Is Acrylic or Cotton Yarn Better for Crochet?

There are so many different types of yarn to choose from when crocheting. Cotton and acrylic yarn are among the most common choices for crocheters, but which one is best? In this post, we’ll discuss whether acrylic yarn or cotton yarn is better for crocheting.

Acrylic yarn is typically better for crochet because it is beginner friendly and a good fit for most crochet projects. It is versatile and easier to work with than cotton yarn. Acrylic yarn also has more stretch than its cotton counterpart and is typically more affordable and accessible than most cotton yarns.

Acrylic and cotton yarn both have their own strong suits, and are each better suited for different types of crochet projects. They can both be equally as useful in your crochet yarn stash when used appropriately. Let’s take an in-depth look at which yarn will be best for your next project.

Acrylic vs. Cotton Yarn: An Overview

Acrylic Yarn	Cotton Yarn
Beginner Friendly	Difficult to Work With
Affordable & Accessible	More Expensive
Warm & Insulating	Breathable & Lightweight
Non-Environmentally Friendly	Environmentally Friendly
Lower Quality	Higher Quality
Easily Washable	Tendency to Bleed
Synthetic Fibers	Natural Fibers
Hypoallergenic	Non-Hypoallergenic
Does not Crease/Wrinkle Easily	Easily Wrinkles/Creases
Pils Easily	No Piling
Stretchy/Elastic	Stiff/Non-Elastic

Acrylic vs. Cotton

Acrylic Yarn

Pros of Acrylic Yarn

• Acrylic yarn is best for crochet beginners because it is usually a heavier-weight yarn and is also generally easier to work with than cotton yarn. It is more widely available in a variety of colors and variations compared to cotton yarn.
• It is typically more and accessible affordable than cotton yarns.
• It is stretchier than cotton yarn, which means that you can achieve tighter stitches and an overall more dense fabric than cotton yarn.
• Acrylic yarn is durable and machine washable. It won’t shrink or shed and can be washed along with everyday laundry.
• For those with a sensitivity to natural fibers, acrylic yarn is hypoallergenic because it is made with synthetic materials.
• Because acrylic yarn is not biodegradable, it has a much longer shelf life than cotton yarn and will store forever without attracting any pests.
• Acrylic yarn holds its shape much better than cotton yarn and will offer a better stitch definition.
• The fabric made from crocheting with acrylic yarn is both warm and not too heavy.

Cons of Acrylic Yarn

• Acrylic yarn items can be of lower quality than items produced with cotton yarn due to the cheaply made synthetic fiber content.
• Acrylic yarn is made with synthetic materials, therefore it is not recyclable, renewable, or biodegradable. This means that it is not generally healthy for the environment. To learn more about which yarns are and aren’t eco-friendly options, take a look at my article: How to Crochet More Sustainably.
• Acrylic yarn has a tendency to hold water and odors more than natural fiber yarns like cotton, so it is not well suited for outdoor exposure.
• Acrylic yarn can be unsafe to use for some crochet projects such as potholders. It should not be exposed to any type of flame or high temperatures as it is both flammable and likely to melt.
• It is not as soft as cotton yarn, and cheaper acrylic yarns may have a tendency to be scratchy or rough.
• Unlike cotton yarn, acrylic yarn is susceptible to piling after it has been washed or worn frequently.

Projects

Acrylic yarn is appropriate for crocheting items like blankets or afghans, hats, scarves, gloves, cardigans, sweaters, pillows, socks, and toys.

Conclusion

Acrylic yarn is a better option for crochet beginners and is both more affordably priced and more generally accessible. It is better suited for clothing items and projects that require a more insulating fabric as it is machine washable and highly durable.

Cotton Yarn

Pros of Cotton Yarn

• Because cotton yarn is made with natural fibers, it is easily dyeable, unlike acrylic yarn.
• Cotton yarn is much more breathable than acrylic yarn and is not itchy or rough. The lightweight fabric made from crocheting with cotton is good for warmer temperatures as the cellulose in the cotton fiber will pull heat away from the body.
• Cotton yarn is highly absorbent and has a great moisture-wicking effect.
• Cotton yarn is machine washable and grows softer with each wash. It is not susceptible to piling like acrylic yarn is.
• Cotton yarn creates a very distinct stitch definition which can create a very appealing effect.

Cons of Cotton Yarn

• Cotton yarn, unlike acrylic, is not elastic and will not stretch well. This will apply both to the resulting fabric made with cotton yarn and the increased difficulty when crocheting with it.
• Cotton yarn has a tendency to bleed and must be washed carefully with other clothing items.
• Cotton yarn can be difficult and slippery to work with.
• Inorganic cotton yarn can contain heavy amounts of pesticides.
• Fabric crocheted with cotton yarn

Projects

Cotton yarn is appropriate for items like potholders, washcloths, dishrags, cup cozies, face scrubbies, market bags, placemats, and plant hangers.

Conclusion

Cotton yarn is a better option for crochet projects that require lightweight or moisture-wicking material. It is also generally of a higher quality than acrylic yarn, stronger, and will produce consistently great results from project to project.

My Favorite Acrylic & Cotton Yarn

Here are a few of my top choices in both acrylic and cotton yarns.

To learn more about choosing the perfect yarn for your next crochet project, take a look at my article: Does It Matter Which Yarn You Use for Crochet?

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