Crocheting is a super popular pastime in the Philippines, and there are a bunch of fabulous local yarns that are just perfect for it. In this blog post, I’m gonna spill the beans on the most common local crochet yarns like Indophil, fine cotton, polyester, and polycotton.
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| Crochet yarns in the Philippines in cakes. From left, top to bottom: Indophil yarn, polycotton yarn, polyester yarn, fine cotton yarn. |
My game plan here is to give you the full scoop on those homegrown Philippine yarns that are tailor-made for crochet. By the time you reach the end of this post, you’ll have a solid grasp of what kinds of yarns are out there, their pros and cons, and where they really shine.
Fingers crossed, all this info will steer you in the right direction when you’re picking out the dream yarn for your next crochet masterpiece. Alrighty then, let’s dive in!
Fun Tidbits About Philippine Yarns
Affordable
All these inexpensive yarns we’ll learn about could lead to yarn hoarding if you’re not careful when shopping.
Color
These yarns are available in a wide range of colors, including solid, gradient, and mixed. They are also colorfast, which means they will not fade or bleed when washed.
Durable
These yarns are durable and can withstand repeated use. They are a good choice for projects that will be used often, such as bags, hats, and tops.
Loose thread
These yarns are not twisted like some other acrylic yarns, such as milk cotton yarn.
Cakes
The most common form of these yarns is in cakes. I have never seen them sold in cones, skeins, or hanks.
Yarn weights
Each type of these yarns can vary in ply count, from 4-ply to 8-ply to 12-ply. You can also customize the yarn thickness by asking the seller.
Size
The yarns are available in cakes of 25g, 50g, 100g, 150g, and 200g. This allows you to order the amount you need for your project, which can save you money and yarn.
The Making of Local Philippine Yarns
Have you ever wondered how local Philippine yarns are made? It can be hard to find information about this online, but I did some research and talked to some sellers.
Here’s what I learned:
- Yarns are typically made from acrylic, cotton, or polyester fibers. These yarns are manufactured either here in the Philippines or in other countries.
- The yarns are made in cones and then wound into cakes by hand or machine.
- The yarns are not twisted, which means they are loose and can be difficult to work with at first. However, with practice, crocheters can get used to working with loose yarn.
- Sellers may wrap their own labels around the yarn cakes, but the yarn itself is typically the same regardless of the seller.
Indophil Acrylic Yarn
Indophil yarn is a soft, synthetic yarn that is made from acrylic fibers. It is available in both 4 ply and 8 ply weights, and some strands can be thicker. The “soft Indophil” yarn is ideal for making crochet projects like tops and cardigans.
Here are some pros and cons of Indophil acrylic yarn.
Pros
- Soft
- Easy to work with
- Great for beginners
Cons
- Not as breathable as natural fibers
- Tends to pill
- Some are scratchy
What to Crochet with Indophil Acrylic Yarn?
You can use Indophil yarn with any crochet project you want, especially if you are on a budget. This yarn is best used for garments worn during cold weather because acrylic yarns are warm.
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| Crochet tote/mesh bag using Indophil yarn. |
Fine Cotton Yarn
Fine cotton yarn is made from 100% cotton, so it’s naturally soft and breathable. It’s also a lace-weight yarn, which means it’s perfect for making wearable crochet projects like tops, dresses, and scarves.
Fine cotton yarn comes in a variety of colors, including solid, mixed, and gradient. You can also find it in different weights, from 8-ply to 16-ply. This makes it a versatile yarn that can be used for a wide range of projects.
Here are the pros and cons of fine cotton yarn.
Pros
- Soft and gentle on the skin
- Breathable
Con
- Thin yarn
- Not stretchable during crocheting
What to Crochet with Fine Cotton Yarn?
Fine cotton yarn is a great choice for baby and summer wearables. It’s breathable and gentle on the skin, making it perfect for hot weather. It can also be used for scarves, shawls, and dresses.
Cotton yarn is firm and holds its shape well, making it ideal for projects like bags, coasters, and amigurumi.
Polyester/Spun Polyester Yarn
Polyester (poly) yarn is made up of polyester, or a blend of polyester and other types of fabrics. Spun polyester yarn is a variation of polyester yarn. Among Filipino crochet artists, polyester and spun polyester yarn terms are used interchangeably.
The term “ticket” refers to the thickness of a single strand of polyester yarn. The higher the ticket number, the thinner the strand. So, two cakes of polyester yarn with the same ply number might have different thicknesses if they have different ticket numbers.
The common sizes available are 4-ply or 6-ply 30-35 tickets, 8-ply 50 tickets, or 12-ply 120 tickets.
Here are some pros and cons of polyester yarn.
Pros
- Smooth, soft, and shiny texture
- Structured stitches
- Water-resistant
Con
- Not as breathable as natural fibers
What to Crochet with Polyester Yarn?
Polyester yarn produces stiff stitches that are perfect for bags, purses, and hats. These projects will only stretch a little bit, if at all. You can also use polyester yarn for garments like swimwear or tops.
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| Crochet top using polyester yarn. |
Poly-Cotton Yarn
Polycotton yarn is a blend of polyester and cotton fibers. It’s shiny and wrinkle-resistant like polyester, but it’s also breathable and comfortable like cotton. Polycotton yarn is usually wound with 4-ply strands. It has the thickest single strand of yarn among the local Philippine yarns.
Here are the pros and cons of poly-cotton yarn.
Pro
- Skin-friendly
- Structured stitches
Con
- Not as breathable as natural fibers
- Strands are slippery while crocheting
What to Crochet with Poly-Cotton Yarn?
Polycotton yarn is perfect for a variety of projects, including summer hats, tops, home décor, and bags. It’s breathable and sturdy, making it a good choice for both warm and cold weather.
Tips for Crocheting with Local Yarns
Tips for Crocheting with Local Yarns
- Explore different types of yarns. Buy one cake of each type to see which ones you like best. Consider the project you’re making, the skin type of the wearer, and the season when the project will be worn.
- Practice using loose threads. It may be frustrating at first, but keep practicing and you’ll get the hang of it.
- Learn about WPI (wraps per inch). This will help you determine the correct crochet hook size for each type of yarn. Watch this video about WPI.
- Adjust your tension. This will depend on the drape or stiffness you want for your project.
FAQ
Is Indophil acrylic yarn good for a beginner crocheter?
Yes, Indophil acrylic yarn is a good choice for beginners. It’s easy to work with and is available in a wide variety of colors and weights.
What is the best crochet yarn for a cardigan?
The best crochet yarn for a cardigan will depend on the season you’ll be wearing it in. For chilly seasons, Indophil yarn is a good choice because it can keep you warm. For summer, fine cotton yarn is a good choice because it’s breathable.
What is the best crochet yarn for swimwear?
Indophil and polyester yarns are the most preferred yarns for swimwear because they don’t absorb water. This means that they won’t get heavy when they’re wet, which is important for swimwear.
What is the best crochet yarn for bags?
Polyester and polycotton yarns are the best crochet yarn for bags because it creates sturdy or non-stretching stitches. This is what we want for our bags, especially for carrying heavy kinds of stuff.
How to wash crochet clothes?
The care instructions for crochet yarn will vary depending on the fiber content of the yarn. However, some general tips for caring for crochet yarn include:
– Hand wash your crochet projects in cold water with a mild detergent.
– Do not wring your crochet projects.
– Lay your crochet projects flat to dry.
– Do not dry your crochet projects in the dryer.
Summary
There are four main types of Philippine yarns: Indophil yarn, fine cotton yarn, polyester yarn, and polycotton yarn. Each type of yarn has its own unique properties that make it ideal for certain projects.
Where to Buy Local Yarns in the Philippines
Here are some physical and online shops you can buy these local yarns from
Online Yarn Shops
CrochetColoursPh
CrochetColoursPh is a shop that sells a variety of Philippine yarns, including soft Indophil yarns, polyester yarns, and fine cotton yarns. They also have glittered polyester yarn and hand-dyed cotton yarn. In addition, they sell notions and accessories that you can use for your crochet projects.
Crochetingly Yours, ISA
Crochetingly Yours, ISA is a shop that sells a variety of yarns, both local and imported. They have polyester yarns, fine cotton yarns, and soft Indophil yarns. They also have many yarns from other countries like Ice Yarn from Turkey and crochet hooks like Tulip Etimo crochet hooks. In addition, they sell many accessories that you can use for different kinds of crochet projects.
A-Yarn
A-Yarn is a shop that sells a variety of Philippine yarns, including soft Indophil yarns, polyester yarns, and fine cotton yarns. They also sell other kinds of twisted yarns and some crochet notions and tools.
K Crochets
K Crochets is a shop that sells a variety of Philippine yarns, including Indophil yarns, fine cotton yarns, polyester yarns, and polycotton yarns. They also sell some crochet hooks and notions.
Conclusion
Hope you had a blast checking out this article and soaked up all the info about these cool crochet yarns here in the Philippines.
If you’re hungry for more yarny insights, come flutter over to my blog. I’ve sprinkled it with all sorts of yarn magic – from crochet yarns to hooks and the ABCs of stitching. Keep those hooks dancing and stitch up a storm. Happy crocheting!
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