Written by: Kristen Moore

Published on 11/21/23

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I LOVE talking about yarn.

Although I’ve been crocheting for quite some time, It’s only been over the last 3-4 years that I have learned more in depth about the different fibers and what they’re best used for. Such as cotton is great for projects like dishcloths, towels, and even plant holders because it absorbs water. However, polyester or acrylic won’t absorb well so you probably wouldn’t want to choose them for those types of projects. If you’re making garments, cotton is a great choice for something breathable and lightweight. But if you live in a colder climate, you may want to choose a good wool blend of some sort. Anyway, one day I may write a post about different fibers, but today I want to share the main yarns I use for almost all my projects!

I could talk about yarn all the time but I’ll try not to make this too long. I really can’t pick one favorite type of yarn so I figured I’d write up a fun post listing all of my current favorites and some of the projects I like using them for!

Years ago, I ONLY used acrylic yarn because it was what I was most familiar with and what I learned to crochet with. I didn’t know much at all about the different types of fibers then, and I tend to gravitate towards what’s familiar to me anyways. All I can say now is I am SO glad I learned to branch away from my comfort zone of yarn types and not only learn about and try making projects with other yarn, but DESIGNING projects with different yarn too.

Sometimes using a new type of yarn is intimidating. You don’t want to spend the money on something you aren’t sure you’ll love, or don’t really know what project to use it for. If you’re anything like me, my perfectionism often gets in the way and scares me away from trying new yarn if there’s the risk I won’t like it.

But, if I kept letting that perfectionism get in the way I never would have discovered all of the amazingly beautiful types of yarn there are to explore and all the projects you can use them for.

All of that being said, here’s my super fun list of yarn I’ve been LOVING lately!

1. Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick

Let’s start with Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick and Quick! It’s a super bulky wool/acrylic blend and is AMAZING for so many projects. It's sturdy and soft and comes in so many of the most amazing colorways. I feel like they add new colorways somewhat often as well, which is always really fun! From solid colorways to variegated, you really can't go wrong!

Here are a few patterns I’ve made with this yarn:

Alpenglow Stocking - Pattern by Junebug and James

Kent Christmas Ornaments - Pattern by Hearth and Wool

Smokey Mountain Bear - Pattern by Rachel the Farmer's Wife

Paine Headband - Pattern by CJ Design Blog

Costa Beanie - Pattern by CJ Design Blog

The Alpenglow Stocking - Pattern by Junebug & James

Made with Lion Brand Wool Ease Thick & Quick in the following colorways: Red Beacon (left) and Starlight (right).

2. WeCrochet/KnitPicks Dishie Cotton

My next favorite yarn is Dishie Cotton! This yarn is made with 100% cotton. I used Dishie Cotton for the first time this year and was totally hooked (pun intended). From dishcloths to toddler bags to little stockings, this yarn is absolutely beautiful. I think the best part about this yarn is the amazing colorway selection they have!

Dishie Cotton Yarn

A gorgeous selection of colorways!

I feel like some of the cotton yarn I was introduced to growing up was really scratchy and I just didn’t think you could do much with it aside from dishcloths. But, I started seeing other maker’s amigurumi projects made with cotton yarn and they just looked SO neat and clean to me. After asking other makers, I learned that a lot of them use cotton yarn for their amigurumi makes over acrylic yarn. The stitch definition of cotton yarn, specifically Dishie cotton, is so so good! In addition to the amazing colorway selection, Dishie Cotton has such a great feel to it. It's sturdy with almost a waxy feel which helps it keep great stitch definition while being softer than other cottons I've used. I'm certainly a fan!

Here are a few patterns I’ve made with this yarn:

Seward Dishcloth and Dish Towel - Pattern by Junebug and James

Reagan Bitty Bags - Pattern by Pretty in Pate

Amka Snow Doll - Pattern by Junebug and James

Mini Amka & Miki Dolls - Pattern by Junebug and James

The Sweetheart Hand Towel - Pattern by Junebug and James

String of Pearls - Pattern by A Menagerie of Stitches

The Wonderland Gnomes - Pattern by Raven and Jade

3. Bernat Blanket Yarn

Of course, I can’t get through this post without mentioning the wonderful Bernat Blanket yarn! I used to think I was a worsted weight amigurumi gal, but I have really gained a new love of Bernat Blanket. From snugglers & plushies to Christmas ornaments & keychains, this yarn is seriously the most fun to work with. Oh, and can’t forget blankets! I designed my first super bulky weight blanket with this yarn earlier in the year and it’s been one of my best selling patterns ever since.

Here are a few patterns I’ve made with this yarn:

Perceval Puffin - Pattern by Junebug and James

Hunley Hound & Teacup Pup - Pattern by Mama Made Minis & Stitch Sister Co.

Apollo Astronaut - Pattern by Stitch Sister Co.

Kindred Spirit Mini Dolls - Pattern by Poema Studio

Monty Moose - Pattern by The Cosy Stitch

Bald Eagle Chubby Birdie Buddy - Pattern by The Cosy Stitch

Midnight Owl - Pattern by Of Sticks and Yarn

Luna Bunny - Pattern by My Dear Knot

Mabel Chicken - Pattern by Oak and Marlow

Sicily Squirrel - Pattern by Gold n Spun

The Whimsy Cone - Pattern by Junebug and James

The Granny Garden Blanket - Pattern by Junebug and James

Della Duck - Pattern by Shop Mod Threads

Perceval Puffin - Pattern by Junebug & James.

This Perceval was made using Bernat Blanket in the following colorways: White, Black, Burnt Yellow and Orange Leaf.

4. Loops & Threads Chenille Home Slim

I used Home Slim for the first time just a few months ago and completely fell in love! It is the most dreamy, soft yarn and comes in beautiful colors. The jewel tones are just to die for! Once again, you can use this yarn for amigurumi, ornaments, blankets, loveys, and really anything of that sort. The only thing I would say about this yarn is to make sure you have a lint roller handy when you're working with it because it sheds A LOT. I usually have fluff all over my clothes after working with it. It's also a little tricky for sewing and weaving in ends, so keep that in mind when you're choosing it for a project. It might be best to use with low or no sew projects!

Here are a few patterns I've made with this yarn:

The Dahlia Lovey - Pattern by Junebug and James

The Wonderland Gnomes - Pattern by Raven and Jade

The Magical Elf - Pattern by Raven and Jade

Perceval Puffin - Pattern by Junebug and James

The Alpenglow Stocking - Pattern by Junebug and James

Luna Bunny - Pattern by My Dear Knot

The Bloom Pillow - Pattern by Bobbles and Blooms

Benni Bear - Pattern by Shop Mod Threads

No-Sew Whale - Pattern by Stitch by Fey

The Dahlia Lovey - Pattern by Junebug & James

This Dahlia Lovey was made using Loops & Threads Chenille Home Slim in the following colorways: Pearl, Rose, Boysenberry, Mustard, and Fog

5. Lion Brand Color Theory Yarn

Last summer I was trying to find some yarn to make a baby blanket for a friend of mine having a sweet baby. I know there are a lot of great yarns to use for baby blankets, but I just couldn't quite find the colors I wanted. But then I came across Lion Brand and Two of Wands Color Theory yarn and really liked the look of it. When I got it in I was a little hesitant on if I'd like it or not, but once I started working with it I completely fell in love. I LOVED the feel and light weight of the baby blanket it produced. I also used it to make decorative crocheted pumpkins and was so happy with how they came out! It's definitely a yarn on my list that I'll be ordering again soon.

Here are a few patterns I’ve made with this yarn:

September Blanket - Pattern by Junebug and James

The Knot-so-Knit Pumpkin - Pattern by Junebug and James

The Resonance Wrap - Pattern by Two of Wands

The September Blanket - Pattern by Junebug & James

This September Blanket was made using Color Theory yarn in the following colorways: Himalayan Salt, Tourmaline, and Moonbeam

I hope you enjoyed this little list of my recent favorite yarns and what I've been making with them! I seriously have such a diverse interest in the things I enjoy creating - from amigurumi to scarves and blankets. But, that's what makes this life as a crocheter so much fun, right?! You can make whatever you want and whatever takes your interest! There is such a VAST variety and really not many rules.

Finally, I want to leave you with the challenge today to try at least ONE new type of yarn this week. If you love it, then you found something new to express your creativity with! If not, that's okay too! Trial and error is ALL a part of the creative process. It happens to me too, and I've learned how beneficial it can be to my growth in this journey.

If you end up using any of these patterns and sharing your creations on social media be sure to tag the designers so they can see your beautiful work!

Happy crocheting!