Best Yarn for Crochet Toys and Amigurumi
Amigurumi, the Japanese art of crocheting or knitting small, stuffed yarn creatures, has gained immense popularity in recent years for its whimsical charm and endless creative possibilities. Whether you're a seasoned amigurumi enthusiast or a beginner eager to dive into this delightful craft, selecting the right yarn is crucial for bringing your creations to life.
In this blog post, I will take you through everything you need to know about choosing yarn for amigurumi, from understanding yarn weight and fiber content to selecting the perfect colors and textures for your projects. Whether you're crafting cuddly animals, quirky characters, or adorable gifts for loved ones, I've got you covered with expert tips and recommendations to make your amigurumi creations truly stand out.
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Understanding Yarn Weights
Selecting the appropriate yarn weight is crucial for achieving the desired size and proportions in your amigurumi creations. Yarn weights are categorized on a scale ranging from lace (the lightest) to super bulky (the heaviest), with each weight producing a different result. Below is a useful reference chart that provides the names, symbols, and WPI (Wraps Per Inch) for various yarn weights. I have a full guide on yarn weights and WPI (wraps per inch) HERE.
P.S. I've prepared a convenient guide featuring this yarn weights chart in a printable PDF format. The guide, Mastering Crochet: Your Must-Have Guide to Crafting Like a Pro” is filled with indispensable information, often-overlooked techniques, and expert tips, this guide is a must-have for every crocheter. Get it HERE.
For smaller, more intricate amigurumi designs, such as miniature animals or tiny characters, a finer yarn weight like lace or fingering is typically preferred to ensure that the stitches remain tight and the details are finely rendered. Conversely, for larger amigurumi projects like stuffed animals or plush toys, opting for a bulkier yarn weight such as worsted or bulky can help expedite the crocheting process and create a more substantial finished product.
If you're new to crocheting amigurumi, I suggest starting with a classic worsted-weight yarn. This yarn type offers a wide range of options and is readily available at your local craft store.
Yarn Fiber Options
The choice of fiber can significantly impact the overall look, feel, and longevity of your amigurumi. Common yarn fibers used for amigurumi include acrylic, cotton, wool, and blends thereof. If you want to learn more about all the types of yarn fibers out there, click HERE.
1. Acrylic Yarn
Pro: Acrylic yarns are popular for their affordability, wide color range, and ease of care, making them an excellent choice for beginners and budget-conscious crafters.
Con: Acrylic yarn has its drawbacks, particularly in terms of durability. When I first ventured into making amigurumi, I opted for a budget-friendly acrylic yarn that seemed appealing initially. However, after four years of constant play by my children, the yarn has visibly deteriorated, with fibers becoming fuzzy and worn out.
2. Cotton Yarn
Pro: Cotton yarns offer a smooth, matte finish and are ideal for amigurumi projects that require a more structured look or will be subjected to frequent washing. I personally love the stitch definition that cotton yarns provide.
Con: 100% cotton yarn tends to lack elasticity compared to other yarn types like acrylic or wool. This can make it more challenging to achieve tight and uniform stitches, which is essential for creating sturdy amigurumi toys that don’t leak Polyfil everywhere. Additionally, cotton yarn may not hold its shape as well over time, especially with frequent handling, which could affect the overall appearance and longevity of the finished project.
3. Wool Yarn
Pro: Wool yarns, prized for their softness and elasticity, lend a cozy warmth to amigurumi creations and are particularly well-suited for winter-themed designs or gifts. The elasticity of wool yarn makes it easier to achieve tight and uniform stitches, resulting in sturdy and well-defined amigurumi toys.
Con: Wool may not be suitable for individuals with wool allergies. If you’re making an item for a new baby, always err on the side of caution and use hypoallergenic fibers. Additionally, some wool yarns can be more expensive than other types of yarn, which is not ideal for crafters on a tight budget, or if you are just starting out and not looking for an investment.
4. Yarn Blends
Yarn blends that combine natural and synthetic fibers tend to be best for amigurumi, as they offer a balance of durability, softness, and affordability. Here are a few popular yarn blends for amigurumi:
Acrylic and Polyester Blend: This blend combines the durability and affordability of acrylic with the softness and resilience of polyester. It's widely available, comes in a variety of colors, and is easy to care for, making it an excellent choice for amigurumi projects.
Cotton and Acrylic Blend: Blending cotton with acrylic adds softness and breathability to the yarn while maintaining its durability and washability. This blend is ideal for creating amigurumi toys that have a natural look and feel. Cotton and acrylic blends are my personal choice for creating amigurumi.
Wool and Acrylic Blend: Mixing wool with acrylic combines the warmth and elasticity of wool with the affordability and easy care of acrylic. This blend is suitable for amigurumi projects that require a bit of warmth and stretchiness.
If you’re new to crocheting amigurumi, I would suggest starting with a cotton and acrylic blend. The added cotton in the yarn creates well-defined stitches that are easy to see, perfect for learning. Also, because acrylic yarn is a synthetic fiber, there is a wide variety of inexpensive cotton acrylic blends.
Additional Considerations
One of my biggest challenges in selecting yarn for amigurumi is the frustratingly limited range of colors available. Often, I'll come across a fantastic, well-priced yarn blend that seems perfect for my project, only to find that it comes in a disappointingly restricted selection of colors. This can be particularly disheartening when trying to match a specific shade or create vibrant and eye-catching designs. Despite the abundance of yarn blends on the market, finding the perfect color palette to bring my amigurumi visions to life remains a constant struggle. However, I have compiled a list for you of my favorite yarn options for amigurumi.
Top Picks: Yarns Perfect for Amigurumi Creations
Knit Picks Comfy Worsted - a 75% pima cotton, 25% acrylic blend, this is my personal favorite yarn for amigurumi. This yarn combines the softness of acrylic with the durability of cotton.
Lion Brand Basic Stitch Anti Pilling - a 100% acrylic yarn that is made to be more durable than regular acrylic, even when machine washed. This is also a relatively inexpensive yarn, perfect for beginners.
Lion Brand Wool Ease - an 80% acrylic, 20% superwash merino blend that comes in a good variety of colors. This yarn is so soft and exudes a warmth, perfect for cozy items and cute winter characters.
Here is a video of this tutorial: