Yarn Guide for Crochet Amigurumi (PH edition)

Hello! If you want to start crocheting dolls, plushies, or keychains, choosing the right materials is crucial, as these determine how your project will turn out. Whether you're a beginner, a seller, or have crochet as a hobby, here is a list of yarns I recommend based on the type of amigurumi you want to create. Slight disclaimer, this list is based on my personal experiences and observations backed up by some research online to provide a comprehensive guide!

• Cow Label Milk Cotton Yarn

Advantages: This is a classic yarn that is popular amongst the Filipino crochet community due to its accessibility and affordability. This is ideal for beginners as it has a soft and comfortable feel that is easy to use and is available almost anywhere. 

Disadvantages: This type of yarn is prone to getting fuzzy and dirty. This makes your project lose its shape and initial look quickly specially when used as a keychain or brought out a lot. Relative to its price, it is less consistent in size and thickness, which makes it difficult to create consistent projects. 

Recommended yarn:

5ply -> https://s.shopee.ph/BQgYPlsGY

Recommended hook size: 2.5mm-3.5mm

• Monaco Milk Yarn

Advantage: This is a softer, more stretchy, and versatile type of Monaco yarn. It gives your plushies that "soft" type of look and is suitable for almost any type of amigurumi. This can be used for any type of amigurumi, such as plushies, keychains, and dolls. The strands are more consistent, soft, and thick compared to their cheaper counterparts or the Cow Label.

Disadvantage: Similar to the Cow Label Milk Cotton Yarn, constant use, especially when given to younger children, can cause it to fuzz or become worn out over time. 

Recommended yarn: 

5ply -> https://s.shopee.ph/AKXSfEEjpa

Recommended hook size: 2.5mm-3.5mm

• Love Knots Milk Cotton Yarn

Advantages: Out of all the Milk Cotton yarns mentioned, this is the softest and thickest type. It provides that soft feel that makes your plushies feel better to squeeze or play around with. This is ideal for creating dolls or plushies to play with. 

Disadvantages: It is quite stretchy, hence requiring a tighter grip to keep your stitches clean. Since it is soft and stretchy, it is not ideal for dolls requiring a stiff or sturdy appearance, such as dolls for display.

Recommended yarn:

5ply -> https://s.shopee.ph/2LVB8Z2wNh

Recommended hook size: 3.0mm-3.5mm

• Monaco Mercerized Yarn

Advantages: This type of yarn gives your project a shiny and sturdy look. It makes your stitches look cleaner and allows for the addition of more details. Given that it is not that stretchy, it makes your project hold its shape well, making it suitable for detailed dolls and characters put on display.

Disadvantages: Since it is thinner and less flexible, it takes longer to create amigurumis. It also risks hand fatigue and discomfort, requiring discipline and patience. 

Recommended Yarn:

3ply Monaco Mercerized -> https://s.shopee.ph/1Lcdo5nCQy

5ply Monaco Mercerized -> https://s.shopee.ph/50VwAuoou3

Recommended hook size:

3ply -> 2.0-2.5mm

5ply -> 2.5-3.0mm

• Spun Polyester Yarn

Advantages: This type of yarn is less susceptible to fuzzing, unlike other types of yarn. It is also much easier to clean as it is less prone to getting dirty. It allows for tighter and more secure stitches that hold filling well. Like the Monaco Mercerized, it makes your stitches look cleaner and come out much more sturdy. 

Disadvantages: Since the strands easily separate, they are more prone to intertwining, knotting, or your hook catching only a few strands while crocheting. The texture also causes discomfort, as with the Monaco Mercerized, hence the need for patience and discipline. 

Recommended yarn:

8ply -> https://s.shopee.ph/6L1Ju4XA5i

Recommended hook size: 2.0mm-2.5mm

• Thin Velvet Chenille Yarn

Advantage: It has a soft and fluffy texture and look, but is thinner than most fluffy yarns, making it suitable for smaller projects such as keychains. Its silky "velvet" finish makes your projects look more premium and appealing!

Disadvantages: Since the yarn is created with fluff wrapped around a central thread, it is difficult to pull magic rings. It also snaps easily, requiring a gentle hand when pulling or wrapping the yarn. It is suggested to use the two-chain method when creating a magic ring to avoid this problem. 

Recommended yarn:

2.5mm -> https://s.shopee.ph/8ASy5a67IX

Recommended hook size: 2.5mm-3.5mm

• Velvet Chenille Yarn

 

 

Advantages: Just like the thin velvet chenille yarn, it is soft and fluffy but much thicker. It creates a soft and silky look that is best for creating plushies or "squeezable" amigurumis. The silky texture gives it a shiny finish, making your project look premium as well!

Disadvantages: Similar to the thin chenille yarn, a gentle hand is required when pulling or wrapping the yarn. It is suggested to use the two-chain method when creating a magic ring to avoid snapping or splitting the yarn. It is also prone to shedding over time. 

Recommended yarn:

 https://s.shopee.ph/4qCW7eu20R

Recommended hook size: 4.0mm-4.5mm

• Chunky Chenille Yarn

 

Advantages: Different from the previous chenille yarns, this Chunky Chenille Yarn has a matte and soft finish. Beginners often find it easy to start with as it allows you to see your stitches clearly because of the large size. It also makes it quicker to create larger plushies. Since it is soft and stretchy, it is ideal for huggable dolls and plushies. 

Disadvantages: Similar to the thin chenille yarn, a gentle hand is required when pulling or wrapping the yarn. It is suggested to use the two-chain method when creating a magic ring to avoid snapping or breaking the yarn. 

Recommended yarn:

https://s.shopee.ph/50VwK1N7XF

Recommended hook size: 4.5mm-5.5mm

In my next blog, I will be discussing different yarn weights, how to understand them, and what you can use each one for. Thank you so much for reading! Feel free to leave comments and suggestions below.