Learn to Crochet: What Type of Yarn Should I Buy?

You're eager to learn to crochet and head to the store to browse the yarn aisle. Amazed at the colors and textures available, you can't wait to get your crochet hook into the gorgeous yarns displayed in a variety of fibers. But what type of yarn should you buy?

What Will the Yarn Be Used For?
Before choosing the yarn for your project, you'll need to decide on the project itself and what it will be used for. Not all yarn is suitable for every type of crochet pattern. Some yarns are costly and require more care and may not be the best choice for clothing or baby blankets, while others feel luxurious against the skin and would make a silky-soft sweater. Many specialty yarns are difficult to work with and a beginner may get frustrated and give up crochet before really giving it a chance.

If you're just learning to crochet, start with a small project, perhaps a dishcloth, scarf or baby blanket.

What Yarn is Best for a Scarf?
Acrylic yarn is less costly per ounce than specialty yarns and can be found in any craft or sewing store as well as WalMart. The number of colors available makes acrylic yarn a good choice to crochet a scarf. It may seem rough to the touch at first, but will soften up nicely after laundering. Acrylic yarn doesn't shrink, and retains its shape well after repeated washing and drying.

What Yarn is Best for a Dishcoth?
Because of what the cloth will be used for, dishcloths should be crocheted from an absorbent fiber that is also strong. Cotton yarn (not thread) is both strong and absorbent and a good choice to make dishcloths and washcloths. Also called kitchen cotton, it holds up well to repeated laundering, although it may shrink slightly in the first wash. Cotton yarn can be purchased in a small ball that will make one or two dishcloths, or the larger cone with enough yarn for several projects.

What Yarn is Best for a Baby Blanket?
Crocheted baby blankets can be made from acrylic or cotton yarn, but acrylic is my personal choice. Cotton may shrink and not hold its shape well after repeated washings (which may be fine for a dishcloth, but not a potential family heirloom). If you want a soft, natural fiber for your baby blanket, you might try bamboo yarn. I wouldn't recommend the more costly bamboo yarn for your first attempt at crochet, but certainly keep the more eco-friendly choice in mind for future projects.

If you've decided on the pattern and yarn for your first project but still confused about crochet hooks, you might find this helpful. Need color inspiration? Look here.

Source:
Personal experience