Have you ever stood in the yarn aisle, overwhelmed by the rainbow of options before you, wondering which skein will bring your amigurumi to life? You’re not alone.
Choosing yarn for amigurumi isn’t just about picking a color; it’s about finding the right amigurumi yarn that complements your project, ensuring durability, texture, and the perfect cuddle factor.
When I embarked on my amigurumi journey two years ago, the vast sea of yarn choices seemed daunting. From deciphering yarn weights to comparing fibers and hues, the process was more complex than I anticipated.
But fear not! My adventure through the world of yarns has equipped me with valuable insights, and I’m here to guide you through choosing the right yarn for your amigurumi creations. This article is crafted from my experiences, aiming to demystify the selection process so you can dive straight into crafting with confidence. Let’s unravel the mystery of amigurumi yarn together, ensuring your next project is as enchanting as envisioned.
Things you need to consider when choosing yarn for amigurumi yarn
Before diving into the vast world of yarn for amigurumi, it’s crucial to arm yourself with knowledge. The yarn weight, compatibility with amigurumi patterns, and differences among yarn brands play pivotal roles in the success of your project. Let’s explore these key factors to ensure your amigurumi turns out just as you envision, combining quality, texture, and durability to bring your adorable creations to life.
What should I consider when choosing the best yarn for amigurumi?
While it’s tempting to think any yarn will do, not all yarns are suitable for creating the perfect stuffed toy.
When you’re embarking on your amigurumi journey picking the right yarn is crucial. You will need to consider:
- The size of the finished project.
- Your experience level.
- What colors are available.
- Who you are making the project for.
- How much the yarn costs and it’s availability.
What size will your finished project be?
Selecting the best yarn for your amigurumi involves more than just picking a color.
Your yarn weight will impact the size of your crochet amigurumi in a big way. If you want your final pieces to be on the smaller side you’ll need a lower number weight yarn. But if you want your next amigurumi project to be big and soft, a large weight yarn will be the a step in the right direction.
Consider the yarn’s weight. Dk weight, or double knit yarn, is often recommended for its versatility and ease of use. Understanding different yarn weights, from chunky yarn to lighter options, can significantly impact your amigurumi’s texture and size, guiding you to your perfect yarn choice.
If you’re following a pattern you’ll want to strongly consider using the same weight of yarn that the pattern designer recommends so that your piece comes out the right size and you buy enough yarn to complete the project. Need a pattern? Checkout the free patterns on Ravelry as a starting place!
Who are you making the amigurumi for?
Creating huggable plushies, crochet toys, or a crochet doll? Knowing the recipient guides your yarn choice. A soft, washable yarn is perfect for a child’s gentle embrace, while a more durable option might suit a decorative piece. Consider who will cherish your creation to ensure it brings joy for years to come.
For smaller amigurumi dolls a cotton or acrylic worsted weight yarn or dk yarn are fantastic choices!
If you’re trying to make a plushie style stuffed animal a bulky weight yarn such as blanket yarn, chenille yarn or thick polyester yarn are fantastic choices.
What Colors are Available?
The color palette of yarn suitable for your crochet toys can significantly influence the project’s appearance. From vibrant hues to pastel tones, novelty yarn offers an array of choices. Selecting the right colors is crucial in bringing your amigurumi to life, making it as unique as your creativity allows.
I find that Paintbox DK cotton yarns is among the best cotton yarn since they are high quality and have over 60 color options!
For novelty chunky yarn Premier Parfait Chunky yarns are super soft and offer over 50 color options!
There are of course other options at local retailers but I find that the color options offered are more limited and harder to consistently find.
What is your experience level?
If you’re new to tackling amigurumi projects you will likely want to use a lower weight yarn, with clear stitch definition. Crystal clear stitch definition will allow you to see your work and count your stitches.
Super bulky weight yarn, especially chenille yarn, yields a soft result but has poor stitch definition, which makes it hard to count your stitches if you are just getting started.
Chenille yarn might seem like a cozy option, but its texture and weight can affect the final look and feel of your project. It’s also an often times frustrating yarn to work with for beginner amigurumi artists.
What material is the yarn made from?
When selecting yarn for your project, the material is key.
Cotton Yarns
Cotton yarn is favored for its softness and ease of use, making it ideal for amigurumi that require intricate detail. I’ve made a ton of amigurumi toys and animals using Lion Brand 24/7 cotton yarn. This yarn works up wonderfully with fantastic stitch definition. This worsted yarn is relatively cheap and allows beginner crocheters to see their stitches and catch mistakes when they happen.
Polyester Yarns
Polyester bulky yarns like chenille yarn are great yarn options for making soft, huggable stuffed animals.
Bulky yarn is my preferred yarn. I love making amigurumi crochet projects that are soft and huggable. Bulky weight yarn can take the form of faux fur yarn, plush yarn and chenille style yarn. The following are excellent novelty yarns:
Acrylic Yarns
While acrylic yarn is widely available and comes in an array of vibrant colors, it may not always be the best choice for your amigurumi projects. Unlike cotton yarn, acrylic lacks the breathability and natural softness ideal for cuddly companions.
Additionally, acrylic yarn can vary in texture and stiffness, which might not yield the most huggable results. Moreover, the yarn label often suggests care instructions that might not be suitable for toys meant to withstand frequent handling and washing. Opting for cotton or a cotton blend can provide the durability, softness, and ease of care essential for creating lasting, lovable crochet toys.
Yarn To Avoid
It’s also worth talking about what yarn to not use. Fiber content matters. Sport weight yarn tends to be too thin and so does fingering weight yarn. Any wool yarn, including superwash wool or merino wool, are not great options either as they split easily and lack durability.
How much does it cost and where can I buy it?
Considering how much yarn you’ll need is vital when planning your amigurumi project.
Selecting yarn isn’t just about the quality; it’s also about finding options that offer excellent stitch definition within your budget.
Yarn can be purchased from local craft stores, online marketplaces, or specialty yarn shops, giving you a range of price points and quality options to choose from.
The following places are good options when shopping for yarn online:
