Filipino crochet crafters enjoy the variety of crochet yarns. There are so many types of crochet yarn out there. But, sometimes, this can also be confusing, especially for beginners.
This article will help you understand which crochet yarns to buy based on your project needs and budget. Please note that this advice is based on personal experience. Feel free to reach out for further questions.
Crochet Yarn Sizes, Ply, and Pull
Before we take a look at the different crochet yarns found in the Philippines, it is important to know about crochet yarn sizes. Choosing the right yarn size is essential in crochet. It affects the final texture, drape, and final appearance of your project.
In the Philippines, there are various yarn sizes available. We have superfine- to worsted- or medium-weight yarns. We can also improvise bulky to super bulky crochet yarns.
Before we continue, let me explain some common terms used among Filipino crocheters.
Yarns Size
Yarn size refers to the thickness of the yarn. The classifications are
- lace
- superfine or fingering
- sport or fine
- DK (double knitting) or light worsted
- worsted or medium
- bulky or chunky
- super bulky or super chunky
Yarn Ply
Ply refers to the number of strands that make up the yarn. The higher the number of plies, the thicker and more durable the yarn.
Examples:
- Monaco Mercerized cotton yarn. The thickness varies from 3-ply, 5-ply, to 8-ply.
- Milk cotton yarn. It comes in different sizes as 4-ply, 5-ply, 8-ply, and 16-ply.
Yarn Pull
This term refers to the way the yarn is spun. Single-pull yarns are made from a single strand of fibers. Double-pull yarns are created from two or more strands twisted together.
Among Filipino crocheters, single pull means drawing one set of yarn strands while crocheting. (I said set because some yarns have loose strands.) Likewise, double pull means drawing two sets of yarn strands as you crochet.
The double pull (some even use triple pull) technique is used to make a yarn size thicker. It helps for faster crocheting. Although, this is not applicable to every crochet project. Some crochet patterns really need thin yarn sizes.
Crochet Yarn Sizes and Brands: The Ultimate Comparison Table
Knowing these basic terms will help you choose the right yarn for your crochet project and achieve the desired results.
Let’s take a closer look at the different yarn sizes and their corresponding crochet hook sizes to help you choose the perfect yarn for your next project.
Remember that this is a guide for crochet yarn size and crochet hook size. You can still use any crochet hook you want for the yarns you have.
Best Crochet Yarns in the Philippines
Yarns in the Philippines are mostly made from acrylic or cotton, or both mixed together. Each type of crochet yarn can affect your project differently.
In this article, I’ll show you the most popular crochet yarns in the Philippines, and the best projects to make with them. I’ll also give you links to free patterns you can use with these yarns and places online where you can buy them.
Acrylic Crochet Yarn
Acrylic yarn is the most affordable crochet yarn I know. And it is a widely available yarn material in the Philippines. Sometimes, because it has a rough texture, it produces a squeaky sound when crocheted. Some common types of acrylic yarns you can find in the local market include the following.
Indophil Crochet Yarn
Indophil yarn is a popular choice for crochet enthusiasts. This crochet yarn is affordable and accessible. Its strands are typically loose and are not tightly twisted. Thus, making it slightly challenging to crochet at first, especially for beginners.
Indophil yarns are often hand-wound by sellers and sold in cakes weighing 25g, 50g, 100g, or 200g. They come in 4-ply or 8-ply variations.
Some sellers offer a variation of Indophil yarn called “soft Indophil” which is slightly softer than the regular kind.
Projects: Wearables, scarves and shawls, bags and purses, amigurumi, and doilies
Buy at: Crochetynne, Yarn_Coholic, Rosal’s Crochet, johannesgoldyarns
Free Patterns
Crochet Teardrop Hanging Basket (Free Pattern) by Felt Magnet
Crochet floral top tutorial by Aly Gene
Crochet a Ruched Sleeve Lace Top by What About Yarn
Milk Cotton Crochet Yarn
Milk cotton yarn is a popular choice among crocheters in the Philippines. It’s accessible, affordable, and offers a wide range of colors. It produces soft and squishy crochet items. But, it’s important to note that they tend to shrink after washing, so always check the care label.
Unlike Indophil yarn, milk cotton yarns are not locally made. Other countries import them here.
These crochet yarns come in various sizes such as 3-ply, 4-ply, 5-ply, 8-ply, 10-ply, and 16-ply. Some skeins may have knots due to the manufacturer’s need to produce a specific number of grams per skein.
It is interesting to note that milk cotton yarns do not actually contain any cotton, despite the name. Dyno Makes, a crochet yarn and notions seller, proved this. They submitted a sample of milk cotton yarn to the Philippine Textile Research Institute. It was found to be made up of acrylic and polyester yarns rather than cotton.
Projects: Amigurumi, wearables, blankets
Sellers: Dyno Makes, RG DIY SHOP, Shie Pick N Shop
Free Patterns
Crochet Ribbed Crop Top by Chenda DIY
Crochet Tulip flower Easy pattern by AbbysCROCHET
Easy Crochet Daisy Bucket Hat Tutorial | Crochet Bucket Hat DIY by Molina.D DIY
Monaco Acrylic Crochet Yarn
The Monaco acrylic yarn is a popular item found in school supply stores. It comes in small skeins. There is a wide range of colors available. It’s a go-to choice for students and crafters alike.
This type of crochet yarn is commonly referred to as “bull thread.” It is often used to tie notebooks or as a general-purpose string.
Projects: Hats, bags, amigurumi, doilies
Seller: MRLC Online
Free Patterns
DIY Crochet Coin Purse by Yna Eloisa
Cotton Crochet Yarn
Cotton crochet yarns are a popular choice for summer wearables. It is because of their lightness and breathability. They make comfortable and soft wearables.
They also produce a more structured stitch compared to acrylic yarns. This results in a clean and polished finish. Another advantage of cotton yarn is its natural fibers. This makes it a sustainable and eco-friendly crochet yarn option.
Monaco Mercerized Cotton Crochet Yarn
Another popular locally-made crochet yarn in the Philippines is Monaco mercerized cotton yarn. It is available in different colors and sizes, including 3-ply, 5-ply, and 8-ply.
This cotton crochet yarn is ideal for crocheting small items. It’s great to use for earrings or other accessories, as it helps maintain the structure of the piece.
Projects: Baby wearables, accessories, amigurumi, coin purses, appliques, tablecloths
Seller: chipmunkPH., MRLC Online
Free Patterns
I used this kind of yarn for my crochet flower bookmarks. Click the links below for the free patterns:
Crochet Tulip Bookmark Free Pattern
Crochet Sunflower Bookmark Free Pattern
Combed Cotton Crochet Yarn
Combed cotton yarn is soft and lightweight in texture. It’s a popular choice for summer clothing and accessories. This type of crochet yarn typically comes in 6-ply and 10-ply variations and offers a wide range of colors to choose from.
Combed cotton yarn is a great choice for maintaining stitch definition. It’s great for keeping structure in your projects.
Mercerized cotton and combed cotton have different properties. I will discuss this in a separate article, so stay tuned for more information.
Projects: Wearables, bags, purses, blankets, and amigurumi
Sellers: Ashley’s Crochet, crunchcrochet, Rosal’s Crochet
Free Patterns
Crochet Foldaway Mesh Bag by I Heart Gantsilyo
Gingerbread Crochet Ornament by Craftic
Fine Cotton Yarn
Fine cotton yarns come in various colors such as solid, mixed, or gradient. The strands of this crochet yarn are usually loose and thin, making it challenging for beginners to work with. Filipino crocheters often use a double or triple-pull technique to make the yarn thicker.
These crochet yarns typically have 8 or 16 plies. They make a delicate and intricate stitch pattern. Knots may appear along the strands of each yarn. Don’t worry about it. The manufacturer creates this when changing color. These knots do not affect the overall appearance of your project.
Using fine cotton yarn requires patience and practice. But, the end result is worth it. It produces delicate and intricate crocheted items that are perfect for special occasions.
Projects: Wearables, shawls, doilies, accessories
Sellers: Ashley’s Crochet, Crochetingly Yours, ISA
Free Patterns
Crochet Mermaid Top by CJ Crochet
Easy Crochet Puff Dress | Crochet Dress Tutorial | Crochet Puff Sleeves by CJ Crochet
Panublix Crochet Yarn
Crafted with love and care, this crochet yarn is 100% Philippine cotton. It is ethically sourced from local farms in the regions of Bicol and Western Visayas.
This crochet yarn is perfect for those who care about the environment. By using Panubilx yarn, you can also support local businesses and products.
Seller: Panublix
Other Kinds of Crochet Yarns in the Philippines
There are still many different kinds of yarns that are popular among Filipino crocheters. I will cover some of them. These are the yarns that I have personally used. They are as beautiful as any other crochet yarn out there.
Polyester/Spun Polyester Crochet Yarn
Photo by Yarn Temptations
Polyester or spun polyester yarn is a synthetic fiber made from petroleum-based products. It is known for its durability, resistance to wrinkles, and ease of care. This crochet yarn exhibits a shiny appearance and has the ability to dry quickly when wet. It is also a popular choice for clothing and home decor due to its affordability and availability.
Comes in 4-ply, 8-ply, and 12-ply variations.
Projects: Wearables, bikinis, shawl, scarf, bags
Sellers: Rosal’s Crochet, Yarn Temptations
Free Patterns
Summer Top Crochet Tagalog Tutorial by Clark Ian Tuazon
Crochet Aquaflask Cover for 22oz by Abby’s Crochet
Rainbow Crochet Yarn
Rainbow crochet yarn is a blend of cotton and acrylic. It is in the size of DK or light worsted yarn weight.
You can choose from solid colors to gradient ones. The gradient variety is sometimes called self-stripping or rainbow crochet yarn.
Projects: Wearables, pouches, scarves, and shawls
Seller: DynoMakes
Free Patterns
Crochet Backless Crop Top Pattern
Rainbow Baby Crochet Romper Pattern
Chunky Chenille Blanket Yarn
This chenille yarn is a bulky-weight crochet yarn. It is made of 100% polyester. It’s soft and fluffy making it a perfect choice for amigurumi crochet projects. But you can also use this for huge projects like blankets or rugs.
Projects: Amigurumi, blankets, rugs, scarf, hat
Seller: DynoMakes
Free Pattern
Easy Crochet Shell Stitch Baby Blanket
Polypropylene Crochet Yarn
This crochet yarn, also known as tiny cord or nylon yarn, is made of polypropylene. It comes in different yarn diameters like 2mm, 4mm, and 6mm. Unlike other yarns above, it has twisted or knotted strands, and it doesn’t have a fabric-like feel.
This shiny and soft yet strong yarn is excellent for creating structured crochet pieces. Its smooth and slick texture allows for easy stitching. It’s a great choice for making durable and long-lasting items.
Project: Bags, purses, hats
Sellers: Yarns Art & Craft Creations
Free Pattern
Crochet women’s bag with an easy elegant design
T-Shirt Crochet Yarn
This kind of yarn is literally made from a piece of t-shirt fabric. It is cut into a continuous strip and winded into a yarn cake or ball.
It makes stiff stitches which makes it ideal for bags, purses, baskets, and rugs. But, it can cause hand strain when used for some time.
Still, this is a great choice if you want to try different kinds of crochet yarns.
Projects: Bags, purses, rags
Seller: Yarns Art & Craft Creations
Free Patterns
Hanging Herb Garden Free Crochet Pattern
Yarns Around the World
Looking to try out some imported yarns? Don’t worry, you still can! There are plenty of crochet material sellers who offer a range of high-quality yarns. You’ll find crochet yarns from well-known companies like Lion Brand and Bernat. Check out the following crochet yarns:
Bernat Softee Baby Cotton Yarn
Lily Sugar ‘n Cream Cotton Yarn
You may also visit the following Shopee seller: Vieutiful Creations, Knot Cute Ph, Tindahan ni Pengoy, Craftita
Final Thoughts on Yarns in the Philippines
There are various types of crochet yarns available in the Philippines. Each has its unique qualities and characteristics. From locally-made to imported crochet yarns, we, crocheters have a wide range of options to choose from to create our desired project.
It is important to consider the fiber content, ply count, and weight of the crochet yarn when selecting the appropriate one for a specific project. Understanding the properties of different yarns is also essential. It can help in achieving the desired texture, drape, and overall appearance of the finished piece.
With the increasing popularity of crafting, more and more crochet yarns are becoming accessible and available in the market. It becomes easier for crocheters to explore and experiment with different types and colors. So, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced crocheter, there’s always a perfect crochet yarn out there waiting to be discovered.
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