Every year I sit down to organize my ever-growing yarn collection, and donate as much as I can to make room for more. I’ve noticed that there is a trend when it comes to which yarn lines I choose not to part with. There are a few that I continuously turn to because I just love them so much! In this article, I share a listing of my go-to yarn lines, why I love them so much (along with corresponding free patterns to try) , and where to buy yarn online.
Below, you’ll find a listing of my top yarn lines. I’ve linked to each one so that you can purchase them online. If you’re Canadian, like me, then you’ll be happy to know that all of these can be shipped to Canada for a low rate (or free if you spend a minimum dollar value).
Disclaimer: Please note that some of the links below are affiliate links and I will earn a commission if you purchase through those links. I use all of the products listed below and recommend them because they are companies that I have found helpful and trustworthy. Please let me know if you have any questions about anything listed below!
1. Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky
Paintbox Yarns Simply Chunky is one of my yarn lines of choice for anything that I make for children. Not only does it come in a huge range of colours, but it’s incredibly soft, and at the same time durable. I like that this yarn is acrylic and machine washable. Another benefit of acrylic yarn is that it is a great option for anyone with wool allergies. When making things for children its always best to be on the safe side.
I use Simply Chunky when making toys like my Free Crochet Teddy Bear pattern as well as for baby blankets like the Easy Knit Baby Blanket pattern.
2. Knit Picks Dishie Yarn
In my opinion, this is by far the best affordable cotton yarn for making absorbent dish towels and washcloths. I also love that Dishie is a worsted weigh yarn, which means it works up quick! The colours are gorgeous, and the quality is the best I have seen for a cotton yarn. I used this yarn in my Free Crochet Washcloth Pattern and Knit Dish Towel Pattern. Both of these patterns are beginner friendly, so be sure to check them out!
3. Knit Picks Mighty Stitch Bulky Yarn
First of all, the colour palette of this line is to die for! I think I’m in love with every single colour that this yarn comes in. Mighty Stitch Bulky is 80% acrylic, and 20% super wash wool. As a result, it is luxuriously soft against the skin and warm too! I love Mighty Stitch for winter accessories like mittens, scarves and hats. If you’d like to try out this yarn, you can knit up my Chunky Cabled Knit Cowl.
4. Cascade Cherub DK
I love this DK weight yarn for baby knitting and crochet because it is machine washable and incredibly soft. Also, the fibre content of Cherub is nylon and acrylic, which means it is great for sensitive skin. This is a lighter weight yarn, making it ideal for spring and summertime projects as well. You can try Cherub DK out with my Crochet Heirloom Baby Blanket pattern posted for free on this blog.
5. Berroco Comfort Worsted Weight Yarn
Another great choice for amigurumi and toy making is Berroco Comfort Worsted Weight Yarn. This is an acrylic, nylon blend that is perfect for sensitive skin. I’m so happy with the durability of this yarn. The first time I worked with it, I made a stuffy for my daughter that still looks as good as the day it was made (and she sleeps with it almost every night!). You can try out Berocco Comfort with the following free projects on this site: Free Crochet Bunny Pattern, Bobbles and Stripes Crochet Baby BlanketPattern, Baby Chick Crochet Pattern, and Free Crochet Puppy Pattern.
6. James C Brett Chunky with Merino
James C Brett Chunky with Merino is a really soft, snuggly, warm yarn that is my go to for thick winter knits. I love that it is machine washable and have made baby blankets like the Cozy and Free Baby Blanket with this yarn. To be honest, the thing that sold me on Chunky with Merino was the price when I first tried it out. I love Merino, but it can get very costly for larger projects like blankets and throws. I purchased a few skeins to try it out, and I’ve been going back to it ever since!
7. Knit Picks Brava
Knit Picks Brava is another awesome and affordable worsted weight yarn. At only $2.49 USD per 100 gram skein, this yarn is a great option for large projects that require a lot of yardage. It is 100% acrylic, which also makes it a great option for people with wool allergies. I used Brava to make my Faded Beginner Friendly Throw (photo below), as well as my Bobble Stitch Knit Blanket.
8. Knit Picks Swish Worsted Weight Yarn
I’m a huge fan of Knit Picks if you haven’t already noticed from this list! Swish is truly a luxury to knit with, as it is 100% superwash Merino Wool. I prefer this yarn for winter accessories and have really enjoyed making mittens and beanies like my Buffalo Plaid Hat with it.
And that is it for my list of my go to yarns! I’d love to hear from you on which yarn lines you love, and why in the comments below!
12 Responses
Thank you for all of your yarn recommendations and beautiful patterns in today’s newsletter. I can’t wait to get started!
You’re welcome Jean! I hope you enjoy them as much as I do!
I really need a suggestion for a non animal yarn for a vegan friend. I would like to make several different hats for a man in his mid thirties who has had a dramatic hair loss from stress and lives in Canada but travels to the US. He wears a lot of black and brown but I woul like to add a bit of colors. He is a professional singer and guitarist . I would love to try and match some of his ties not to mention some color in his casual wear.
It’s really great input from anyone who’s deeply into knit & crochet to know of their yarn/fiber choices. I couldn’t agree more regarding “Berroco Comfort” and feel this yarn is WAY overlooked. It is so soft it’s ridiculous. Most of us attempt to stay away from acrylics when doing amis because of the fuzz factor; but, Berroco Comfort is absolutely fuzz-less. And, it’s incredibly soft. Several years ago I found a pattern for an afghan in an Interweave publication I had and it called for this yarn. Never having used it, I was so pleased not only with the softness, but the drape, especially since it was an afghan. I do need to check out more Knit Pick products: have a friend across the Columbia River, where their corporate headquarters are and her daughter works for them. She’s (the daughter) always able to try out new yarns – lucky duck – and I’m super jealous. Alas, my friend only does doilies! How could she not delve into some of those gorgeous Knit Pick colors!
I enjoy Universal yarn. I have enjoyed working with their Cotton Supreme and their Major yarn (100% acrylic). I love the multi colors and they work up beautifully. I also like working with Stylecraft special DK yarn. Lots of beautiful colors and it also works up beautifully.
Knit Picks Mighty Stitch
Cascade yarn simply soft
Paintbox chunky
Valley yarns merino well
And seems like you name it I like it.
Love your blog and this article! I’m still a beginner to crocheting and always run into the issues of what yarn to use for some of my projects, and this article was a great read! Thank you for this amazing blog!
Also love knit picks! Can’t wait to try projects!
I love cascade simply soft yarn, Knit Picks Mighty Stitch, Paintbox chunky yarn, valley yarn makes a beautiful scarf and just about any kind of yarn but then some of them are tooooo expensive. I rely on your judgment when I have done some of your patterns. Guess my favorite would be the Paintbox yarn as I love that blanket in the two colors. Anxious to get started on the pink one you have displayed.
Linda
I agree with your love of Knit Picks Dishie yarn. I am currently working up your farmhouse dish cloth using this yarn. Thanks for sharing your favorites!
love it all thank you for sharing with us
You’re welcome!