10 Tips for Crocheting with Teddy Yarn

May 18, 2020 Wolplein

You can crochet and knit soft, fluffy, and cuddly creations using teddy yarns. Crocheting with teddy yarns can sometimes be quite challenging, but it’s definitely worth the effort because the results are so cuddly! We’ve compiled the 10 best tips for crocheting with teddy yarns. These practical tips will make crocheting with fluffy yarns a lot easier! Want to read along?

Crocheting with teddy yarns - Teddy yarns are soft, fluffy yarns that are especially suited for making comfortable and cuddly projects. Teddy yarns are often made of 100% polyester or Polyamide, making them easy to care for and ensuring they retain their quality. This means you can easily wash teddy yarns in the washing machine. Teddy yarns are suitable for both knitting and crocheting. That’s why they’re widely used for knitting and crocheting projects for babies and children. How about a soft cardigan, a baby blanket, or an adorable cuddly toy? Many teddy yarns are available in an extensive color palette consisting of soft (pastel) shades. Teddy yarns are also ideal for adults when making sweaters, cardigans, home decor, and accessories. At the bottom of this page, you’ll find no fewer than 18 projects you can crochet or knit with teddy yarns.

There are many different types of teddy yarns. For example, there are teddy yarns with a terry cloth effect, such as Yarn and Colors Furry, BudgetYarn Soft Aran, and Pink Label Hugg. You can create a faux fur look with shaggy teddy yarns such as Durable Furry, Go Handmade Couture, and SMC Brazilia.

View all teddy yarns

Crocheting with Teddy Yarn: Tips and Tricks

10 Tips for Crocheting with Teddy Yarn

Many cuddly toys and Amigurumi are crocheted with fluffy yarns. This makes your cuddly toy extra cuddly and wonderfully soft. But because crocheting with teddy yarns is seen by many as challenging, it can sometimes be a barrier to getting started with fluffy yarn. That’s completely unnecessary! Use the 10 tips and tricks below for crocheting with teddy yarn to achieve the best results.

Tip 1: Use stitch markers

Use stitch markers when crocheting with teddy yarn. When crocheting back and forth, place a stitch marker in the first and last stitches. This way, you can immediately see which stitches are the first and last, and you’ll end up with neat, straight edges. When crocheting in the round, place a stitch marker in your first stitch. This way, you’ll know exactly when your round ends and begins.

Are you working with a large number of stitches? If so, use multiple Stitch Markers to divide the round into sections. For example, if you're crocheting with 40 stitches, place a Stitch Marker in the 1st^e, 10^e, 20^e and 30^e stitch. This way, you’ll know to evenly distribute 10 stitches between each Stitch Marker. When crocheting in the round, use a different color Stitch Marker for the first stitch so you can still clearly see the beginning of the round. You can make the sections as small as you like.

When your pattern increases by a certain number of stitches per row, it’s helpful to divide your row into the same number of sections. Are you increasing 6 stitches every row? Then divide your row into 6 sections. Tip: With the colorful and handy Yarnplaza Stitch Marker Set, you’ll have more than 100 Stitch Markers on hand that you can also lock in place.

Tip 2: Count your stitches and rows

Since you can no longer see the definition of the stitches with fluffy yarn, counting stitches makes crocheting with fluffy yarn easier. Counting stitches is especially important in projects where you need to increase and decrease. Did you lose count? Then unravel that section and start over. You can also choose to compensate for the number of stitches in the next round. Since the yarn is fuzzy, this won’t be noticeable. To easily count your rounds, use the Yarnplaza digital Row Counter.

Tip 3: Crochet between the stitches

When crocheting with teddy yarn, you mainly insert your Crochet Hook by feel because with fluffy yarn, it’s often hard to find the top of the stitch. Are you less experienced, or do you have trouble crocheting the hook by feel? In that case, it can be helpful to crochet between the stitches. If you pull the work apart a little or feel it with your fingers, you can often distinguish the stitches clearly.

Tip 4: Check how your work looks after each round

When crocheting back and forth, it’s important to take a close look at what your row looks like. Is your work wavy? If so, you’ve either crocheted too many stitches or haven’t distributed the stitches evenly. If you’ve crocheted too few stitches, the work will pucker or you’ll see gaps. In either case, adjust your stitch count.

Tip 5: Carefully remove your teddy yarn

Because teddy yarns are fluffy, the strands may get tangled. If you need to unravel part of your work, do so stitch by stitch, then gently pull on the yarn while holding the stitches in place. This will minimize damage to the yarn, allowing you to use it again to crochet.

Tip 6: Choose a lighter shade of teddy yarn

If you're not very experienced with crocheting with teddy yarn, choose a lighter shade. That way, you can see where you're inserting the hook more easily.

Tip 7: Use a smooth thread when assembling projects

When you need to assemble different pattern pieces, such as for a cuddly toy or Amigurumi, it's best to use a smooth, thinner yarn.

Tip 8: Be patient and buy some extra yarn so you can practice crocheting with fluffy yarn

Crocheting with teddy yarn requires a lot of patience and practice. Make sure you have some extra yarn to practice with before you start your actual project. That way, you’ll get a feel for crocheting with fluffy yarn.

Tip 9: Crochet the teddy yarn together with a smooth yarn, such as cotton or acrylic yarn

Are you really having trouble crocheting with just teddy yarn? Then try combining the teddy yarn with another type of yarn. When you combine it with another yarn, you can often make out the stitches more clearly. This makes it easier to see where to insert the hook. The downside of this method is that the finished piece becomes a bit thicker and less fluffy.

Tip 10: Crochet with fluffy yarns using a different yarn as a base

You can only use this method when crocheting in the round. Crochet the base pattern using a non-fluffy yarn, such as Cotton or Acrylic, and work only in the back loops. Then crochet with the fluffy yarn in the front loops. This way, you’ll cover the base with the fluffy yarn, as it were.

Do you have any good tips? Share them in the comments below this post!

Projects Using Teddy Yarn

Are you feeling inspired? Then get started with teddy yarn!
We have a variety of crochet and knitting kits and patterns for cuddly toys, baby blankets, clothing, accessories, and more—all made with... teddy yarn! Below, you'll find several fun projects you can crochet or knit with teddy yarn.

Complete crochet and knitting kits with teddy yarns