Amigurumi Yarn – Review Of Yarns For Knitting Cuddly Creations

Knitting amigurumi is fun. However, there are many amigurumi yarns out there, and they have pros and cons. Below are some favorite amigurumi yarns. Choose the best for your project.

My Quick Recommendations

• Best Amigurumi Yarn Cotton – Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton Yarn
• Best Amigurumi Chunky Yarn – Berroco Vintage Chunky Yarn 
• Best Amigurumi Plush Yarn – YarnArt Dolce
• Best Amigurumi Yarn For Beginners – Premier Yarns Cotton Fair
• Best Amigurumi Yarn Pack – Katia Amigurumi
• Best Amigurumi Acrylic Yarn – RED HEART Amigurumi
• Best Amigurumi Gradient Yarn – Lion Brand Mandala
• Best Amigurumi Aran Yarn – Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran
• Best Soft Yarn For Amigurumi – Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Aran 
• Best Amigurumi Fluffy Yarn – Bernat Pipsqueak

Clicking the links takes you to Amazon, LoveCrafts, Lion Brand and Etsy.

Table Of Contents

• What To Look For In Yarns For Amigurumi
• Lion Brand 24/7 Yarn
• Berroco Vintage Chunky Yarn 
• YarnArt Dolce
• Premier Yarns Cotton Fair
• Katia Amigurumi 
• RED HEART Amigurumi
• Lion Brand Mandala
• Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran 
• Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Aran 
• Bernat Pipsqueak
• FAQS

What To Look For In Amigurumi Yarn

Consider these factors when choosing the best yarn for Amigurumi.

Amigurumi What Yarn To Use?

Amigurumi are best made with cotton yarn. The yarn is smooth, has a good stitch definition, and comes in various colors. Blended fabrics with cotton and acrylic as well as bamboo and cotton perform well. 

Acrylic yarns are more stretchy than cotton. This is a good choice for knitters with hand, wrist, or shoulder pain.

What Kind Of Care Does It Need?

If making Amigurumi for babies and kids, the ease of washing the items is a consideration. The best knitting yarn should be washable and dryable. Some fancy yarns need to be dry cleaned.

What’s It Made Out Of?

100% cotton, mercerized or unmercerized. To improve dye retention and prevent fuzzing and piling, cotton yarn is “mercerized.” Non-mercerized cotton yarns are softer but do not last as long as mercerized cotton yarns.

Blends with more cotton yarn make a tighter fabric. Acrylic is stretchy, which is an advantage. The same goes for Cotton/Bamboo blends. Choose yarns with a higher percentage of cotton.

How Much Yardage?

The amount of yarn you need depends on your amigurumi project. The label on the yarn tells you the yardage. Make sure you have covered the amount of yarn listed on the pattern plus a little extra.

What Yarn Weight Is Best?

The best yarn weights to use when creating Amigurumi are #4 worsted weight or light worsted #3 weight.

What’s Your Budget?

Everyone has a different budget. Many yarns recommended are often on sale.

Softness

The soft-touch of Amigurumi is essential since they are often toys. No one wants a scratchy toy. The softer yarn is, it pills and fuzzes quicker. Yarns for amigurumi that are super soft and cuddly use faux fur yarn like Fable Fur.

Strength

Amigurumi made with smaller knitting needles form tight stitches. You want a strong yarn with some stretch. If you work with non-stretchy yarns, they’re harder on your hands and wrists.

Lion Brand 24/7 Yarn

100% natural fiber yarns in a worsted weight. The fibers have vibrant color and sheen by mercerization. It’s a stiffer yarn but softens when washed and dried.

How Does It Compare?

• Care Instructions – Machine wash and dry
• Made Of – 100% Mercerized Cotton
• Yardage – 186 yds (170m)
• Weight – 4-Medium weight yarn, Worsted
• Skein Weight – 3.5 oz (100g)
• Gauge – 4×4 inches = 20 stitches x 28 rows
• Suggested Needle – US6 (4 mm)

Pros

• Easy to handle and durable
• It has excellent stitch definition and is strong
• Lion Brand Cotton yarn at an affordable price
• No pilling
• A chainette construction ensures the strand won’t split

Cons

• It may be thinner than other category 4 worsted weight yarn
• It may feel a little stiff at first

Berroco Vintage Chunky Yarn 

As the yarn is thicker, it’s excellent for larger knit amigurumi projects.

How Does It Compare?

• Care Instructions – Machine washable, dry flat
• Made Of – 52% Acrylic 40% Wool, 8% Nylon
• Yardage – 136 yards (124 m)
• Weight – Chunky
• Skein Weight – 3.5 oz (100g)
• Gauge – 4×4 inches = 12 sts & 14 rows
• Suggested Needle – US 10 (6 mm)

Pros

• Soft
• Easy to maintain
• Yarn thickness makes knitting faster

Cons

• Sometimes splits

Check Price on Amazon

YarnArt Dolce

Make super squishy toys with this yarn. Besides being machine washable, the colors are fun. The thread entwined with short hairs gives the yarn a velour-like texture.

How Does It Compare?

• Care Instructions – Machine wash at no higher than 30 degrees, dry flat
• Made Of – 100% Micro-polyester
• Yardage – 131yds (120m)
• Yarn Weight – #5 Bulky
• Skein Weight – 3.5 oz (100g)
• Gauge – 4 inches = 14 stitches
• Suggested Needle – US 7 (4.5mm)

Pros

• Thick thread
• Ideal for large-scale projects
• Soft and squishy

Cons

• If you join the yarn, you need to knot it

Premier Yarns Cotton Fair

As a cotton-acrylic blend, it’s easy on the hands. A soft, smooth yarn with a lovely sheen creates an excellent stitch definition. There are various solids and bright shades, so it’s easy to choose the right color. 

How Does It Compare?

• Care Instructions – Machine wash and tumble dry
• Made Of – 52% cotton 48% acrylic
• Yardage – 317yd (290m)
• Gauge – 4×4 inches = 23 sts & 29 rows
• Suggested Needle – US 4 (3.5mm) needles

Pros

• The acrylic gives it bounce and stretchiness
• This tight twist creates super-smooth stitches when knitting or crocheting amigurumi
• Projects stay in shape.

Cons

• Some found it thinner than expected

Check Price on Amazon

Katia Amigurumi 

Ten different colors of cotton yarn are suitable for small projects. A great cotton yarn.

How Does It Compare?

• Care Instructions – Machine Wash Gentle, Cold
• Made Of – 100% Cotton
• Yardage – 36yds (33m)
• Skein Weight – 0.4oz (10g)
• Gauge – 4×4 inches = 24 stitches and 33 rows
• Suggested Needle – US 1.5 (2.5mm) – US 2.5 (3mm)

Pros

• Cotton of superior quality
• Perfect for making little Amigurumi

Cons

• Limited amount

RED HEART Amigurumi

Red Heart designed this yarn for amigurumi projects. The yarn label has two characters made from the 4 colors contained in the wheel. Some stuffed animals and amigurumi dolls. Mix and match patterns and colors.

How Does It Compare?

• Care Instructions – Machine wash and dry
• Made Of – 100% acrylic
• Yardage – 239 yds (219m)
• Yarn Weight – #1 Super Fine
• Skein Weight – 3.5 oz / 100 g
• Gauge – 4” x 4” (10 cm x 10 cm) 28 sts and 36 rows with a
• Suggested Needle – (US 1) 2.25 mm

Pros

• Create fun characters
• Soft texture
• Eliminates the guesswork of choosing yarn and pattern

Cons

• No pattern included. Look them up online
• You need to separate the yarn into the two colors
• I don’t recommend it for beginners

Check Price on Amazon

Lion Brand Mandala

This yarn is soft and has many beautiful colors on a single skein. Despite being self-striping, the colors appear as though they gradually change.

How Does It Compare?

• Care Instructions – Hot machine wash and dry
• Made Of – 100% Acrylic
• Yardage – 590yds (540m)
• Yarn Weight – 3 Light
• Skein Weight – 5.3 oz (150g)
• Gauge – 22 stitches x 30 rows
• Suggested Needle – US 5 (3.75mm)

Pros

• Bright colors to lift your mood
• Machine washable and dryable
• Budget-friendly

Cons

• Users sometimes find acrylic yarn scratchy, but it becomes softer with washing
• Variations in yarn thickness but won’t affect your finished project

Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Aran 

Colors abound, as well as softness and a pleasant feel. Acrylic is easy to clean and put in the washing machine. This wool blend is an Amigurumi makers’ favorite.

How Does It Compare?

• Care Instructions – Machine washable in cold water, don’t iron it.
• Made Of – 50% Wool 50% Acrylic
• Yardage – 197yds (180m)
• Yarn Weight – Aran / Worsted Weight Yarns
• Skein Weight – 3.5oz (100g)
• Gauge – 4×4 inches – 18 stitches, 24 rows
• Suggested Needle – G (4.50mm)

Pros

• Reasonable price
• Soft to the touch
• A subtle halo effect
• Exceptional stitch definition

Cons

• Yarn may split

Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran

Perfect for Amigurumi since it’s available in many colors and has a soft feel.

How Does It Compare?

• Care Instructions – Warm machine wash, dry flat
• Made Of – 100% Cotton
• Yardage – 93yds (85m)
• Yarn Weight – Aran
• Skein Weight – 1.8oz (50g)
• Gauge – 4×4 inches – 20 stitches, 24 rows
• Suggested Needle – US 7 (4.5mm)

Pros

• The colors are vibrant and pastel
• Soft
• A well-twisted strand doesn’t split
• Excellent for an amigurumi doll

Cons

• The yarn ball is small. Don’t forget to order enough yarn for your project.

Bernat Pipsqueak

Your amigurumi projects have a soft, textured finish with this OEKO-TEX® certified yarn. Imagine stuffed dolls like a cuddly teddy bear or a llama plush toy. The chunky size is easy to knit.

How Does It Compare?

• Care Instructions – Machine wash and dry
• Made Of – 100% polyester
• Yardage – approximately 120yd/109m
• Yarn Weight – #5 Bulky
• Skein Weight – 3.5oz (100g)
• Gauge – 11 sts and 16 rows
• Suggested Needle – 5.5mm (US 9) knitting needle

Pros

• Soft and fluffy
• Good for people sensitive to animal fibers

Cons

• Ensure you get as many balls of yarn as you need to ensure the same color
• Colors may differ in fluffiness
• Limited colors

Check Price on Amazon

Which Is Best For You?

• Lion Brand 24/7 Yarn – An excellent acrylic/cotton blend.
• Berroco Vintage Chunky Yarn – A slight halo to this yarn gives toys a soft, fuzzy texture.
• YarnArt Dolce – A good choice for knitting larger toys.
• Premier Yarns Cotton Fair – This is perfect for projects needing a thin yarn type.
• Katia Amigurumi – Ideal for small projects.
• RED HEART Amigurumi – This 100% acrylic yarn is a great choice.
• Lion Brand Mandala – This product works well for self-striping projects.
• Paintbox Yarns Cotton Aran – Excellent stitch definition
• Paintbox Yarns Wool Mix Aran – Makes knitting easier for those with wrist, hand, or shoulder pain.
• Bernat Pipsqueak – Makes furry larger toys

FAQS Ahout Amigurumi Yarn

What Ply Is Amigurumi Yarn?

In North America, Worsted Weight yarn is usually a similar thickness to 10 ply.

What Size Yarn For Amigurumi?

Your Amigurumi pattern determines the size of yarn you need.

Is Cotton Or Acrylic Yarn Better For Amigurumi?

For stitch definition and color range, cotton is the best choice. But it doesn’t stretch like acrylic. Yarns with stretch make knitting easier. Plan to make many Amigurumi? Use acrylic or acrylic blends.

Is Paintbox Yarn Good For Amigurumi?

Yes! The colors are vibrant, and it’s good quality and affordable.

Is Dk Yarn Good For Amigurumi?

DK yarn is thinner than Worsted. So it’s suitable for small stitch Amigurumi.

What Kind Of Yarn Is Best For Amigurumi?

Cotton or acrylic.

How To Join Yarn Amigurumi

Hopeful Honey shows you how to use the magic knot for joining yarn for your Amigurumi project.

How To Change Yarn Amigurumi

The Friendly Red Fox instructions help you change colors in Amigurumi. Also, check out her amigurumi patterns.

Where To Buy Amigurumi Yarn?

At your local yarn store or online at LoveCrafts, Amazon, Etsy, and Lion Brand.

Where To Buy Circulo Amigurumi Yarn?

In the USA? Buy Circulo Amigurumi Yarn online at selected stores. Check their website for details.

Is Cotton Yarn Good For Amigurumi?

With its excellent stitch definition and variety of colors, cotton yarn is a superb choice. However, cotton yarn causes discomfort when knitting for extended periods because it’s not as stretchy.

Amigurumi How Much Yarn?

Your Amigurumi projects need different amounts depending on the pattern.

What Weight Is Amigurumi Yarn?

Amigurumi yarns are best made from Worsted Weight or Medium #4

What Thread Do You Use For Amigurumi?

For small Amigurumi, use DMC No.8 Pearl Cotton.

What Yarn Do You Use For Amigurumi?

Cotton, acrylic blends, and polyester are popular fibers.

Can You Use Any Yarn For Amigurumi?

To ensure Amigurumi withstands wear and tear, use an easy-to-wash yarn. The best yarns to use are cotton and acrylic fibers, or blends of both.

Conclusion

Amigurumi is a Japanese word meaning “knitted or crocheted stuffed toy.” Create knitted amigurumi or crochet amigurumi using any yarn I listed. Hope you found this guide to the best yarn for amigurumi useful!

Want more info on yarn? See here.

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