It's that time of year again – beanie season! I love making handmade gifts, and this year I decided to crochet beanies for my friends. But then I hit a snag: what yarn should I use? I wanted something warm, durable, and easy to care for, but the world of yarn can be overwhelming! Figuring out the best yarn for a warm beanie became my mission.
I started by researching different yarn types. I knew I wanted something that would keep my friends warm during the cold winter months. My initial thought was wool, but I also considered acrylic. I’d heard mixed reviews about acrylic, with some people saying it wasn't as warm or breathable as natural fibers. I started questioning whether I could really use acrylic yarn for a warm beanie.
I remember thinking, "Is acrylic yarn really such a bad choice?" I wanted to make a beanie that would be warm and cozy, but also practical. I needed something that could withstand everyday wear and tear and, ideally, be easy to wash. The cost was also a factor. I didn't want to break the bank buying expensive yarn for multiple beanies.
After some research and experimentation, I realized that acrylic yarn might be a better option than I initially thought. I found that many high-quality acrylic yarns are actually very soft and warm. Plus, they're incredibly durable and easy to care for. One of the biggest benefits of acrylic is that it's machine washable, which is a huge plus for busy people who don't have time for hand-washing delicate items.
I even crocheted a beanie for my husband using acrylic yarn about four years ago, and he still wears it all the time! It's held up incredibly well, and he's never complained about it making his head sweat or anything. We just toss it in the washing machine when it gets dirty. This experience really solidified my trust in acrylic yarn for beanies.
Of course, acrylic isn't perfect. Some people find that it can get a bit smelly if exposed to a lot of sweat. This is more of an issue for items like sweaters that are worn directly against the skin, but it's something to keep in mind for beanies as well. However, I've found that this isn't usually a problem if the beanie is washed regularly.
While acrylic is a great option for its practicality, wool is definitely worth considering if you're looking for a more luxurious feel. Wool is naturally warm, breathable, and moisture-wicking, making it a great choice for cold weather accessories. However, wool can be more expensive and require more careful care than acrylic.
One option is to invest in superwash wool. Superwash wool has been treated to make it machine washable, which eliminates the need for hand-washing. I wear only hand-knitted socks made using superwash wool blend yarns, and they aren’t itchy. Lion Brand Wool-ease laundered using fabric softener is probably plenty soft, if you want to go with the wool route.
Ultimately, I decided to experiment with blending different fibers to get the best of both worlds. I used a blend of acrylic and wool for some of my beanies. This allowed me to take advantage of the warmth and breathability of wool, while still enjoying the durability and easy care of acrylic.
For other beanies, I considered a completely different approach: adding a fleece band. I recently started sewing fleece bands into my wool hats, on the part where the skin would touch the yarn. This makes the hat much more warm and prevents any itching. I think acrylic makes great breathable hats and since they’re machine washable I never worry about odors.
And speaking of warmth, I recently discovered these adorable Cute Ears Lamb Hats for Woman from Wholecustomdesign! They're not crocheted, but the plush, thickened lamb cashmere looks incredibly warm and cozy. I'm thinking of getting one for myself – they're just too cute to resist! The soft material seems really comfortable, and they're perfect for adding a touch of fun to any winter outfit.
Here are a few tips I learned along the way for choosing the right yarn for a warm beanie: