3) Choosing the Perfect Yarn for Your Crochet Project – Crochetree. https://crochetree.com/blogs/news/choosing-the-perfect-yarn-for-your-crochet-project. (4) Must Try Yarn for Crochet – Easy Crochet Patterns. https://easycrochet.com/best-yarn-for-crochet/.