What Yarn to Use for Crochet Amigurumi, Blankets & Flowers — Finally Explained
- Lucy ♡
- Dec 22, 2025
- 8 min read
Choosing the right yarn is one of the most important decisions you make when starting a crochet project. The yarn you choose determines how your creation feels, how it looks, how long it lasts, and even how easy or difficult it is to work with. Many beginners start crocheting without understanding yarn fibers, yarn weights, tensions, or hook recommendations, and that leads to frustration—especially when working on amigurumi or detailed pieces like crochet flowers. The truth is that yarn choice affects every single part of your final result. The good news is that once you understand the basics, choosing yarn becomes easy, intuitive, and fun. In this long guide, I’ll help you understand exactly which yarn works best for plushies, stuffed animals, blankets, flowers, and beginner projects, so you can confidently pick the right material every time.
When you are new to crochet, yarn labels look like a different language. There are symbols, thickness categories, fiber names, gauge boxes, hook recommendations and washing instructions. It may feel overwhelming at first, but once you learn how to read them, you unlock a new level of control over your projects. The most important things to understand are the yarn fiber type, yarn weight, and the hook size needed to achieve the right tension. After reading this full blog, you will know how to choose the perfect yarn for any project, avoid common mistakes, and create pieces that look clean, professional, and beautiful. What yarn you should use for your crochet patterns? Let's get into it.
Understanding yarn types and why they matter
Yarn comes in many different fiber types, and each one behaves differently when crocheted. Some fibers create soft, fluffy plushies, while others are durable and structured. Some hold shape perfectly for amigurumi, and others drape beautifully for shawls and blankets. Understanding fiber categories will make you choose materials like a pro.
Natural fibers such as cotton and wool come from plants and animals. Synthetic fibers like acrylic and polyester are man-made. Each has its benefits. Acrylic is widely used for amigurumi because it is inexpensive, easy to wash, and lightweight. Cotton is fantastic for flowers and details because it holds shape without stretching. Wool is warm and soft—ideal for clothing or winter blankets. Polyester chenille yarn is extremely popular for plushies, giving that trendy oversized, velvety look.
Here is a quick overview of how the most common yarns behave:
Acrylic yarn: Affordable, lightweight, easy to wash, slightly stretchy, and the standard choice for amigurumi and beginner projects.
Cotton yarn: Strong, structured, smooth, perfect for flowers, bags, home décor, and summer items because it doesn’t stretch.
Wool yarn: Warm, cozy, elastic, great for garments and blankets but not the best for sculpted shapes like amigurumi.
Polyester chenille (velvet) yarn: Ultra-soft, fluffy, ideal for big plushies but harder for beginners because stitches are difficult to see.
Cotton-acrylic blends: The best of both worlds—soft like acrylic but stable like cotton.
Each yarn fiber has specific pros and cons depending on the project. Choosing the wrong material often leads to results that feel “off,” too loose, too fuzzy, or too floppy. That’s why knowing your yarn is absolutely essential.
Which yarn to choose for amigurumi projects
Amigurumi—the art of crocheting small stuffed animals—requires yarn that creates tight, dense, clean stitches. If stitches have holes, stuffing will show. If the yarn is too stretchy, the shape collapses. For these reasons, certain yarns work better than others, especially for beginners.
Most crocheters recommend 100% acrylic yarn for amigurumi. It is strong enough to hold shape, soft enough for plushies, and very easy to work with. Acrylic glides smoothly on the hook, is budget friendly, and hides imperfections well. It’s the best choice for practicing new shapes. Another excellent option is cotton yarn, especially when you want crisp, clean stitches for small animals or mini amigurumi. Cotton is sturdy and doesn’t fuzz as easily, which is perfect for defined details like snouts, ears, and small limbs.
Many people ask about using velvet or chenille yarn for amigurumi. While it creates adorable plushies, it is not beginner-friendly. The stitches disappear inside the fluff, making counting extremely difficult. However, once you gain confidence, chenille yarn is wonderful for larger plush toys because it gives a luxurious look and a super soft finish.
When choosing yarn for amigurumi, consider:
Acrylic for beginner-friendly plushies
Cotton for crisp, well-defined shapes
Velvet/chenille for soft, giant plushies
Anti-pilling yarn if you want long-lasting stuffed animals
These fibers hold their shape and look beautiful even after years of use.
Understanding yarn weight and why it affects your results
Yarn weight refers to the thickness of the yarn strand. It ranges from lace weight (super thin) to jumbo (extremely thick). Yarn labels also use numbers to define weight categories. This matters because different projects require different thicknesses.
Here is a simple breakdown:
0–1 (lace, superfine): Not for beginners. Used for delicate, lacy items.
2 (sport): Great for lightweight toys or detailed flowers.
3 (DK/light worsted): Perfect for amigurumi and small projects. Very beginner-friendly.
4 (worsted/medium): Good for blankets, scarves, plushies, and most general crochet.
5 (bulky): Used for winter clothes and big plushies.
6–7 (super bulky/jumbo): Ideal for oversized blankets and giant stuffed animals.
For amigurumi, yarn weight DK (#3) or worsted (#4) works best. DK gives a polished, small finish, while worsted makes slightly larger plushies. Chenille yarn used for giant plushies is usually super bulky (#6). For crochet flowers, DK and sport weight are the most common because they provide definition and structure.
Yarn weight also determines the hook size, and that is one of the most important factors in crochet success.
Why choosing the correct hook size is essential
Every yarn label recommends a hook size, but amigurumi is the exception. For plushies, you should always choose a hook one size smaller than the yarn label suggests. This is because amigurumi requires tight stitches so the stuffing doesn't show and the shape is solid.
For example:
If the yarn label suggests 4 mm, use 3.5 mm
If it recommends 5 mm, use 4.5 mm
A smaller hook tightens your work, making your plushie smooth, neat, and professional-looking. If you use the recommended hook instead, your stitches will be too loose. You’ll see holes between your single crochet stitches. This is the number one beginner mistake in amigurumi, and it’s so easy to fix.
For blankets or scarves, however, you should follow the yarn recommendation. Using a larger hook will make the blanket airy and drapey, while a smaller hook will create a denser, heavier fabric. Flowers are flexible—you can play with hook sizes to create different effects. Smaller hooks make tight, compact petals, while larger hooks create soft, open flowers.
Choosing the right hook creates the difference between a perfect result and a project that feels wrong. This is why understanding yarn + hook combinations is one of the most important skills in crochet.
Choosing yarn for crochet blankets
Blankets require yarn that is soft, comfortable against the skin, easy to wash, and durable. The most popular yarn for blankets is acrylic because it’s affordable, warm, and machine-washable. It also comes in many colors, making it perfect for big projects.
Cotton yarn is also a good option for blankets, especially for warmer climates or baby blankets. Cotton is breathable and gentle on sensitive skin, although it’s slightly heavier. Wool yarn creates the warmest blankets, but some people may find wool itchy or too hot. Wool blends are a great middle ground.
For blankets, consider:
Medium/worsted weight (4): Ideal for cozy, everyday blankets
Bulky (5) or super bulky (6): Perfect for quick, fluffy, chunky blankets
Acrylic, wool, or cotton depending on climate and preference
Blankets can be relaxing to crochet because yarn thickness makes progress fast. That’s why many beginners choose blankets as their first big project.
Choosing the right yarn for crochet flowers
Crochet flowers need yarn that holds shape well. Cotton is the top choice for flower projects because it creates sharp, crisp petals and details. It is not stretchy, so it maintains its structure beautifully. Cotton also works well for floral keychains, brooches, bouquets, and centerpieces.
Acrylic yarn also works for flowers, especially if you want a softer look. It’s more flexible, making the petals slightly curved and fluffy. Fine-weight cotton or acrylic yarn creates delicate, realistic-looking flowers, while DK weight makes cute, bold blooms.
For the small flowers in the idrawyoursmile blog of easy and fast patterns, I use DK cotton or acrylic, depending on the style. They’re easy, fast, and perfect for beginners who want to learn stitch control.
When choosing yarn for flowers:
Cotton = crisp detail
Acrylic = soft, flexible petals
Sport or DK = best sizes for keychains, decorations, accessories
Using a smaller hook creates neat, firm petals
Flowers are an excellent way to test new yarns before using them on bigger projects.
What perfect yarn to use for YOUR crochet project
Once you understand yarn types and weights, choosing becomes simple. The key is matching your project goal with your yarn properties. Think about what you want your final piece to look like: soft, firm, fluffy, structured, large, delicate, etc.
Here’s a helpful summary:
For amigurumi → acrylic or cotton, DK or worsted weight, smaller hook
For giant plushies → chenille/velvet, bulky/super bulky weight
For blankets → acrylic or wool blends, worsted to super bulky
For flowers → cotton or acrylic, sport or DK weight
For garments → wool, cotton blends, or acrylic depending on climate
When in doubt, choose acrylic. It’s the most versatile and beginner-friendly fiber available.
Reading yarn labels like a pro
Yarn labels contain all the information you need, yet many beginners skip reading them. Understanding them transforms your crochet experience. Yarn labels tell you:
The two most important things for beginners are fiber type and yarn weight. Once you know those, choosing the right hook becomes easy.
Avoiding common mistakes when choosing yarn
Beginners often make the same mistakes when starting a new project. Knowing them helps you avoid frustration.
Choosing yarn that is too fluffy (hard to see stitches).
Using the recommended hook instead of sizing down for amigurumi.
Mixing different yarn weights in one project.
Choosing wool for summer projects or cotton for winter hats.
Ignoring yarn shedding or fuzziness.
Choosing low-quality yarn for detailed projects.
These errors are extremely common—but once you recognize them, you can avoid them easily.
A few final tips to improve your yarn choices
Crocheting becomes much easier when you learn how yarn responds to different techniques. Always consider:
Where the project will be used
How durable it needs to be
Whether it should be soft or structured
How experienced you are with that fiber
Whether the stitches must be visible
If you ever feel unsure, start with acrylic DK yarn. It is truly the safest, most flexible, and most forgiving option for beginners.
A little encouragement for your crochet journey
Yarn selection feels overwhelming at the beginning, but with practice, it becomes second nature. Every project you make teaches you more about fiber behavior, tension, drape, thickness, and how your hands interact with different yarns. You will make mistakes, and that’s perfectly okay. Every crocheter—no matter how experienced—still chooses the wrong yarn sometimes.
Crochet is a long journey. The more you explore, the easier everything becomes. One day, you’ll pick up a skein of yarn and immediately know what you can create with it, which hook size to use, and how the final project will look. Until then, keep practicing, experimenting, and enjoying the process. Each stitch brings you closer to mastering your craft.
Thanks for reading and happy crocheting!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! What is your goal for the next year 2026? I believe it is gonna be a great year for me and I am really looking forward to it!
Lucy.
