Cotton yarn is soft, breathable and so versatile for knitters! This natural plant-based fiber is one of the oldest known materials and remains a staple in the knitting industry today. Mass production began in the 1700s with the invention of the cotton gin. Cotton yarn is great for so many crochet projects beyond the dishcloth. There are a variety of types of cotton yarns on the markets these days that it is easy to build up a stash of gorgeous colors and textures. So, grab some cotton from your yarn stash and get started on one of these great patterns today. Cotton is an incredibly strong and durable natural fiber, wet or dry. Capable of absorbing up to 27x its weight in water, cotton can also allow water to evaporate. It’s soft to the touch and lightweight. And because it’s a cellulose fiber, it pulls heat away from the body. For best summer blankets use lighter weight, cotton yarn. You can have thicker blankets in the winter months to trap more body heat. This will be best if made with wool or acrylic yarn as these best wools for knit blankets are best for warmth and are best used in cold climates. Cotton is hypo-allergenic, which is a great option for little ones with wool allergies or sensitive skin. … It’s easily washable, usually can be tumble dried, and it’s soft and smooth against the skin. A soft, affordable choice is Simply Cotton Organic, available as a worsted weight yarn. It is an unbleached, undyed yarn that you could opt to dye yourself or to work within its natural “marshmallow” color. Mercerized cotton is a special kind of cotton yarn that is more lustrous than conventional cotton. It is also stronger, takes dye a little more readily, produces less lint, and is more resistant to mildew. It also may not shrink or lose its shape as much as “regular” cotton. A light, cotton yarn paired with a classic crochet stitch makes this the perfect, cottage chic blanket. Light and soft enough to use as a baby blanket, it can also double as a cozy lapghan or throw. Cotton yarn: Cotton is an inelastic fiber, which makes it slightly more of a challenge to crochet with than wool is. (That same quality makes it a great choice for specific types of projects, though, where you want the item to hold its shape!) … Don’t make it hard on yourself to learn to crochet.
