If you’re new to crafting with yarn or just curious about acrylic options, you’re in the right place.

Acrylic yarn is one of the most popular choices; it’s affordable, easy to find, and available in just about every color.

That’s why you’ll see it lining the shelves of almost every craft store.

Some crafters love it, while others avoid it completely, and for good reasons on both sides. In this article, I’ll explain exactly what acrylic yarn does well and where it falls short. You’ll learn:

• What makes acrylic yarn different from natural fibers
• When it’s the perfect choice for your projects
• When you might want to pick something else
• Tips to get the best results when using it

By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how acrylic yarn fits into your crafting toolkit, so you can choose the right material with confidence and make the most of every stitch.

What Is Acrylic Yarn?

Acrylic yarn is a human-made product created from a plastic-like substance called acrylonitrile. This material comes from petroleum (oil), not from plants or animals like wool or cotton.

You can spot acrylic yarn easily in most stores. It fills the shelves at Walmart, Michaels, Joann Fabrics, and Hobby Lobby. Even some dollar stores carry it!

Why is it everywhere? Simple: it’s cheap to make. I’ve used dozens of acrylic yarns over the years, and here’s what makes them stand out:

• They come in every color you can think of – from basic black to neon pink
• You can find them in super thin to extra chunky sizes
• Some feel scratchy, others feel soft as a cloud
• Prices range from very cheap to mid-range (but rarely expensive)

When you touch acrylic yarn, it often feels different from natural fibers. The texture can be squeaky between your fingers – a telltale sign you’re holding something synthetic.

Most craft stores carry popular brands like Red Heart, Lion Brand, and Caron. Each brand makes its acrylic yarn slightly different, giving you many options for your projects.

What Is Acrylic Yarn Good For?

Acrylic yarn works well for many different projects. I’ve used it to make blankets, scarves, hats, mittens, sweaters, toys, and even wall hangings.

Its flexibility makes it a top choice for both new and skilled crafters.

Want to practice a new stitch? Acrylic is perfect. Made a mistake? Just pull it apart and start again without wasting much money.

Making gifts is another great use for acrylic yarn. When you create items for others, you might not know if they:

• Have wool allergies
• It will take time to hand-wash items
• Might toss everything in the washing machine

Acrylic solves these problems since most people can wear it without issues. But here’s where acrylic really shines: big projects.

I once made a king-size blanket that needed 20 balls of yarn. Using wool would have cost me hundreds of dollars!

With acrylic, I spent less than $80 and still got a warm, long-lasting blanket.

You’ll also find acrylic yarn useful for:

• Kids’ items that need frequent washing
• Outdoor decorations that might get wet
• Hot pads and trivets (thick versions can handle heat)
• Items for people with wool or animal fiber allergies

Pros of Acrylic Yarn

After testing dozens of yarns for my cat projects, I’ve found acrylic has many good points that make it worth using.

This common yarn type shows up in craft stores everywhere for good reason. Let’s see why many crafters choose it for pet items and everyday projects.

1. Budget-Friendly

Acrylic yarn costs much less than natural fibers. I’ve seen basic acrylic yarn for as little as $2-3 per ball, while wool can cost $10-20 for the same amount.

This makes it perfect if you’re just starting out and not ready to spend a lot of money.

You can make a whole scarf for under $10. Try that with cashmere! The low price also means you can buy extra yarn for practice without worrying about waste.

2. Easy to Care For

Most acrylic yarn items can go straight into your washing machine. No special washing by hand or laying flat to dry is needed.

Have kids who spill things? No problem. Made something for a friend who doesn’t know how to care for handmade items? Also fine.

I once made a baby blanket from acrylic yarn that has now been washed over 100 times and still looks good. The mom told me she just tosses it in with regular laundry.

3. Color Options

You’ll find acrylic yarn in every shade you can think of. From bright neon colors to soft pastels to classic neutrals – the choices seem endless.

The best part? The color you see is the color you get. Unlike natural fibers that may change after washing, acrylic yarn stays true to its shade.

I’ve found this very helpful when I need to match exact colors for team sports projects or school colors.

4. Durability

Acrylic yarn can take a beating. It won’t shrink in hot water or get eaten by moths. It holds up well to regular use and keeps its shape.

Unlike wool, which can felt (turn into a solid mass) if you wash it wrong, acrylic yarn maintains its stitches even after many washes.

This makes it great for items that need to last a long time, like afghans and winter accessories.

5. Hypoallergenic

Do you sneeze when you touch wool? Many people do. Acrylic yarn offers a good choice for those with wool allergies or sensitive skin.

I have a friend who can’t wear wool next to her skin but loves the scarves I make her from soft acrylic yarn.

She can enjoy handmade items without any itching or allergic reactions. This quality makes acrylic yarn a safe bet when making gifts for people whose fiber preferences you don’t know.

Cons of Acrylic Yarn

While acrylic yarn has many good points, it’s not perfect for every project.

After making hundreds of items, I’ve noticed some drawbacks worth knowing about before you start your next cat bed.

Being aware of these issues helps you decide if acrylic is right for your specific needs.

1. Not Breathable

Acrylic yarn doesn’t let air pass through easily like cotton or wool does. This can make your finished items feel hot and sweaty.

I made an acrylic sweater once and found myself overheating when I wore it indoors. The yarn traps body heat and moisture against your skin, which isn’t comfortable for long periods.

You might notice this plastic-like quality when wearing acrylic hats, scarves, or sweaters. They keep you warm, sometimes too warm, and might make you sweat more than natural fibers would.

2. Texture Varies

Not all acrylic yarns feel the same. Some brands feel as soft as a cloud, while others feel rough against your skin.

I’ve been fooled many times by acrylic yarn that felt soft in the skein but became scratchy after washing. The opposite can happen too; some yarns get softer after a wash.

This inconsistency can be frustrating. You might love one brand of acrylic and hate another, making it hard to shop online when you can’t touch the yarn first.

3. Not Heat Resistant

Acrylic yarn and high heat don’t mix well. It’s basically plastic, so it can melt.

I learned this the hard way when I ironed an acrylic scarf and watched in horror as it melted onto my iron!

The same thing can happen if you put acrylic items too close to heaters, candles, or cigarettes.

This also means you must be careful when blocking (shaping) your finished items. You can’t use steam or hot water like you would with wool.

4. Not Biodegradable

When you throw away acrylic yarn or items made from it, they’ll stay in a landfill for a very long time.

Some estimates say hundreds of years. Unlike wool, cotton, or other natural fibers that break down over time, acrylic is a type of plastic that doesn’t decompose easily in nature.

I try to balance my yarn choices because of this. While I use acrylic for some projects, I’m aware that it’s not the best choice if you’re trying to reduce your impact on the planet.

Comparing Acrylic Yarn to Other Yarns

Choosing yarn can feel like standing in front of a wall of options. Let me break down how acrylic compares to other common yarns I’ve used over the years.

I’ve found that each type has its sweet spot for different projects. You might want to keep all these in your yarn box for different uses.

Who Should Use Acrylic Yarn?

Acrylic yarn works well for many people with different needs and skill levels. This type of yarn offers several benefits that make it a good choice for specific groups of crafters.

1. Beginners

If you’re starting to knit or crochet, acrylic yarn is your friend. You can make mistakes and start over without feeling bad about wasting money.

I always tell my new students to begin with acrylic yarn. You’ll focus better on learning when you’re not worried about ruining expensive wool. The yarn is also less likely to split or break as you work with it.

Learning tip: Medium-weight acrylic yarn in a light color will help you see your stitches clearly as you practice.

2. Budget Crafters

When you want to make something big but can’t spend a lot, acrylic yarn saves the day. I once made a queen-size blanket using acrylic yarn that cost me about $40 total.

The same project in wool would have been over $200! This makes large projects like blankets, rugs, and oversized sweaters much more affordable.

You can still create beautiful, useful items without spending all your money on materials.

3. Kids’ Projects

Children are messy. Their handmade items need to stand up to dirt, spills, and lots of washing. I’ve made countless hats, scarves, and stuffed toys from acrylic yarn for my nieces and nephews.

These items get dragged around, dropped in puddles, and left outside—but they still look good after a trip through the washing machine.

Bonus point: Kids often love the bright, bold colors that acrylic yarn comes in.

4. Gift Makers

When you make a gift for someone, you want them to use it, not just store it away because it’s “too nice” or “too hard to clean.”

I learned this lesson after giving my brother a wool hat that he accidentally put in the dryer. It came out tiny!

Now I make most gifts from acrylic yarn unless I know the person is willing to hand-wash items.

Your time and effort deserve to be enjoyed, not ruined in the first wash. Acrylic yarn helps ensure your handmade gifts stay beautiful for years of regular use.

Tips for Working with Acrylic Yarn

Acrylic yarn has its own special traits that affect how you work with it. These simple tips will help you get the best results when using this popular fiber.

1. Softening Scratchy Yarn

Not all acrylic yarn feels nice against your skin. If you bought yarn that feels too rough, you can soften it.

I soak finished items in warm water with a bit of hair conditioner for about 30 minutes. After rinsing, the yarn feels much softer.

You can also try adding 1/4 cup of white vinegar to your wash cycle.

Another method I love: Put your finished item in a mesh bag with a dryer sheet and tumble on low heat for 10 minutes. This works wonders for scratchy scarves and hats!

2. Avoid High Heat

Acrylic yarn and hot temperatures don’t mix well. The fibers can melt or become misshapen when exposed to too much heat. I once ruined a beautiful blanket by trying to iron it flat.

The yarn melted onto my iron, and parts of the blanket became hard and shiny.

Now I know better! When blocking acrylic items, use cool water and lay them flat to dry. If you must use heat, keep it very low and test on a small area first.

3. Store Carefully

How you store your acrylic yarn projects matters for their long-term look.

I keep my acrylic blankets and sweaters in a chest away from windows. Direct sunlight can make the bright colors fade over time.

Unlike natural fibers, you don’t need to worry about moths eating acrylic yarn.

For leftover yarn, I store it in plastic bags or bins to keep dust away. Unlike wool, you don’t need to add cedar or lavender to protect it.

4. Use the Right Tools

The right hooks and needles make working with acrylic yarn much more pleasant. I find that wooden or bamboo tools work best with acrylic yarn.

Metal hooks often make a squeaky sound against the synthetic fibers that drives me crazy! Wooden tools also grip the sometimes slippery yarn better.

For very soft or fuzzy acrylic yarns, try using a hook or needle one size larger than the label suggests. This gives the yarn more room to move and creates a softer fabric.

Conclusion

Like any crafting material, acrylic yarn has strengths and weaknesses. It’s easy to clean, budget-friendly, and comes in tons of colors. Yet it’s not the most breathable or eco-friendly option.

I believe acrylic yarn deserves a spot in most craft baskets. It makes crafting more accessible to everyone and solves many common yarn problems.

My advice? Try a few different brands before making up your mind. Some acrylic yarns might surprise you with their softness and quality.

You might also like yarn blends that mix acrylic with wool or cotton for the best of both worlds.

What’s your experience with acrylic yarn? Have you found a brand you love or a special trick for working with it? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

I’d love to see pictures of your favorite acrylic yarn projects, too. Let’s learn from each other’s crafting journeys!

If you’re looking for a fun project to test out your acrylic yarn, check out my post on Top 11 Crochet Heart Patterns for Every Skill Level – hearts make perfect small projects to try different yarn types!