Choosing Acrylic Yarn
Frequently asked questions
Is acrylic yarn good for babies?
Yes for practicality: it is soft, machine washable and low in allergens. It breathes less than merino, so for a newborn many people choose superwash merino and keep acrylic for blankets.
Does acrylic yarn pill?
Cheap acrylic does. Anti pill acrylics such as Fiddlesticks Superb are spun to resist it, and a fabric comb takes off any that appears.
Can I block acrylic?
Not with water the way you block wool. Steam blocking sets acrylic, but hold the iron above the fabric: heat that touches it flattens the stitches permanently.
Is acrylic warm?
Warm enough for a blanket or a child's jumper, but less than wool of the same thickness, and it does not breathe as well. Acrylic and wool blends are a good middle ground.
Can I machine wash and tumble dry acrylic?
Machine wash yes, on a warm cycle. Tumble dry on low only; high heat can melt the fibres and leave the fabric limp.
Which acrylic is best for a blanket?
Fiddlesticks Superb 8 ply, or Superb Big for a chunky throw, or Panda Magnum. All are washable and come in big balls with plenty of colours.
Is acrylic good for crochet?
Very. It is the most common yarn for crochet blankets, amigurumi and granny squares because it is cheap, colourful and washable.
Is acrylic yarn bad for the environment?
It is a plastic fibre, so it does not break down and it sheds microfibres in the wash. Wool and cotton are the natural alternatives; a wool blend is a compromise that still washes well.