Choosing Yarn

The patterns, designs and styles you choose for your crochet projects are probably the first thing to inspire you, but the yarn you choose is as crucial to the success of your crochet project.

Cheap or expensive yarn what’s the difference? 

Cheap doesn’t always mean inferior, as a better guide, gauge the yarn content against what it is you are making. Important is the yardage on the ball band and bear in mind that not all yarns of the same gauge and weight per ball or skein produce the same amount of yarn. Some expensive yarns for example have a greater yardage than cheaper equivalents.

Bamboo yarn is usually artificially produced yarn. Depending on the spinner this yarn is very soft with a slight sheen, perfect for classy crochet shawls. It often has a lower yardage per ball and can be expensive, so keep it for special projects. King Cole and Sirdar have a lovely range of bamboo yarns.
Cashmere and merino yarn blends are grown up yarns! Soft and luxurious they are perfect for special crochet clothing and scarves.  Debbie bliss and Rowan both have a good range of cashmere blends.

Wool the original yarn with cotton for crochet is warm as is angora and alpaca, usually blended they are perfect for crochet garments and make very warm soft scarves. They are usually at the pricier end of the market with lower yardages. When it comes to pure wool try the Rowan range,  Wensleydale Wools and Uist yarns. Hard wearing cotton is perfect for rugs and provides rigidity so is ideal for crochet baskets. For cotton yarns it has to be Sugar N cream!

Acrylic yarns and blends wash well and are hard wearing with some specifically spun for baby projects perfect for baby clothes and adult scarves and cushions.  Both Caron and Sirdar have a wide range of acrylic blend baby yarns.

Should you stick to the yarn recommended in the pattern?

There is no doubt that yarns of the same weight vary greatly in the finish they produce. I’ve experimented with different yarns of the same weight and the same pattern and produced very different results, from smaller stitches to different length and different widthways tension. If you want to use an alternative yarn to the one recommended in your pattern check your tension carefully and adjust your hook size as necessary.

Should you go for mass produced or independent spinner and dyer?

Hand dyed yarn is gorgeous, try Eden Cottage range, and usually produces unique colour ways. If your project is a gift or something for a special occasion then buying from an independent dyer is the one to go for. If it’s a gift make sure your recipient knows that you’ve used a special yarn.

Colour choice 

Mass produced yarn ranges offer the greatest choice of colours. The more popular the yarn the bigger the choice of colours. Acrylic baby yarn blends usually come in a wide range as do economy yarn ranges.