My Top 10 Yarns for Tapestry Crochet

Ever wondered which yarn to use for your tapestry crochet project? This article sets out my top ten yarns for tapestry crochet projects. They are all yarns that I have used in tapestry crochet projects myself and I love the results they give.

Below, I present each of the ten yarns and explain why I love them.

I must admit, it was hard to limit it to just ten and there are many wonderful yarns that I’ve missed out. However, my aim was to provide a concise starting point for those of you considering which yarn to use for your next tapestry crochet project.

What is tapestry crochet?

Tapestry crochet is a crochet colourwork technique where you use two or more different coloured yarns at the same time. Stitches are made with a particular colour, as indicated in a pattern or on a chart, to create a colourwork pattern. The unused yarn is carried along and crocheted over until needed.

For a more detailed explanation of exactly how it’s done, check out my step-by-step guide:

What can you make with tapestry crochet?

Tapestry crochet can be used in all kinds of crochet projects. I especially love using it for blankets and cushion covers. However, it’s also great for other home décor items such as table mats, coasters and runners, accessories like hats, scarves and shawls, and even garments like cardigans and sweaters. The yarn you choose for your project will of course depend on what kind of project it is.

How to choose a yarn for a tapestry crochet project

There are many factors to consider when selecting a yarn for a tapestry crochet project. These include the yarn’s weight, fibre content, colour and what the project is actually for. Have a read of my earlier article to find out how to choose the best kind of yarn for your tapestry crochet project:

What follows below is a discussion of ten particular yarns that I have used in my own projects. I love the results I achieved with all of these yarns so I’m providing this list here as a helpful starting point when you’re choosing your own yarns for tapestry crochet projects.

My top 10 yarns for tapestry crochet projects

1. Stylecraft Special DK

Stylecraft Special DK is a DK acrylic yarn that is great for all kinds of projects as it comes in a wonderful selection of around 100 different colours. It’s soft and smooth and really good value. This makes it a great option for projects like blankets, where a relatively large amount of yarn may be required, but it’s also really good for cosy winter accessories.

Here are two projects I’ve made using Stylecraft Special DK yarn. Just click on an image if you’d like to get the pattern:

2. Stylecraft Special Aran

Like Stylecraft Special DK, Stylecraft Special Aran is a 100% acrylic yarn that comes in a large selection of gorgeous colours, although not quite as many as the DK version. It’s also really soft. As it’s aran weight, it’s a bit thicker than Stylecraft Special DK and is great for projects that you want to be extra snuggly!

I’ve used this yarn in quite a few projects. They’re mainly blankets but it also works really well for cushion covers. Here are a few of my projects using Stylecraft Special Aran. As before, just tap on an image if you’d like to get the pattern. The last one is free!

3. Scheepjes Catona

Scheepjes Catona is a 4 ply 100% cotton yarn which comes in a stunning range of vibrant colours. Being slightly thinner than the above yarns, this means that you can get more defined or intricate colourwork patterns with your tapestry crochet, over a smaller area. It’s also really smooth so it has great stitch definition and doesn’t fuzz up with use.

I’ve used Scheepjes Catona in two tapestry crochet blankets and also in a festive cushion cover. These are all shown below. Just tap on an image if you’d like the pattern.

4. Paintbox Simply DK

Paintbox Simply DK is another really great option for a DK acrylic yarn. It comes in a fabulous range of colours, is really soft and, in my experience, seems to be ever so slightly plumper than Stylecraft Special DK. As such, it’s another great choice for all kinds of tapestry crochet projects including blankets and accessories.

I used Paintbox Simply DK to make my Snow Storm Blanket, which is super soft and snuggly for winter evenings. Tap the image below if you’d like the pattern.

5. Paintbox Simply Aran

Paintbox Simply Aran is a great alternative to Stylecraft Special Aran. It’s really soft and cosy and comes in a beautiful range of colours. It’s also really good value. I used it to make my snuggly Copernicus Blanket, which is shown below. Tap on the picture if you’d like the pattern.

6. Scheepjes Softfun

Scheepjes Softfun is a DK blend of 40% acrylic and 60% cotton, which comes in over 80 different colours. Being a blend of cotton and acrylic it has a great softness whilst also providing really good stitch definition, which is great for tapestry crochet.

I used it to make my Playroom Blanket, pictured below, and I love the crisp outline it gave to the geometric pattern, whilst still producing a really soft blanket. If you’d like to have a go, just tap the image to get the pattern.

7. King Cole Cottonsoft DK

King Cole Cottonsoft DK is a really soft DK cotton yarn. Although it’s 100% cotton, it still manages to have a wonderfully soft feel. Plus, being a cotton yarn, it has fabulous stitch definition.

I used it to make my fresh and leafy Vita Blanket, which you can see below. Just tap the image if you’d like the pattern.

8. Hobbii Rainbow Bamboo

Hobbii Rainbow Bamboo is a 4 ply yarn that is 60% bamboo and 40% cotton. This blend of fibres produces a super soft and smooth yarn which is a joy to work with. It creates a really soft blanket with beautiful stitch definition and comes in range of 40 beautiful colours.

I used it to make both my Jora and Morven Blankets and was thrilled with the results. Tap on an image if you’d like to get the pattern.

9. Paintbox Cotton DK

Paintbox Cotton DK is a really good option for a DK cotton yarn as it is great value and comes in a lovely range of over 60 shades. It has great stitch definition and is non-stretchy, so it would be a great choice for a tapestry crochet bag. I used it to make my Asteria Cushion cover which looks as crisp and fresh now as it did when I made it. Tap the image below if you’d like the pattern.

10. Caron Simply Soft

My final yarn recommendation is Caron Simply Soft. This is another acrylic aran yarn but it is particularly smooth and almost glossy in appearance. It is good value, comes in a range of bright, fun colours and is really soft. It gives a luxurious touch to your projects.

I used Caron Simply Soft to make by Gunther Blanket, which you can see below. If you’d like to make one too, just tap on the picture to get the pattern.

What are YOUR favourite yarns for tapestry crochet?

This list of suggestions is based on yarns that I have actually used in my projects, so I know from first-hand experience how well they work. I wouldn’t like to recommend a yarn I hadn’t actually tried! Of course, there are hundreds of other wonderful yarns in the world, which would also work really well. This is far from a comprehensive list of all yarns for tapestry crochet.

If you have any suggestions of great yarns that you’ve used in your own tapestry crochet projects, please do add them below in the comments for others to see.