Yarn is the material used to create crochet fabric. Yarn comes in different weights, fibers, and forms, and each of these affects how your finished project looks and feels.
This guide introduces yarn basics and links to short reference pages covering each topic.
- medium / worsted weight yarn
- a smooth acrylic or acrylic blend
- a light or medium color
This type of yarn is usually easiest for beginners because the stitches are easier to see and the yarn is comfortable to work with.
Yarn Guides
The guides below explain the main things to know about yarn for crochet.
1. Yarn Weight
Learn what yarn weight means, how yarn thickness affects your stitches, and which hook sizes are commonly used with each weight.
2. Common Yarn Fibers
Explore common yarn fibers like acrylic, cotton, wool, and blends, and learn how fiber content affects softness, stretch, warmth, and durability.
3. Forms Yarn Is Sold In
Learn the difference between hanks, skeins, cakes, balls, and cones, and how each form affects the way you begin working with yarn.
4. Choosing Yarn for Your Project
Learn how to choose yarn based on pattern recommendations, yarn weight, fiber type, and how the finished item will be used.
5. Good Yarn for Beginners
See which yarns are easiest to learn with and why many beginners start with medium-weight acrylic yarn in lighter colors.
6. How to Read a Yarn Label
Learn what information appears on a yarn label, including yarn weight, fiber content, recommended hook size, yardage, and care instructions.
7. How to Start a Yarn Skein
Learn the difference between center pull and outside pull, and how to find the yarn end that works best for your project.