Ready to start crafting, but completely overwhelmed by all your yarn choices? Found the perfect pattern but need the perfect yarn to bring your vision to life? Check out my tips for picking the perfect yarn for your next crochet project.
When I was first learning to crochet, I remember walking into the yarn section and feeling completely overwhelmed. I loved all the beautiful skeins and colors but I had NO clue how to pick the right yarn. I ended up picking a yarn that was not beginner friendly for my first project which led to many tears and much frustration! Thankfully, a good friend took me under her wing and helped me pick out the correct yarn for my project and I was happily hooked! Below are some basics to help take remove the frustration from your first yarn picks!
Yarn Labels:
Before I dive into the all the yarn loving goodness; first a few basics on reading yarn labels which is a must when picking yarn for your project. Your yarn label will tell you the yarn weight or thickness, recommended crochet hook size, gauge, care instructions, fiber content (ex. cotton, wool, etc…), color and dye lot (for color matching if you run out).
Weight:
If you are following a pattern, you will want to use the yarn and hook size recommended in the pattern instructions. Still not sure about the correct weight? Here is a basic guide for project and yarn weight. TIP: For beginners, I recommend starting with your basic 4-ply worsted weight yarn, as indicated on the label.
Here is a basic comparison guide for yarn:
Hook Size:
Generally speaking, the bulkier the yarn the bigger the hook, the finer the yarn the smaller the hook. There are a few exceptions, for example when making amigurumi you want smaller holes between stitches to hide your poly-fil, so you might use a slightly smaller hook than recommended for the yarn in order to make tighter stitches. Most crochet patterns will note a recommended hook size. If not, check your yarn label to see what size hook is recommended for your chosen yarn. TIP: For beginners, I recommend that beginners start with a 5 MM Hook.
Fiber:
Different yarn fibers have a different look or feel. If you are working from a pattern, it may recommend a particular brand or color. It is okay to switch brands, but I recommend you try to match both the yarn weight and fiber to achieve the look of the pattern project. TIP: For Beginners, I recommend you start with a soft acrylic or cotton yarn.
Color and Dye Lot:
Most patterns will make color recommendations, but these may be customized by the crafter. TIP: For beginners, I highly recommend that you avoid multicolored yarn or yarn that is overly shiny, as it can make it difficult to count chains or spot your stitches when you are first learning how to make the stitches.
Yarn color can vary from one dye lot to another, and I learned the hard way that even a subtle difference can become a glaring difference in color once completed. I recommend you pay attention to the color and dye lot for a proper color match by saving your label or noting the dye lot somewhere on your pattern.
Bringing it all together…
There are a lot of considerations when trying to pick the perfect yarn. If working from a pattern, I highly recommend you use the brand, weight, and colors recommended. If you are just getting started or experimenting with stitches I recommend you pick a basic, single color, 4-ply worsted weight yarn in either cotton or acrylic yarn. Once you are feeling comfortable with the basics, you will be ready to start experimenting with other weights, colors or types of yarns. Still, have questions? Or want to share your own yarn picking tips? Leave me a comment below. Happy Hooking!
