Comments on: Why Cotton Yarn?

By: Mimi

Mimi — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 15:07:51 +0000

Try Merino wool. It makes a much smoother yarn than regular wool and not as expensive as Alpaca. Also, you might try a superwash wool which has been treated to avoid shrinkage and also, as with mercerized cotton, is smoother. But allergies are funny things and what works for one might not work for others. Some people are just sensitive to short wool fibers found in cheaper or more rustic rough textured wool yarns, others have a genuinely allergic reaction. Wool is delightful to work with if possible. Even though some acrylics look like wool, they do not feel the same, and are rough on hands.

I totally agree that using un-mercerized cotton for amigurumi works very well. I tried making a critter with mercerized as I loved the sheen, but it was harder to get consistent tight ami stitches, and my hook kept slipping out of the tight stitches. On the other hand, mercerized makes lovely garments and accessories done in looser stitches and lace patterns.

By: April

April — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 11:04:44 +0000

I´ve only been crocheting for a little over a year now but I think I have only used acrylic yarn, based on, as you said, price. I think next time I go for yarn I´m going to take a look at cotton and wool though because of blocking purposes (now that I´m learning knitting it´s so important)

By: NorthernHook

NorthernHook — Sun, 26 Feb 2012 19:35:01 +0000

I was lucky to be handed a collection of Rowan 4-ply cotton yarns last year and think they’re wonderful, but to buy cost anything around £4.50-£5 which I just cannot afford, but I can’t deny it’s great to crochet with.

I’ve made a recent discovery though, and that’s the American brand KnitPicks. There’s one stockist online in England and I ordered a bunch of wool 4-ply yarns a week ago, and used them for the first time last night. I’m making tiny chicks with a 2 mm hook, and would never have believed that wool could be so easy to work with, especially at this scale – it’s on a par with cotton based on ease of crocheting. I think the 2-ply construction helps in that sense. Loads of colours to choose from, too, but obviously no good if you’re sensitive to wool.

By: Alysha

Alysha — Sun, 05 Feb 2012 03:10:44 +0000

When I learned to crochet, the first thing I ever did was amigurumi. And the first yarn I used was Bernat Handicrafter Cotton. I was just drawn by the bright and bold colours it offers, plus the size of the skeins were good for someone just starting out. I attribute it to having such success making ami right off the bat. It’s the only thing I use now for ami and other small projects, but I will defer to wool for larger items like scarves, cowls and hats, but I still only use Bernat. It’s much softer than and not scratchy like Red Heart.

By: Meagan

Meagan — Mon, 15 Aug 2011 23:57:47 +0000

When I choose yarn for amigurumi that I will be selling or giving away, I alwadys use acrylic or sometimes cotton. The reason why has nothing to do with the yarn’s look or feel or how it holds together, but because of allergies.
I personally am highly allergic to wool, which means that at least half of the stock of any given store that carries yarn is off-limits to me. I can’t knit or crochet with it or I will suffer a reaction, and I break out into hives very badly when I have prolonged exposure to wool, so I can’t possibly in good conscience give something away or sell it to someone when I know they might react in the same way to some natural fibers.
I am told, however, that Alpaca yarn is softer than wool and is much less likely to cause a reaction, so I would suggest that as an alternative if anyone wishes to use such a yarn for amigurumi they aren’t making for themselves (although I’m not brave enough to risk it myself).

By: sedivon

sedivon — Thu, 19 May 2011 10:10:27 +0000

so sorry!! i din check ur site properly b4 asking-.-” but i hav problem finding those yarn..

By: sedivon

sedivon — Thu, 19 May 2011 07:28:33 +0000

Hie Nerdigurumi! may i know which brand of yarn u used? I have problem finding worsted weight yarn around my area=(

By: newtogurumi

newtogurumi — Tue, 12 Apr 2011 20:28:04 +0000

THANK YOU!!! I was becoming so frustrated with my hook slipping through the yarn. I thought because I was new I was just crocheting too tight or doing something wrong. It never occurred to me it was the yarn. Funny enough it’s exactly the red heart I’m currently working with. I’m excited to get some cotton and hope that makes my life easier.

By: Juligurumi

Juligurumi — Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:27:04 +0000

Hello! I really admire your blog, it’s helped me a lot ever since I was just starting out in making amigurumi. I have never tried using cotton yarn before, but I’ve only heard good things about it so far. I’ll be sure to give it a try! Thanks!

By: Gail

Gail — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 04:10:19 +0000

I started out using the Lily Sugar and Cream ones and loved them. Then I picked up a bunch of yarns at Goodwill cheap! But like you mentioned, they are much rougher on my hands (I have sensory processing disorder which means my senses are on over load, my socks have to fit the right way, tags in shirts bug me etc anyway I am also allergic to wool and some soaps, lotions etc and often have dry skin. So yep I quickly found out that I like the cotton yarns better. I also like a small hook but like a bigger handle. I have the same hook that you use when making sack boy.