Does It Matter What Yarn You Use for Crochet?

As a brand-new crocheter, it may be difficult to determine which yarn size and type will be best for your crochet project. With so many different yarn options to choose from, you may find yourself asking the question: Does It Matter What Yarn I Use for Crochet? In this post, we will discuss why yarn matters in crochet, how to choose the right yarn for your project, and which yarns are best for beginners who are learning to crochet.

The answer is yes, it does matter what yarn you use for crochet. Crochet yarn is not different than any other kind of yarn, however, it is best to use a yarn weight that pairs well with the hook size you are using and one that works well for your desired project. For example, if you use a hook size that is smaller or larger than the recommended size for the yarn weight, you will end up with a denser or more loose fabric which will have an impact on the finished product.

Now let’s take a look at how to determine the perfect yarn for your next crochet project…

Does It Matter What Yarn You Use for Crochet?

The yarn that you use for crochet matters because the type and size of yarn that you use can drastically change the final result of your project. Things to consider, for example, are the warmth of the resulting fabric, texture, ethical standpoints of the yarn, and the time you have to finish your project. The type of yarn you choose to use for your project will depend on what type of project you are working on and the function that it needs to serve!

Do You Need Different Yarn for Crochet?

No! You can use the same types of yarn whether you are crocheting, knitting, or working on another craft project! The yarn you use will depend mostly on the desired look and feel of the final product. One distinction to make is that there is a difference between crochet thread and yarn. Most crochet projects will not use thread unless you are working on very intricate small projects.

How to Choose The Right Yarn for Your Project

Warmth: In order to choose the right yarn for your new project, you may want to consider several things including how warm or breathable you want your crochet item to be. This is especially important when making crochet clothing and accessories like scarves and hats.

The warmest yarn options on the market include lambswool, merino, cashmere, alpaca fleece, and mohair. The most breathable yarn options include cotton, bamboo fiber, linen, and hemp yarns. As a general rule, you should avoid fuzzy yarns when looking to make a lightweight material. For warmer climates, opt for fuzzier yarns when looking to make a heavier more insulating effect.

Texture: The texture of different yarns can vary drastically depending on the fiber type and blend and also based on the way that they were manufactured. Some examples of different manufacturing textures are synfoam, high twist, high bulk, crimped, curled, air textured, and stretch core yarn. Texture based on the fiber material can range from silky, smooth, fuzzy, or even rough.

Ethics: Another question that may be important to many people when choosing a yarn is whether or not it is vegan or environmentally friendly. Although natural yarns like wool, cotton, silk, and bamboo are biodegradable and renewable when compared to their synthetic counterparts such as acrylic and polyester, not all of these natural options are vegan. If you are focused on using vegan yarn, opt for those made out of plant fiber rather than animal fiber or silk.

Time: You may also want to think about how long you’re willing to spend finishing your project. Using a larger hook paired with a larger yarn weight will make finishing your project much faster than using a small hook and a thin yarn.

Generally, projects like socks often recommend a substantially thinner yarn and a smaller hook size and usually take several hours to days to finish, while some hats and scared may recommend a super bulky yarn and a large hook and can be finished within a couple of hours.

Yarn Weight vs. Hook Size

Yarn weight varies by the actual thickness of the yarn from thinnest (0) to thickest (7) and each yarn weight corresponds to a specific hook size. It is usually best to use the corresponding hook sizes and yarn weights together for the best resulting crochet item. You can find the information for the recommended hook size as well as yardage and washing instructions on the packaging label of most yarns.

A good way to know if a yarn is a good fit for your project before having to start over halfway through with a different weight or fiber is to create a test swatch. Simply create a small square of the stitch you will be using in your project to determine if it is a good fit.

0 Lace/Thread	(No. 1) 1.50 mm, (B-1) 2.25 mm, 2.50 mm
1 Super Fine	(C-2) 2.75 mm, (D-3) 3.25 mm
2 Fine	(E-4) 3.50 mm, (F-5) 3.75 mm
3 Light, Light Worsted	(G-6) 4.00 mm, (7) 4.50 mm, (H-8) 5.00 mm
4 Medium, Worsted	(I-9) 5.50 mm, (J-10) 6.00 mm, (K-11) 6.50 mm
5 Bulky, Chunky	7.00 mm, (L) 8.00 mm, (M/N) 9.00 mm
6 Super Bulky	(N/M) 10.00 mm, 12.00 mm
7 Jumbo	(P/Q) 15.00 mm, (Q) 16 mm

Which Yarn is Best for Crochet Beginners?

Finally, as a beginner, the best yarn is going to be a higher-weight yarn in the cheaper price range.

Choosing a larger yarn will allow you to finish your project faster and more easily see the stitches you are making. This will make for an all-around more enjoyable experience when learning to crochet as a beginner.

Look for a cheap, solid color worsted weight yarn at least for your first few projects.

In addition, beginners might be more comfortable using a lighter-colored yarn rather than dark color. This way, the stitches can be easily seen and worked into.

To learn more about the best yarn for your next crochet project, check out our articles:

The Benefits of Wool Yarn for Crochet

Best Cotton Yarn for Crochet: The Complete Guide

Is Acrylic or Cotton Yarn Better for Crochet?

My Favorite Beginner-Friendly Yarns

Here are a few affordable yarns that I personally love using and would recommend to any beginner crocheter or more advanced casual hobbyist.

I’ve made so many projects with these yarns and have found that they’re a good price for the yardage and are also good quality for getting started.

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