Why Does It Matter What Yarn I Use?

From the moment I learned to crochet, I became completely obsessed with buying yarn. There’s a kind of compulsion that takes over—you just want more and more.

My first real introduction to crochet came from an advert for Disney Crochet, a part-work magazine series where, by the end, you’d have a beautiful Disney-themed blanket. I subscribed right away and loved the challenge of learning each new stitch, and the satisfaction when my work actually looked like the picture in the magazine.

But after a few weeks, I started to tire of those patterns and eventually cancelled my subscription. (I still have many of the untouched magazines in their original packaging!) Why? Because my head was instantly turned the moment my Instagram feed filled with crochet inspiration. That’s when I discovered Bella Coco and Crochet Society. I ordered their Christmas Advent Calendar that year—and completed my first ever full project.

The Stash That Took Over

At this point, my yarn buying spiralled. I didn’t know what I was going to make with it all; I just knew I needed it. Around the same time, Aldi had yarn in their Specialbuys section, and everyone on my Facebook crochet groups and Instagram seemed to be stocking up. I followed suit.

I remember wondering why people bought so much of the same yarn. How naïve I was! I bought lots of different colours and fibres, and even mystery boxes online. Before long, I had more yarn than I knew what to do with. My “method” was to pick a yarn I liked, find a pattern I liked, and just make it—without giving much thought to the yarn’s composition or how it would affect the finished piece.

Now, three years in, I’ve learned the hard way that yarn choice makes a huge difference.

Lessons Learned the Hard Way

I’ve spent countless hours making garments from stash yarn, only to find I didn’t actually love them once they were finished. They’d be worn once or twice before being relegated to the back of the wardrobe.

Everything changed when I started using cotton yarn for garments—a recent discovery for me. The first cotton I used was a 8/4, and the resulting fabric was gorgeous. I’ve since made several pieces in black and white cotton, and I love every one of them. They’ve been worn repeatedly, still look great, and I get so many compliments. They look far more like the polished pieces I admired on Instagram.

Now, when people talk about yarn substitutions, I understand why it matters. Make a summer jumper in acrylic, and you’ll be overheating before you know it. Make the same jumper in cotton, and it will keep you cool during the day and warm on a summer evening.

Discovering Natural Fibres

Recently, I’ve started exploring merino, alpaca, and other natural fibres. In the past, I’d look at the price and think, “How can they charge that much?” But after years of working with acrylic and synthetics—which can still be pricey—I’ve realised that if I’m spending 40+ hours on something, I want it to last for years. The cost per wear makes sense, and I actually love the end result. Plus, it’s so much more enjoyable to work on a project when you’re using a yarn you truly love, one that feels beautiful in your hands as you create.

Natural fibres also resist pilling better, so your handmade pieces stay looking fresh.

The Challenge of Shopping Locally

Here in Newcastle, we don’t have a huge choice when it comes to yarn shopping. Most shops I’ve found stock mostly acrylic, in every colour imaginable. Personally, I prefer neutral tones and timeless shades. Ordering online is often the only way to get the yarns I really want—but I much prefer being able to touch the yarn, feel its texture, and see the thickness in person rather than relying on a product description. Where’s the fun in that?

That’s why visiting yarn shops in Scandinavia this summer was such a treat. Over there, crochet and knitting are woven into the culture, and the stores reflect that. Shelves are filled with natural fibres in beautiful muted colours, with garment samples or swatches so you can see exactly how the yarn works up.

A Standout Store

While in Helsinki, I discovered Sunday Knitting Club—a family-owned store with an incredible selection and the most helpful staff. I came away with yarn I can’t wait to use, and even though I’ll have to pay extra to have it shipped in the future, it’s worth it for the quality and experience. I’ll always order online from this store now, as I know I’ll 100% love anything made from the natural fibres they stock. I can also reach out to the owner for advice, sharing my chosen pattern and getting her yarn recommendations. We had a lovely chat when I visited, and when I finish my first knitting project—the Sophie Scarf—I plan to get in touch again to show her I managed it!

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My Top Tips for Choosing Yarn

1. Buy for the project you’re making. Avoid buying yarn “just because.” It’s tempting, but your stash will grow faster than you can use it.
2. Match fibre to purpose. Cotton is perfect for summer tops, wool or merino blends for winter wear, and acrylic for hard-wearing items like blankets.
3. Swatch before you commit. Try different hook or needle sizes and keep your swatches for future reference.
4. Invest in quality for time-intensive makes. If a garment will take 40+ hours, choose a fibre you’ll love wearing for years.
5. Consider drape and feel. Some yarn looks lovely in the ball but feels stiff or scratchy once worked up. Test it first.
6. Don’t be swayed by huge stashes online. Focus on what you will realistically use and love.

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My Takeaway

Looking back over the last three years, my biggest lesson is simple: only buy what you need, when you need it. Buy less, choose carefully, and pick yarns that you truly love—whether the project is for you or a special gift for someone else. Crochet and knitting are slow crafts, meant to be savoured. So why rush to build a huge yarn stash? Instead, enjoy the process, take your time, and let each project be something you’re proud to make and excited to keep.