[dropcap]B[/dropcap]eginners in the craft of crocheting may often practice a lot before they learn how to crochet. You can crochet with any kind of yarn or choose to use non fiber yarn-like as an alternative. As a beginner there are some yarn options that prove to be easier to work with so it best to begin with these options. The first decision you will need to make is what type of fiber you want to work with. The two options you have are animal fibers and plant fibers. The most common yarn choices are cotton, wool and acrylic. Each has its pros and cons although all the types of fibers are suitable for beginners.
Wool Yarn
If you want to practice your crochet stitches you might want to choose wool as it is a resilient fiber and can accommodate mistakes that beginners make. Most wool yarns are easy to unravel so you should not worry when you make err. As long as you don’t have any wool allergies, this is an excellent choice for crochet.
Cotton
Cotton is not an elastic fiber and this can make it challenging for you to crochet. However, this same quality can make it a great choice for certain projects where you prefer the item to be kept in shape. The heat during summer can make crocheting with wool a bit unpleasant. During such times, you can try cotton because it is lighter than wool.
Acrylic
Most crochet enthusiasts love to work with acrylic fiber. It is widely available and comes in a wide range of colors and is an affordable option than the other fibers. However, please be aware that most cheap acrylics are difficult to crochet with because they easily split apart. If this happens you can try to switch and use a different brand of acrylic or choose a different fiber altogether.
The more you get used to working with different yarn types, the easier it will become to know what kind of fiber you are working what just by looking at it or touching it.
Yarn vs. Crochet Thread
The fiber types discussed above primarily refer to yarn and not crochet thread. The thread is mostly available in cotton or acrylic. Most people find it easier to work with yarn than crochet thread. That is why there are beginners who have decided to just start working with crochet thread right from the beginning. It is a good choice especially if you make lightweight lacy items such as tablecloths.
Checking for the Weight
Yarn is thicker than crochet thread and there are varying levels of thickness. This thickness is what is called weight. You can find the weight written on its label which is numbered 1-7 with 1 representing the thinnest to the thickest. Beginners are best suited to work with number 4 as it is a good medium yarn. Number 5 is bulky weight and works for some people well but might not be easy for beginners. Preferences differ from person to person so don’t be afraid to try various options.
You should remember to use the correct size of crochet hook that is recommended for the yarn weight you are using. Most modern brands will specify the weight on the label.
Additional Tips and Considerations
Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when looking for the best yarn for your crocheting project:
- Texture: choose a smooth yarn instead of a textured one. Avoid eyelash ones especially for your first several projects. These can be frustrating o work with.
- Color: choose light and not dark yarn. Darker shades make it hard for you to see your stitches as you crochet.
- Price: the price will vary from fiber to fiber and will also depend on brand. Select among the most affordable yarns so that you can get to know the craft without investing a lot of money. These can be cotton and acrylic as they are the most affordable.
- Yardage: each ball of yarn will come in different yardage amounts. You can find two balls of beaten wool that cost the same price. In such a case, check at the yardage to ensure each ball has the same amount of yarn.
- Color Dye: if you are have a large project of crocheting that needs more than one ball of yarn then it is important to ensure the colors match. Check for the dye lot in the label to confirm if all the balls are from the same dye lot number. This will guarantee there are no significant differences between them.
- Washing details: there will be varying washing instructions depending on the fiber type. It is important to follow these directions if you will crochet something to wear. Wool is safe to put in the water and dryer. However, there is a type of wool that shrinks in the dryer and requires only hand washing and should be dried flat. All this information will be available in the label.
- Ethics and yarn: you may have your opinion regarding sustainable yarn choices and other decisions in relation to your personal ethics around animals and the environment. If you feel that this will be a major concern, you can find a lot of helpful information to aid your selection.
Take Home
The most important thing you need to remember is that any type of yarn can be good for crocheting project. As such, there is no need to stress yourself worrying too much about how to choose the perfect one. As a beginner you will just need to try out different fabrics and see the one that is easier to work with. After some time trying out different types of fabrics, you will slowly master the ones that work best for you. For those with allergies, they might want to select the kind of fabric that will not affect them. Otherwise, you can have a lot of fun while crocheting and trying out various creative patterns.
