Cotton or Acrylic Yarn?
What is best yarn for amigurumi? Here is my crochet fox Lisa, crafted using the same pattern but different yarns. Which one do you prefer?
As a passionate amigurumi creator, I have always relied on cotton yarn for my amigurumi patterns. But recently, my curiosity led me to explore the possibilities of using acrylic yarn for my beloved amigurumi Lisa the Fox. The result was both surprising and pleasing.
For over 10 years, Lisa the Fox has been a popular choice in my online shop, crafted with love using sport-weight cotton yarn (100g/250m/273yd). Designed to be charming and timeless, this cotton version of Lisa stands at 6″/15 cm tall when sitting. Many of my customers have adored her for years, and she continues to bring joy to amigurumi enthusiasts everywhere. On the photo below you can see original Lisa made with orange cotton yarn.
To see how different yarns can impact the final result, I decided to create another version of Lisa using acrylic yarn instead of my trusted cotton. Using acrylic yarn of DK weight (100g/300m/328yd) and the same 2.5mm hook, I brought Lisa to life once again. After completion, I gently brushed her body with a slicker wire brush. The outcome? Pure magic. This acrylic version of Lisa turned out incredibly fluffy and cute, measuring 6.7″/17 cm tall in a sitting position. It was a technique that had worked less impressively with other dolls, but with this fox, it was a game-changer. On the photo above you can see how she turned out.
Both Lisas were created using Lisa the Fox pattern, available in my online stores at Pepika or Etsy.
Compare yarns
To provide a clearer comparison, let’s take a look at the gauge swatches for both yarns used in Lisa’s creation:
- Cotton yarn: 11 stitches x 12 rows = 5 cm / 2 inches
- Acrylic yarn: 11 stitches x 12 rows = 5.5 cm / 2.2 inches
Even though both Lisas followed the same pattern, the choice of yarn made all the difference. The brushed acrylic yarn gave Lisa an irresistible level of fluffiness, while the cotton yarn showcased defined stitches that added to her charm. Both versions have their own unique appeal, and the choice ultimately depends on individual preferences.
Which Lisa do you prefer?