Hi! So I’ve only crocheted amigurumi so far. But I am getting super interested in crocheting a top. My question is, is there a certain yarn to use when crocheting clothing? (Ex: I mainly use chunky parfait for the amigurumi I make, but that’s make a pretty fuzzy top 
) Would to hear your thoughts! 
12 Likes
I don’t crochet clothes but I’ve seen people use cotton and wool I think you might be able to use acrylic if you really want to but I’d stick with what your pattern recommends 
9 Likes
Cotton and wool are great for longevity purposes! Cotton is breathable and has a cooler feel for summertimr clothing, whereas wool is is great for snuggly winter time clothing.
Acrylic works too! I have sime very soft anti pilling acrylic clothing, but doesnt hold up as well as the aformentioned textiles. Its just more work to upkeep.
11 Likes
Ahhhh gotcha, thank you for the feedback! I appreciate it! 
7 Likes
Ohhhhhh this is great information. I would not have thought of that. Thank you!! Are there any brands you like best?
7 Likes
While I have crochet garment patterns, I don’t wear crochet garments, only knit.
I use acrylic all the time, in fact I use acrylic and cotton exclusively for both me and my husband with no problems. Mainly because I will not make anything that I can’t toss in the washer and dryer. Period.
The trick to acrylic is that it will always be softer after you wash it than it is in the skein. You can even pre-wash it if you like to test it.
The more halo (the fuzzy aura when looking at the yarn) the more chance of pilling, Some yarns feel soft in the store because of this halo and will be a nightmare afterwards *I’m looking at you, Simply Soft.
I generally use I Love This yarn, and the lion brand sport-weight, and whatever cotton I find since it’s the hardest to get my hands on.
8 Likes
Bamboo and cotton blends are so yummy on the skin. Lion brand has a #3 weight yarn called CooBoo that I like.
100% cotton tends to stretch or sag in a top and can feel heavy.
Acrylic can be used but I’d recommend anti-pilling acrylic and/or premium acrylic. Regular acrylic is scratchy and heavy in my opinion.
Acrylic and cotton blends are nice for sweaters/jumpers I think.
Then there’s wool, wool blends are great for hats/ mittens/scarves.
That’s my 2cents anyway.
9 Likes
I have used all of the above. And they all work. Depending on the type of stitching. Even the heavier cotton’s work with more of an open stitch sweater. I have 2 I wear all the time.
9 Likes
some of my favorite sweaters over the years have actually been made from plain peaches and creme/sugar and cream (can never keep them straight) on the cone
9 Likes
Ohhhhhh interesting!!! All very good points that I would not have thought of. Thank you for this insight!
5 Likes
The few designers I’ve tested for I’ve used cotton, acrylic, polyester blend, and cotton blend. All of them have held up minor pilling but I also don’t put them in the dryer.
I do and have used a 4 weight on a 3 weight pattern and ya it can mess with the gauge.
Acrylic is one of the ones that pills a bit unless you get a non pulling yarn which I haven’t tried yet. The most yarn I’ve used was acrylic (bernat or red heart worsted) or the cotton blend ones (lion brand) . I’ve heard bamboo is great.
I can suggest testing a few yarns to see what you prefer.
7 Likes
All great points! Interesting about the cotton tending to feel heavy or sagging. Thank you for this feedback, I appreciate it!
6 Likes
Oh interesting!! Ok thank you! I really appreciate your feedback
7 Likes
Thank you! I’m definitely writing this all down. I appreciate it!
6 Likes
I love this question, it’s one of my main differences between knitting and crochet and I think I have a good answer for you. Crochet is thicker than knitting and isn’t favored as a method of making clothing for this reason. And often people who do crochet in midweights and up find a very chunky, heavy garment as a result. If you’re looking for a tshirt-ish weight then I’d use sock-lace weight yarn when crocheting. Midweight and worsted weight will produce something closer to an outer coat weight of fabric.
8 Likes
You bring up a good point. the weight of the yarn is a factor also.
6 Likes
yeah, the majority of crochet garments are jackets or mesh-like for this reason.
I leave it up to my testers to tell me if the weight and gauge are good, because it always just feels like a blanket to me.
7 Likes
I recently made a sweater dress with Hobbii’s Tweed Delight, and i loooooooove the feel. Thats a wool blend, but is on the pricier side if your a US citizen. Locally, i like Hobby Lobbys I Love This Cotton as its really soft, in feel. For anti pilling acrylic yarn, Premier has some great ones that feel nice as well.
I do like the wool blend from Hobbii the best though!
8 Likes
Either cotton that is soft enough to be worn over long periods, or anti-pilling acrylics! I have a top made with SW Merino. If you don’t have reactions to wool that can be a good option.
7 Likes
That yarn is really nice! My favorite cotton yarn that I’ve used is loops and threads cotton crème (I think is what it’s called) from Michaels I’m not a cotton yarn lover usually because the yarn is kinda rough and stiff but that yarn was a little softer.
5 Likes