Any experienced crocheter knows that the success of a project is determined in large part by the type of yarn that is used. That is why cotton crochet yarn is such a popular choice for a wide variety of handmade items. Cotton crochet yarn comes in a wide variety of weights, styles and colors, so you can create anything from a sweet baby layette to a funky bag for summer. Because of the many choices in these textiles, it is important to understand what the different types of yarn are and which ones should be used for the different patterns available.

Wearable Projects

Crochet clothes have regained popularity in recent years, showing up in everything from bikinis to skirts and sweaters. Cotton crochet yarn is a popular choice for these items, since cotton looks good and wears well. You can find many beautiful style of cotton for your wearables, but you will want to make sure you choose the right weight for the pattern you are working on. The smallest cotton crochet yarn is thread, which can come in a number of sizes and is primarily used to create bedspreads, doilies and tablecloths. Thread can also be a good choice for some of the lacy tunics and jackets that have become popular today.

Baby fingering weight is the next size of cotton crochet yarn, and can be used for a variety of baby items or clothing that is light and lacy. This yarn can be the perfect choice for summer items, and the array of pastel shades you can generally find makes up some lovely pieces for warm weather months. Sport weight is the next size, and this cotton crochet yarn, which comes in all the colors of the rainbow, is a popular choice for crochet sweaters and socks. For extra fun, choose a variegated style that will give your piece its own unique color combination without having to change yarn once.

Worsted weight is the most common type of cotton crochet yarn used for general projects, and can create beautiful sweaters, fun tote bags and practical dish cloths. This is also the right cotton crochet yarn for afghans, throws and pillows. There are plenty of beautiful textiles in this weight, so you can find shades to coordinate with your home or your wardrobe. It is also the easiest weight for beginners to use, since it is thicker and the stitches are clearly defined.

To ensure you are using the right cotton crochet yarn for a project, check the weight of your material carefully. Most patterns will also offer a gauge guide, which instructs you to whip up a few stitches and then measure to ensure that your crocheted piece will turn out in the right size. If not, you can adjust your yarn or hook size to match up correctly. Cotton crochet yarn is a fun material to work with and you will end up with some beautiful projects to wear or enjoy in your home.