Acrylic vs Cotton Yarn for Crochet: The Complete Comparison Guide

If you've ever stood in the yarn aisle wondering whether to grab the $4 skein of acrylic or the $7 skein of cotton for your next project, you're not alone. This is one of the most common questions I get from crocheters at every skill level. After two decades of testing both fibers across dozens of project types, I can tell you exactly when to reach for each one.

Acrylic yarn is manufactured from petroleum-based polymers — essentially plastic spun into fiber. Before you wrinkle your nose, know that modern acrylic has come a staggeringly long way from the scratchy stuff of the 1970s. Today's premium acrylics like Caron Simply Soft, Red Heart Soft, and Lion Brand Heartland are genuinely soft, vibrant, and machine-washable. They're the workhorse of the crochet world for good reason.

Cotton yarn, by contrast, is a natural plant fiber harvested from cotton bolls. It produces a cool, crisp fabric with beautiful stitch definition, zero stretch, and excellent absorbency. It's the undisputed champion for kitchen items, warm-weather garments, and any project that will get wet regularly. Pima and Egyptian cotton varieties are exceptionally smooth and lustrous — they feel like silk compared to standard cotton.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Best Fiber by Project Type

When to Use Blends

Modern yarn manufacturers increasingly offer cotton-acrylic blends that combine the best qualities of both fibers. A 50/50 blend gives you cotton's breathability and stitch definition with acrylic's machine washability and softness. Popular options include Lion Brand Comfy Cotton Blend, Bernat Handicrafter Cotton, and Caron Cotton Cakes.

I reach for 60% cotton / 40% acrylic for baby items in warm climates. The blend is cooler than pure acrylic but still machine washable. The 80% acrylic / 20% cotton blend is perfect for blankets where you want enhanced stitch definition without sacrificing easy care. Cotton-bamboo blends offer exceptional softness with natural antibacterial properties — ideal for baby accessories.

My Personal Testing Experience

A few years ago, I ran a side-by-side test that illustrates the difference perfectly. I crocheted two identical dishcloths — same pattern, same hook — one in Lily Sugar'n Cream cotton and one in Red Heart Super Saver acrylic. After three months of daily kitchen use, the cotton cloth was softer, more absorbent, and better for scrubbing. The acrylic looked perfect but functionally just pushed water around without absorbing it.

Then I crocheted two identical baby blankets and gave them to friends with newborns. Six months later, the acrylic blanket still looked brand new despite weekly machine washing and tumble drying. The cotton blanket had shrunk about 5% and was noticeably thinner, though undeniably softer. Both families loved their blankets, but the acrylic survived baby life better.

For amigurumi, acrylic wins hands down. I've crocheted over 200 stuffed animals, and cotton yarn splits constantly when working the tight stitches needed to hide polyfill. Acrylic glides smoothly, holds shape, and the vibrant colors are perfect for character toys. The one exception: cotton is better for amigurumi food items (play food for kids) because it has a more realistic, matte texture.

Environmental Considerations

If sustainability matters to you (and it should), cotton has the environmental edge in biodegradability — it breaks down naturally. However, conventional cotton farming uses significant water and pesticides. Organic cotton is the most eco-friendly option but costs 30–50% more. Acrylic is not biodegradable and sheds microplastics during washing. Some crocheters use a Guppyfriend washing bag to capture microfibers — a simple solution that reduces microplastic pollution significantly.

Recycled acrylic yarns are becoming more available and offer a compromise — same performance with lower environmental impact. Brands like Lion Brand and Hobbii now offer recycled fiber options. Whichever fiber you choose, making durable, well-crafted items that last decades is the most sustainable choice of all.

Frequently Asked Questions