If you are wondering why it is important for you to know about the types of crochet thread, you should know that, if you are already a crochet artist, knowing them will help you to diversify your next pieces and give them a better finish.
On the other hand, if you are just starting in the DIY world, learning about the different types of yarns to knit is an excellent starting point, as this is the basis for creating any yarn project that you propose in the future.
Remember that a knitting lover’s pencil case should have some essential crochet knitting supplies: crochet needles, scissors, stitch markers, measuring tape and, of course, your raw material: crochet thread.
So, if you have no idea about the types of crochet thread you can use to create garments, accessories, decorative objects or any other crochet craft, continue reading this article until the end to learn all about it!
In this article, you will discover all about the types of crochet thread, as we will talk about their different classifications and, at the end, you will be ready to grab your needles and start. In addition, we will tell you which is the best thread for crochet knitting, so you will no longer have to spend hours and hours searching on Google for the answer.
shall we get started?
what are the types of yarns to crochet?
Before we delve into the types of crochet yarns that exist, we’ll talk a little bit about crochet technique.
To begin with, if you are still not clear about what this practice consists of, you should know that crochet is a hand knitting technique that consists of using a needle, known as a hook or crochet hook, to create a knitting mesh with any type of yarn.
According to Todo Crochet, “crochet can be used for a variety of purposes, as it is possible to make quilts, cushions, pillowcases, table centerpieces, clothing, etc”.
As you can see, although the options for crochet crafts are many, when you discover all the types of crochet yarn that exist, you will have even more possibilities to create new designs and improve your finishes.
For example, knitting a sweater is not the same as making an amigurumi, the different types of yarns and wools for crochet knitting give us different results. That’s why it’s crucial that you know how to distinguish them from each other, your next projects depend on it!
“The yarns you choose will be key to achieve the desired effect. From the yarn we can define the type of coat the garment will have, the drape it will have on the body and also the cost it will take you to make it.”
So, you are probably wondering, what kind of yarn is used for crochet knitting? what are the different types of yarn for knitting? Relax, our expert will help us get those answers.
While any type of yarn can be knitted, Maria Julia comes to the rescue and helps us understand the main types of crochet yarns most commonly used because they are the easiest to find and the most affordable in price.
Thus, there are 3 types of crochet thread classified according to their characteristics:
The type of fiber
The gauge
The presentation
Each has its own characteristics and purposes, so we will look at the names of yarn types for crochet knitting in more detail below.
Image: Unsplash
Types of yarns for crochet according to the fiber
Classifying the types of yarns to crochet according to the fiber allows us to make a general tour of the entire offer that exists on the market. Basically, yarns for crochet knitting can be differentiated into 2 types, according to their origin: synthetic or natural.
1. Synthetic fibers
Synthetic fibers are manufactured from petroleum, which may also have some mixture with another material. These additions give the crochet thread different qualities such as brightness, elasticity and texture .
These types of crochet thread are the most economical and easily accessible option, besides they are resistant to moths, fungus, sunlight and do not cause allergies.
Among the crochet yarns with synthetic fibers we find:
Cashmilon
Acrylic
Nylon
Polyester
Lurex
Lycra
Polyamide
Cotton Acrylic
Elastic
Keep in mindthat these types of crochet yarns can be made with different finishes, for example, there are some yarns that look very bright and flashy, while others look more “traditional” and dull. Also, some yarns are tighter and others are easier to unravel.
So, in order for you to know which of all the types of crochet thread to buy when you approach a knitting yarn distributor, let’s get to know some of the differences.
Silken yarn
Also known as perle yarn or mercerized yarn, it is a crochet thread whose strands have a high shine, a satin effect, great softness and a very firm finish. They can be 100% synthetic, or you can find them as an amalgam between natural and artificial fibers.
Tinted yarns
This is one of the brightest types of crochet thread available. As it has an acrylic finish, its tone has a more balanced brightness compared to the silky one. You can find it in several colors or in different shades of the same color.
Opaque aryl yarn
this crochet thread has a matte finish and is generally the most commonly used in garments. It is also considered one of the most economical types of crochet thread and comes in a wide range of colors.
2. Natural fibers
The natural fibers in crochet yarns come from two sources:
Plants: they are extracted from their different parts such as leaves, stems, seeds and fruits.
Animals: they can be made from their hair or secretion.
These types of crochet yarns may or may not be organic and eco-friendly, it all depends on the process by which they are made. Generally, crochet yarns with natural fibers are used to create garments, as they allow air to breathe.
Some examples of crochet yarns with natural fibers are as follows:
Cotton yarn
A natural, plant-based crochet thread that comes from the seeds of the cotton plant, it is ideal for summer and mid-season garments.
Cotton crochet thread comes in different thicknesses:
Fine: it has 3 strands of twisted cotton.
Intermediate: has 8 smaller strands.
do you want to create crochet clothes with a professional finish? If you use the thinner cotton crochet threads, you will give much more movement and delicacy to the garments you crochet .
As an added bonus, it is one of the types of crochet thread that comes in a wide range of colors, mainly with an opaque finish.
Bamboo yarn
Bamboo yarn is obtained from the leaves of this plant. It is considered to be one of the silkiest and smoothest textured types of crochet or crochet yarns .
As an additional feature, garments made with bamboo yarn do not irritate the skin and help to protect it against UV rays. Without a doubt, this is a good added value, don’t you think?
They are durable crochet yarns with a shiny finish. Also, they are recommended to let air pass through and allow the skin to breathe.
Wool yarn
Wool is a crochet thread of natural origin. It can be extracted from the cut or combed hair of different species such as:
Sheep: from these we have Merino, Shetland, Correidale wool, among others.
Camelids: from these we have alpaca, camel or llama wool.
Angora rabbits: from these we obtain Angora wool.
Kashmir goats: Kashmir wool is obtained.
One of the most outstanding characteristics of the types of wool for crochet knitting is that they can regulate the natural temperature.
Additionally, keep in mind that the quality of the wool yarn may vary according to these factors:
The animal it comes from
The part of the body from which the fiber is extracted.
According to the type of fiber thickness
Either way, no matter what wool is used for crochet, this is the yarn that provides the most warmth
Silk fiber
Silk is extracted from the single filament that the silkworm secretes to build its cocoon. imagine the work required to disassemble the cocoon to extract this filament without breaking it! It’s certainly a painstaking process, but the result is one of the most delicate, light and subtly shimmering types of crochet yarn.
Image: Unsplash
Types of crochet yarns by gauge
Gauge refers to the thickness of the line or yarn, so depending on the gauge of your crochet thread, you’ll have a lighter, more delicate finish, or a thicker, bulkier one.
Although standardization is still in progress in all countries, especially in Latin America, according to the Craft Yarn Council (CYC), yarn gauge is classified into 8 categories, with 0 corresponding to the finest yarns and 7 for the thickest yarns.
this can serve you as a guide to know the types of crochet yarn!
1. Category 0 – Lace
The first of the crochet thread types according to gauge has the following characteristics:
You can knit 15 or more turns per inch (WPI).
They are made of 1 or 2 strands
The type of yarn is Fingering
looking for a yarn to crochet tablecloths? This is ideal for creating very fine decorative pieces and thin fabrics.
2. Category 1 – Super fine
Continuing with our guide to crochet thread types, if you want to create slightly thicker pieces, keep these characteristics in mind:
You can knit between 14 to 30 turns per inch (WPI).
They are made of 3 or 4 strands
The type of yarn is Sock, Fingering and Baby.
Suitable for crocheting shawls and socks.
3. Category 2 – Fine
do you have a little one at home? This knitting yarn is ideal for making light garments and baby clothes, take into account its characteristics:
You can knit 12 to 18 turns per inch (WPI)
They are made of 5 strands
The type of yarn is Sport and Baby.
In addition, its texture is very fresh and does not irritate delicate skins.
On the contrary, if your goal is to make thick and warm clothes, from this point on in our list of the types of crochet yarn according to gauge, you will know the most suitable thicknesses. Let’s start with the thinnest but strongest.
4. Category 3 – Light
If you want to opt for this category, you should consider the following:
You can give between 11 and 15 turns per inch (WPI).
Made of 8 strands
The type of yarn is DK (double knitting) and Light Worsted.
So, if you came to this post looking for a yarn to knit swimwear, this is the one for you!
5. Category 4 – Medium
Among the thick yarn types, this is one of the most versatile:
You can give between 9 to 12 turns per inch (WPI).
They are made of 10 to 12 strands.
The yarn types are Worsted, Afghan and Aran.
With this category of our list of crochet yarn types, you can make vests, blankets, hats and scarves – great for winter!
6. Category 5 – Bulky
Let’s look at another of the bulky yarn types for hand knitting:
You can knit between 6 to 9 turns per inch (WPI).
They are made of 12 to 16 strands
The type of yarn is Chunky, Craft and Rug
This category of our list of crochet yarn types by gauge is ideal for making jackets, blankets and rugs, as it is very sturdy.
7. Category 6 – Super bulky
The penultimate category of our list of types of crochet thread, will allow you to make very warm garments:
You can knit 5 to 6 rovings per inch (WPI).
The yarn type is Super Bulky and Roving.
It is ideal for making maxi sweaters, blankets and rugs. you will never be cold again!
8. Category 7 – Jumbo
Finally, we introduce you to the thickest crochet thread of all:
You can knit between 1 to 4 turns per inch (WPI).
The type of yarn is Jumbo and Roving.
You don’t need a needle to knit it, as you can knit it directly by hand.
Image: Unsplash
Types of yarns for crochet according to the presentation
Finally, the last type of yarn for crochet knitting that we are going to review has to do with the presentation, that is, with the “packaging” that the crochet yarn has for sale. These are some of the presentations you can find:
Factory yarn balls
Doughnut type factory balls
Handmade balls made with a hand crocheter
Hanks
Cones
See what these types of yarns look like for crocheting:
Image: Crochet knitting techniques online course
what is the best yarn to crochet?
If you are just starting to take your first steps in the art of crochet knitting, Maria Julia Mackeprang recommends starting with a synthetic, medium-thickness crochet yarn .
This is due to the following reasons:
They are easy to find.
They are inexpensive.
There is a lot of variety in colors and thicknesses.
Garments woven in this require very little care when washing.
However, as you become more experienced with knitting, you will notice that each type of crochet thread has its advantages and disadvantages. For example, working with wool gives you a beautiful finish and lots of warmth, but it involves dealing with balls of material that can come loose in the process.
In the end, it also comes down to identifying what kind of crochet craft you want to make. So what should you consider when choosing a type of yarn to crochet?
The tension you give to your knitting.
The weight you want for your finished piece.
The drape you are looking for.
Recommendations for choosing the best yarns for crocheting
To help you make a better decision, we will give you 3 specific cases that will help you identify which yarn is better for crocheting.
To make an amigurumi for a baby:
You can work with a synthetic and heavy gauge crochet yarn. You will have a more puffy and resistant toy.
To make a light blouse for the beach:
We recommend you knit with a fine gauge, natural fiber crochet thread. The material is cool, lets the wind pass through your skin and balances your temperature.
To make a decorative tablecloth for your home:
You should work with a synthetic and medium gauge crochet thread will be your best choice. It is sturdy, inexpensive and easy to work with. Also, a great advantage of this type of yarn is that it can hide bad stitches.
recommendation: You can check the diagram of the crochet pattern you want to work, as it usually includes suggestions on the type of crochet thread you should use in that fabric.
Additionally, Maria Julia Mackeprang advises us to always read the label of the crochet thread you are going to buy. This way, it will be easier for you to know what fiber it is made of and, thus, you will be able to find the best way to work it.
Image: Unsplash
congratulations! You have reached the end of the article and now you know what are the most important types of crochet thread to start your first creations, because just by knowing the fiber material of the crochet thread, you can already get an idea about the things you can knit and the number of needle you need to use.