Can You Use Any Yarn for Amigurumi? Exploring Your Options

Can You Use Any Yarn for Amigurumi? A Guide to Yarn Selection

Apr 15 2025

Can You Use Any Yarn for Amigurumi? A Guide to Yarn Selection

Popular Amigurumi Yarn Choices


With so many yarn options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one for your amigurumi project. Here are some popular yarn choices that are well-suited for amigurumi:

  • Bernat Super Value: A soft, medium-weight acrylic yarn with excellent stitch definition and a wide range of colors.
  • Lion Brand Vanna's Choice: A versatile, medium-weight acrylic yarn with a soft texture and a vast color palette.
  • Red Heart Super Saver: A durable, medium-weight acrylic yarn with a wide range of colors and excellent value for money.
  • Malabrigo Worsted: A soft, worsted-weight merino wool yarn with excellent stitch definition and a beautiful, subtle sheen.

Care and Maintenance

Once you’ve completed your amigurumi project, it’s essential to consider the care and maintenance requirements of the yarn. Acrylic yarns are generally easy to care for, as they can be machine washed and dried. However, cotton yarns and wool blends may require more delicate care, such as hand washing and air drying. Be sure to check the yarn label for specific care instructions to ensure your amigurumi toy remains soft and durable.

What is the best yarn for amigurumi beginners?

For amigurumi beginners, a medium-weight acrylic yarn such as Bernat Super Value or Lion Brand Vanna's Choice is an excellent choice. These yarns are soft, easy to work with, and offer excellent stitch definition.

Can I use any type of yarn for amigurumi?

While you can experiment with different types of yarn for amigurumi, it's essential to choose a yarn that meets the specific requirements for the project. Consider factors such as fiber content, weight, and texture to ensure the best results.

In conclusion, choosing the right yarn for your amigurumi project can make all the difference in the world. By understanding the specific requirements for amigurumi yarns and selecting a suitable option, you can create adorable and durable toys that will bring joy to both children and adults. Remember to consider factors such as fiber content, weight, and texture, and don’t hesitate to experiment with different yarns to find your favorite. With practice and patience, you’ll become a master amigurumi maker, creating cute and cuddly toys that will be treasured for years to come.

Best Yarn For Amigurumi: Our Top Picks

Now, let’s get down to our top yarn picks for amigurumi. From cotton to acrylic to specialty yarns, here are some of our favorite options.

Best Cotton Yarns

Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton – This worsted weight is made of 100% mercerized cotton. It’s machine washable and dryable, with excellent durability and stitch definition. It doesn’t split easily and is available in a wide variety of colors.

Schachenmayr Catania – This lightweight, sport yarn is great for making smaller stitches and more detailed amigurumi patterns. It’s made of 100% combed and mercerized cotton. This option is machine washable but not machine dryable. In addition, washing it in hotter water the first time is recommended to prevent the color from bleeding.

Paintbox Yarns Cotton DK – This DK-weight yarn is soft, easy to work with, and made of 100% cotton. It’s available in tons of color options, so it’s a great choice if you need a specific shade for a doll or a toy animal.

WeCrochet Dishie – This cotton option is super durable and ideal for making an amigurumi project that lasts many years. It’s machine washable, soft, and holds its color well. This worsted-weight yarn comes in solid colors as well as multi and twist options.

Best Acrylic Yarns

Joann Big Twist – Made by Joann Fabrics, Big Twist is an affordable and durable 100% acrylic yarn. It’s also machine washable. The downsides of Big Twist are that the dye lots are not guaranteed, and some crafters find that it splits and pills more easily than other yarns.

Lion Brand Basic Stitch & Skein Tones – Available in many shades, Lion Brand Basic Stitch is a great option. In particular, the Skein Tones range is some of the best yarn for making lifelike amigurumi dolls. It’s a 100% acrylic, worsted-weight yarn that’s soft, easy to work with, and doesn’t pill easily.

Yarn Art Jeans – Yarn Art Jeans is a 55% cotton, 45% polyacrylic yarn that’s smooth and soft. It’s a sport-weight yarn that’s great for smaller or more detailed amigurumi projects.

Best Specialty Yarns

Bernat Blanket – This yarn is a 100% polyester, super bulky option that’s ideal for making larger amigurumi projects. It would make a great choice for a teddy bear or any larger, fluffy, lovable friend! It’s a chenille-style yarn that’s available in both solid and multi colors.

Looking for awesome free amigurumi patterns? Check these out:

Check out this collection of over 25 amigurumi patterns and check this collection of over 25 crochet doll patterns.

Well, that about wraps it up for our talk about the best yarn for amigurumi. I hope this guide was helpful – and that you’ll give an ami pattern a try sometime soon!

Happy Crocheting!
Amanda

Choosing the Right Yarn for Amigurumi

Amigurumi is a Japanese word that refers to the art of knitting or crocheting stuffed yarn creatures. Amigurumi are usually small and cute, and can be made in various styles, including dolls, animals, food, and other imaginative creations.

When it comes to making amigurumi, choosing the right yarn is crucial. There are tons of yarn options available, but not all are created equal! Choosing the right one can be the difference between a cute, cuddly creature, and a droopy, pilled disappointment.

In this article, we’ll explain the factors that make yarn suitable for amigurumi. Then, we’ll show you some of our absolute favorite yarn choices for making adorable stuffed creatures.