Knitted toys have gained popularity among many people. They can be of different sizes, differ in texture and accessories. Even beginners can create simple toys. However, before that, it is worth deciding on the working material and tools. If among the main devices the choice is not too large - a hook or knitting needles, then the yarn for knitting toys differs in many features. Therefore, it is worth immediately deciding on the threads used - the question of which yarn is better to knit toys is quite relevant.
Benefits of Plush Yarn
The choice of yarn is currently very wide, it can be called differently. Plush yarn is quite popular among craftswomen. This material is soft, it feels very pleasant to the touch, so toys from it are knitted with pleasure.
When working with plush or velour yarn, it is recommended to select knitting needles by length and thickness. It is better to take a large crochet hook so that you can quickly pick up a loop if necessary. However, working with knitting needles will allow you to get the desired result faster and without problems.
In addition to the fact that such yarn is soft and light, it has other advantages:
- The range of colors and shades is quite wide, the variety will please any master.
- Can be used to knit a variety of patterns in multiple colors.
- The fabric is quite durable, but at the same time soft and pleasant to the touch.
- For toys, this is an ideal option, because children really like such things. The products are pleasant to touch, they do not cause allergic reactions.
- There is no coarse lint on the items, you don’t want to let them go.
Toys made from plush yarn are distinguished by their long service life and durability.
Attention! Some types of plush yarn may shed lint. You can only unravel rows once, otherwise the threads will lose their softness and become prickly very quickly.
Plush yarn is divided into several types:
- Made of acrylic. The cheapest material that retains its shape perfectly after washing.
- Made of cotton.
- Made of viscose.
The last two types are not particularly popular because after washing the knitting tends to deform, and this is harmful for toys - they lose the necessary shape.
Fluffy yarn for knitting toys
Fluffy yarn requires some experience. It is more difficult to crochet than knit with needles - the pile gets tangled and wrinkled. Mohair or "grass" (threads with longer textile pile) are most often chosen to create fluffy and shaggy toys.
Both options have some features that are worth considering:
- Toys made from mohair are fluffier on the back side, so after finishing the work the parts are simply turned inside out.
- The fleece on toys is made using a slicker brush or special Velcro.
- Acrylic threads are combed in a dry state, but it is important to remember that it breaks when touched by hands, so you should be careful with such toys.
- To make mohair fluffier, hold the product over steam, then all the villi will straighten out.
- When using "grass", it is recommended to carefully move the fibers so that they remain on one side of the knitting.
- When knitting with "grass", it is better to take the thread from the middle of the ball, and not from the outside. The thing is that the pile is located against the movement if you knit as usual.
- For combing such yarn, it is also better to use a slicker brush.
- You need to unravel the fabric very carefully so that the thread does not get tangled.
Toys made of fluffy yarn are very attractive, animals are very similar to real ones, fluffy animals are loved by both children and adults.
Textured yarn for knitting toys
Textured yarn includes all types of threads except absolutely smooth ones. Many manufacturers create a variety of original yarns.
Fluffy, plush, terry, bouclé, mohair and angora wool - such toys always have a variety of textures, they are not just smooth, like, for example, those made of Iris or simple acrylic.
Attention! It is recommended that before purchasing threads, you accurately determine the type of future toy, and then select the appropriate material.
Yarn for knitting dolls
Many craftswomen knit not only animals or other things, but also dolls, which they then dress up and decorate. Textured yarn is not very suitable for creating such items, but if desired, you can use plush yarn for knitting, for example, dolls. Basically, to knit dolls, it is recommended to use cotton or acrylic, threads that combine both options are suitable:
- The yarn is 55% cotton and 45% acrylic, soft, does not stretch, does not twist. It is excellent for knitting the body, but can also be used for clothing.
- Threads 100% mercerized cotton. Perfect for products, keeps shape well.
- Cotton stretch yarn - contains a couple percent of lycra. The material is very convenient to use, but when stuffing a toy it can stretch, so it is worth stuffing the toy loosely.
Attention! You can use wool to knit dolls, but often such products turn out to be quite hard and not very pleasant to the touch. Children do not really like such toys.
Best Yarn for Crochet
What yarn is used to crochet toys? Popular amigurumi are most often created with a similar tool. The direction is very interesting, many beginners also want to make original products. However, not every yarn is suitable for crocheting.
To choose the right threads, it is recommended to take into account some features:
- First of all, you need to decide on the toy - this is what the choice of yarn and hook depends on.
- Cotton is easy to knit with, and the toys turn out smooth and very neat, the fabric is even, there is no pile.
- Using acrylic threads allows you to get a product with a little fluffiness, but also clear and neat.
- Mercerized cotton is great for dolls, the loops and rows are even, and the items are very pleasant to the touch and to the eye.
- Stretch cotton is better for those who already have some experience with crochet. The threads are a little springy, the previous loop is hard to see, but at the end of knitting the result is very beautiful.
- Textured yarn for fluffy creatures is suitable for experienced, not beginner craftswomen. It is not easy to unravel the fabric, and the bottom row is quite hard to see. It is better to use it after training.
- Threads with wool allow you to create not just a toy, but almost a masterpiece. But crocheting from them is quite difficult, and unraveling is not recommended at all, they are suitable only for "seasoned" knitters.
- Textured threads with the addition of artificial fibers are also not very suitable for a beginner, because they require special care and accuracy.
Therefore, beginners should choose smoother yarn for crocheting. After gaining some experience, you can move on to more complex patterns and other yarns.
Attention! It is important to choose the right hook so that no holes appear on the fabric during knitting. Otherwise, the filler will stick out through these holes.
A few words about little tricks
To get a wonderful toy as a result, it is worth knowing a few tricks:
- It is important to choose the right hook. For toys, it is better to take a tool of a smaller size than indicated on the yarn label.
- It is necessary to know exactly where the back side is and where the front side is - beginners often confuse them, as a result the product has an unsightly appearance.
- The stuffing should not stick out or be woven into the fabric. It is important to leave a small opening so that the hook slides well, and then carefully add the missing stuffing with a thin stick.
- All the details need to be sewn carefully. First, the needle is inserted into the detail, and then into the main fabric, and not vice versa, then the seam will be beautiful.
- When knitting, it is essential to use a stitch marker to count stitches, otherwise mistakes are possible.
- It is important to choose high-quality accessories - eyes, nose, etc., so that the toy does not look cheap and sloppy.
- For stuffing, it is recommended to use only high-quality filler so that it does not spread or come out.
- The tightening should be done with the same thread that was used for knitting (if it is suitable), and it is also necessary to ensure symmetry.
Knitting toys is a wonderful activity. Correctly selected yarn will allow you to create wonderful products that will decorate your home and become a gift not only for children but also for adults. Threads can have different names, but be similar in texture, it is important to choose the most suitable ones.
