Using cotton yarn for your crochet projects offers numerous advantages. While I typically use acrylic yarn for my amigurumi creations, I choose cotton yarn when I want to create something of higher quality. Generally, cotton yarn has a less “fuzzy” appearance compared to many acrylic options and tends to be more durable. Additionally, it is a more sustainable material as it contains no plastic. In this post, I will rank some popular cotton yarns that I have tried while crocheting amigurumi. This is just my opinion, so please don’t feel discouraged from trying different yarns—everyone has their own preferences! I hope this gives you some insight into some amazing cotton yarns for your next project!

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Ranking System

First, let’s start with a fun ranking system. Below, you can see how I will rank each yarn, with “I’m Hooked” as my favorite and “Ew, David” as my least favorite.

I’m Hooked: This yarn is top tier and always manages to find its way onto my hook. I am quite literally “hooked” on this yarn. 

Yarntastic: This yarn is fantastic, and I enjoy crocheting with it. It may not be my favorite, but overall, I love this yarn.

Knot Bad: For this yarn, we are somewhere in the middle. There may be a few things holding me back from using this yarn more. It’s usable, but I am not going to go out of my way to crochet with it.

Ew, David: If you’ve ever watched Schitt’s Creek, then you already know how I feel about this yarn. This yarn absolutely repulses me.

Watch While You Crochet

 

Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton!

Ranking: I’m Hooked

Details:
Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
Yarn Weight: Worsted - Size 4
Skein Length: 165 meters / 180 yards
Color Options: 47
Cost: $3.99

I used to believe that working with cotton yarn was a stiff and difficult experience, but my perspective changed dramatically after I experimented with this particular brand of cotton yarn. To my delight, it turned out to be incredibly soft, far exceeding my original expectations. One of the standout features of this yarn is its excellent stitch definition, which makes it ideal for a variety of projects.

I've used it for both amigurumi designs—creating delightful animals and plants—and for crafting garments like lightweight summer tops. Each finished piece has a beautiful, clean finish, showcasing the intricate stitches perfectly, which adds a professional touch to my work. 

Overall, I find this yarn to be an absolute joy to work with, and it has opened up a new realm of possibilities for my crochet projects!

Sheepjees Catona

Ranking: Yarntastic

Details:
Fiber Content: 100% Mercerized Cotton
Yarn Weight: Fingering - Size 1
Skein Length: 125 meters / 137 yards
Color Options: 113
Cost: $3.55

While fingering weight yarn isn’t my preferred choice for amigurumi, Scheepjes Catona is a joy to work with. It offers excellent stitch definition and a soft texture, which enhances the finished piece. Its durability makes it ideal for toys that endure handling.

The yarn comes in an impressive palette of 113 vibrant colors, allowing for endless creativity in color combinations. However, it can be challenging to find reliable suppliers in the USA, which can be frustrating. Despite this, its quality and versatility make Scheepjes Catona worth the effort for any dedicated crocheter.

Amigurumi Circulo

Ranking: Knot Bad

Details:
Fiber Content: 100% Mercerized Cotton
Yarn Weight: Sport - Size 2
Skein Length: 254 meters / 278 yards
Color Options: 78
Cost: $13.10

I truly appreciate the larger skeins of this yarn, as they provide ample material for various projects. However, the price is quite steep, which does give me pause when considering this yarn for my future purchases. 

Working with this yarn is a delightful experience; it glides easily through my fingers and allows for smooth stitching. The texture is lovely, and the stitch definition is impressive, making my finished projects look polished and professional. That being said, I have encountered a few other yarns that offer a slightly softer feel, which I find more comfortable to work with over longer periods. Overall, while this yarn has its strengths, the cost and comparative softness of alternatives are factors I need to weigh carefully.

Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton

Ranking: Yarntastic

Details:
Fiber Content: 100% Mercerized Cotton
Yarn Weight: Worsted - Size 4
Skein Length: 170 meters / 186 yards
Color Options: 21
Cost: $6.99

I absolutely love this yarn! I have used it for various projects, including amigurumi, chapstick holders, and bags. It glides effortlessly through my fingers and on my crochet hook, making it a pleasure to work with. The yarn has excellent stitch definition and a slight sheen, which adds a touch of sparkle to my projects. 

I don't use this yarn for every amigurumi project, as its shine can sometimes give a brighter look than I prefer. Additionally, it has fewer color options and is slightly more expensive than other cotton yarns, which can limit some of my choices. Overall, though, I really enjoy how easy this yarn is to work with.

Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran

Ranking: Knot Bad

Details:
Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
Yarn Weight: Aran - Size 4
Skein Length: 85 meters / 93 yards
Color Options: 62
Cost: $3.75

Upon trying out this yarn for the first time, I was immediately struck by the size of the skeins; they are quite small compared to other yarns I've used. As a result, you will likely need to purchase a significant number of skeins to complete your projects, which can be both inconvenient and expensive. Although I do appreciate the wide range of color options available, I found the overall quality of this yarn to be somewhat disappointing compared to others I’ve tried in the past.

In terms of texture, the yarn felt less soft and more rigid, which made working with it a bit uncomfortable at times. I also encountered instances of yarn splitting during my projects, causing interruptions and requiring extra care while crocheting. On top of that, I faced challenges in locating this yarn within the USA, which added to my frustration. Overall, while it has its attractive colors, I would recommend considering other options for a more enjoyable crafting experience.

K+C Essentials

Ranking: Yarntastic

Details:
Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
Yarn Weight: Light Weight - Size 3
Skein Length: 165 meters / 180 yards
Disclaimer: No longer available following Joann’s closure

I was pleasantly surprised by the quality and performance of this yarn! From the moment I started working with it, I found it to be very user-friendly and enjoyable to handle. The texture is incredibly soft, making it comfortable to crochet with, and I adore how the fibers interlock seamlessly. The stitches were impressively well-defined, which allowed my finished projects to have a polished, professional look. 

Unfortunately, this particular yarn was a brand offered exclusively at Joann’s Fabrics, which, as many may know, has recently closed its doors. This means the yarn is no longer available for purchase. However, there’s been some exciting news regarding the merging of Michael’s yarn line with Joann’s, which gives me hope that this beloved brand could make a return to the market. I truly enjoyed testing out this yarn for various projects, and I wholeheartedly hope to see it back on the shelves soon!

Lily Sugar ‘n Cream

Ranking: Ew, David

Details:
Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
Yarn Weight: Worsted - Size 4
Skein Length:  109 meters / 120 yards
Color Options: 31
Cost: $3.49

I know this opinion might stir up some controversy, but I really can’t stand Lily Sugar ‘n Cream yarn. Please hear me out before you leave this blog post! I understand that many people love this yarn, and I’m happy for those who have found a cotton yarn that meets their needs. However, I must admit that my first experience with cotton yarn was with this brand, and it nearly discouraged me from trying cotton yarns altogether.

After experimenting with several other cotton yarns, I can confidently say that Lily Sugar ‘n Cream is one of the stiffest and least pleasant cotton yarns to work with. It frequently splits, which can be frustrating, and it really hurts my hands. There are many softer and more attractive cotton yarns available on the market today. For me, using this yarn was a one-time experience, and I have no intention of purchasing it again.

I have had several crocheters tell me they love using it for kitchen towels, washcloths, and similar items. However, for amigurumi, that’s going to be a no from me dawg.

Premier Cotton Sprout Worsted

Ranking: I’m Hooked

Details:
Fiber Content: 100% Cotton
Yarn Weight: Worsted - Size 4
Skein Length:  165 meters / 180 yards
Color Options: 38
Cost: $4.99

When it comes to my favorite yarn, I can’t help but express my excitement! I am absolutely in love with this yarn, and I find it strikingly similar to Hobby Lobby's "I Love This Cotton!" yarn, which I also adore. The Premier Cotton Sprout Worsted has a wonderfully soft texture that feels delightful to work with. The color palette it offers is truly stunning, showcasing a range of rich and vibrant hues that bring every project to life.

One of the standout features of this yarn is its impeccable stitch definition, which allows every detail of my work to shine through beautifully—it's simply the chef’s kiss! I appreciate how smoothly it slides on my crochet hook, making the crafting process enjoyable and seamless. 

This yarn has become my go-to for a variety of crochet projects, but I particularly love using it for amigurumi. The way it holds its shape and the crispness it provides to the stitches make it ideal for creating cute, detailed characters.

While the Premier Cotton Sprout Worsted is slightly more expensive than Hobby Lobby's "I Love This Cotton," I find that Premier frequently holds sales and promotions. This means I can often purchase this yarn at a discounted price, making it a worthwhile investment for all my creative endeavors. Overall, it has truly earned a special place in my crafting toolkit!

I hope this provides a comprehensive overview of some popular cotton yarns. Ultimately, we all have our own preferences and budgets. A yarn that works perfectly for you might not be the best choice for me. I would love to hear your thoughts on the yarns we've discussed. Do you agree or disagree with my ratings? Are there any other cotton yarns I've overlooked that you think I should try? Please share your thoughts in the comments below!

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