What type of yarn should I use when crocheting amigurumi?
Q. I discovered the wonderful craft of crocheting and I'm trying to create an amigurumi doll. I'm finally catching on, but I'm getting caught up on the fact that I can't see the blasted stitches. I can't discern one from the other. I'm using a basic acrylic yarn. It doesn't seem to be too fuzzy, but when I'm looking at the dolls other people have made online the yarn they seem to be using seems a lot sturdier, less likely to get seperated. Thanks!
Asked by Pandalism - Wed Sep 30 13:40:14 2009 - - 2 Answers - 0 Comments

A. If you can't see your stitches, that means your yarn is too fuzzy. A lot fuzzier than you think it is. Find a smooth yarn to work with. Softer yarns can obscure the stitch pattern easily. Acrylic can be difficult, depending on the kind it is. Find a blend with wool -- it has a more pleasant feel to it. Be sure your yarn has a good firm twist to it. Some crochet looks good with cotton. It does not have the stretch of wool but for these projects you may not want any stretch. Cotton can be quite firm and smooth so that stitch definition is very clear. Remember that you need to use a smaller hook than you would normally use with this yarn. You need to make your stitches quite firm and close together to give it a solid shape. Try… [cont.]
Answered by hairbender - Wed Sep 30 18:36:55 2009

How do you make yarn feel softer?
Q. I bought some Red Heart yarn for crocheting and I now want to knit scarves with the yarn but it feels too dry. How would I make it feel softer/less dry?
Asked by akacameradude - Sat Nov 3 22:51:44 2007 - - 8 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Red Heart is an acryllic yarn and there isn't much you can do to change its texture. Washing it may help, but putting it in the dryer, softener sheets or not, changes it permanently and it loses its hand, because the heat causes it to lose its *memory* or spring. It is this way with all acryllic yarns. While it will feel *softer* it also will not bounce back when stretched and will be limp. Your recourse here? Either return it and save the money for a different yarn, or use it for an afghan rather than scarves.
Answered by mickiinpodunk - Sun Nov 4 08:23:57 2007

What kind of yarn should I use for a washcloth?
Q. Hello, I would like to make some knitted washcloths to give as Christmas gifts this year. I've never made them before so I was wondering what is the best type of yarn to use for this project?
Asked by beccabnny4 - Mon Oct 19 10:01:29 2009 - - 6 Answers - 0 Comments

A. Cotton, for sure. It's absorbent. Lily Sugar'n'Cream is cheap and easy to work with, and knits up to a good size. Cheap, scratchy acrylics work good if you want dish scrubbies, too. Like Red Heart. It's sturdy, doesn't fuzz too much, and the scratchy texture actually helps. And check out knittingpatterncentral.co m for tons of free patterns. There's also a washcloth knit-along on www.craftster.org with dozens of patterns.
Answered by Jenn - Mon Oct 19 11:51:43 2009