What exactly is acrylic and why do we use it so often in yarn arts?
A "manufactured fibre" is not found naturally, but is man-made. Wool or cotton would be examples of natural fibres; an acrylic yarn does not fall into that category, but rather is categorized with the synthetic yarns.
Acrylic is, by definition, a man-made, synthetic fibre.
Benefits of Acrylic Yarn
With so many different types of yarn, should you be using acrylic or something else? Well, there are pros and cons to all yarn types.
Some of the benefits of acrylic yarn include:
Widely available. You can purchase acrylic yarn at most yarn stores, particularly big box stores. It is also widely available online. Due to the vast production of these yarns, they also often offer a diverse array of colours, which is important to many crocheters.
Affordable. Although acrylic yarn prices can vary greatly depending on many factors, as a general rule they are more affordable than wool, cotton and other basic fibers for crochet.
Durable. This manmade fiber tends to last longer than a lot of other materials, so if you want to make durable items, then this could be a good choice. Note that this also varies from yarn to yarn.
Washable. You will have to read your yarn label to find out for sure if your acrylic can be washed and dried in machines but often this is indeed the case. This is great for people who want easy-care items.
Stitch definition. Some acrylic yarn has a really great stitch definition. That means that it is easy to figure out where your stitches should go, making it a good beginner crocheter's yarn choice. This is particularly true of light-coloured acrylic yarn. Of course, it may not be true of certain novelty yarns.
Non-allergenic. Many people believe that they are allergic to wool and other animal fibers (although this may not turn out to be true!). If that's the case, manmade materials like acrylic can be a good non-allergenic choice.
Should I use acrylic yarn?
Over time, most people who crochet find that they prefer one fiber over another but will also use different fibers depending on the items that they are creating. Acrylic yarn certainly has its place in crochet, and for some people, it's the only choice. It's something each designer and maker decides for him or herself!
Super Versatile Worsted Acrylic Yarn Patons Canadiana yarn in worsted weight is a super versatile selection for blankets, scarves, sweaters and m...
View full details
Super Versatile Worsted Acrylic Yarn Patons Canadiana yarn in worsted weight is a super versatile selection for blankets, scarves, sweaters and m...
View full details
Super Versatile Worsted Acrylic Yarn Patons Canadiana yarn in worsted weight is a super versatile selection for blankets, scarves, sweaters and m...
View full details
Super Versatile Worsted Acrylic Yarn Patons Canadiana yarn in worsted weight is a super versatile selection for blankets, scarves, sweaters and m...
View full details
A Great Yarn with Even Greater Value King Cole has outdone themselves with Big Value Tweed DK. In a wide array of colours for everything baby, thi...
View full details
Super Versatile Worsted Acrylic Yarn Patons Canadiana yarn in worsted weight is a super versatile selection for blankets, scarves, sweaters and m...
View full details
King Cole Camouflage Camouflage DK comes in a fun collection of stippled and splattered shades. 100% Premium Acrylic Meters Per Ball: 285. Yards ...
View full details
Super Versatile Worsted Acrylic Yarn Patons Canadiana yarn in worsted weight is a super versatile selection for blankets, scarves, sweaters and m...
View full details
Super Versatile Worsted Acrylic Yarn Patons Canadiana yarn in worsted weight is a super versatile selection for blankets, scarves, sweaters and m...
View full details
Super Versatile Worsted Acrylic Yarn Patons Canadiana yarn in worsted weight is a super versatile selection for blankets, scarves, sweaters and m...
View full details
King Cole Simply Denim Make a start on your spring knitting or crochet with our new super-soft Simply Denim DK. 50% cotton, 50% antipilling acrylic...
View full details
Super Versatile Worsted Acrylic Yarn Patons Canadiana yarn in worsted weight is a super versatile selection for blankets, scarves, sweaters and m...
View full details
SPARK DK Our Spark DK is a wonderfully soft, durable yarn that is perfect for nearly any project requiring easy care. Whether you're making a beaut...
View full details
Super Versatile Worsted Acrylic Yarn Patons Canadiana yarn in worsted weight is a super versatile selection for blankets, scarves, sweaters and m...
View full details
Super Versatile Worsted Acrylic Yarn Patons Canadiana yarn in worsted weight is a super versatile selection for blankets, scarves, sweaters and m...
View full details
Emotions DK by James C Brett James C. Brett Emotions Double Knitting Yarn is the perfect yarn for all your creative knitting and crochet pro...
View full details
Sold out
Super Versatile Worsted Acrylic Yarn Patons Canadiana yarn in worsted weight is a super versatile selection for blankets, scarves, sweaters and m...
View full details
Aurora Chunky by James C Brett New from James C Brett, Aurora chunky is the big brother of their gorgeous DK of the same name. It’s a delic...
View full details
Baby Glitz DK Add some glitz and glamour to your baby designs with this delightfully soft yarn. 100% Acrylic WEIGHT 100gLENGTH 290m/317ydsNEEDLE ...
View full details
Bernat Baby Sport is a lightweight baby yarn with a subtle sheen. This 100% acrylic yarn stitches up with great definition. Bernat Baby yarns are...
View full details
Super Versatile Worsted Acrylic Yarn Patons Canadiana yarn in worsted weight is a super versatile selection for blankets, scarves, sweaters and m...
View full details
Swurlywurly DK by James C Brett James C Brett’s inspiring cakes of yarn contain swirls of striking colour that fade from one to the next, wit...
View full details
Super Versatile Worsted Acrylic Yarn Patons Canadiana yarn in worsted weight is a super versatile selection for blankets, scarves, sweaters and m...
View full details
Super Versatile Worsted Acrylic Yarn Patons Canadiana yarn in worsted weight is a super versatile selection for blankets, scarves, sweaters and m...
View full details
Super Versatile Worsted Acrylic Yarn Patons Canadiana yarn in worsted weight is a super versatile selection for blankets, scarves, sweaters and m...
View full details
Party Time Stripes DK by James C Brett James C Brett Party Time Stripes Dk - Is a bright and cheery easy-care dk yarn. Super-soft and self-s...
View full details
Soft, versatile, easy care, Baby Marble DK works up into beautifully marbled garments. It's a great economical choice for cozy sweaters, accessor...
View full details
Caron Simply Soft This premium worsted weight yarn comes in a 6-ounce skein (315 yards) and is available in a range of solid colors. Caron Sim...
View full details
A Great Yarn with Even Greater Value King Cole has outdone themselves with Big Value DK. In a wide array of colours for everything baby, this mach...
View full details
King Cole Explorer Super Chunky Explorer Super Chunky comes in a great selection of fun and vibrant self-striping colours, inspired by historical...
View full details
A Great Yarn with Even Greater Value This multi coloured DK yarn is made in Italy and is incredibly soft. It's made with 55% Nylon and 45% Acrylic....
View full details
Snuggles by Ella Rae Wrap your projects in warmth and joy with Snuggles, the latest yarn from Ella Rae! This delightful acrylic and polyamide blend...
View full details
King Cole Tropical Beaches DK Tropical Beaches DK is a self striping yarn full of fun bright colours. The extra large 200g balls make knitti...
View full details
