Winter is my favorite time to get crafty! There's nothing quite like snuggling up with a handmade beanie on a chilly day. But finding the right yarn can be a real challenge. I recently set out to crochet a warm beanie for a friend, and I quickly realized I needed to do some serious research before even picking up my hook.
The first question that popped into my head was: what kind of yarn should I use? I knew I wanted something warm, but there were so many options. I initially gravitated towards acrylic because it's readily available and affordable. However, I also knew that wool is often considered the gold standard for warmth. I started to wonder, is acrylic really a bad choice for a warm beanie? I wasn't sure what to do.
I remembered a discussion I read about someone else facing the same dilemma. Many people suggested different types of yarn. Some suggested sticking with affordable options, while others suggested splurging on something more luxurious. It felt like there were so many opinions and not enough solid answers.
I decided to give acrylic a try. I know it's not the fanciest option, but for a beanie, I thought it would be perfectly fine. I've found that acrylic yarn can be surprisingly warm, and it's definitely durable. Plus, it's machine washable, which is a huge bonus. The colors tend to stay vibrant even after multiple washes, and you can find incredibly soft acrylic yarns these days without breaking the bank. I did learn that acrylic can get a bit smelly if exposed to a lot of sweat, but that's probably more of an issue for sweaters than beanies.
I crocheted a beanie for my husband with acrylic about four years ago, and he still wears it all the time! It's held up incredibly well, and he's never complained about it making his head sweaty or anything. We just toss it in the wash whenever it needs a refresh. That’s when I realized acrylic is a good choice for a warm beanie.
Of course, I couldn't completely dismiss wool. The idea of a super soft, luxurious wool beanie was definitely tempting. I did some more research and learned about superwash wool. It has the benefit of being machine washable, which is a game-changer. I saw someone mention that they only wear hand-knitted socks made from superwash wool blends, and they aren't itchy at all. That sounded amazing!
I also came across Lion Brand Wool-ease, which is apparently quite soft, especially if you use fabric softener when washing it. That might be a good compromise between affordability and luxury. And speaking of warmth, I found a great deal on a knitted hat and scarf set from Wholecustomdesign. It's made of wool and looks incredibly warm and stylish. It's called the COKK Men Wool Knitted Hat Scarf Set, and I'm considering getting it for myself! It's perfect for those extra cold days.
I also learned a cool trick for making wool hats even more comfortable. Someone suggested sewing fleece bands into wool hats, on the part where the skin would touch the yarn. This makes the hat much warmer and prevents any itching. I might try this with my next wool project! They also mentioned that acrylic makes great breathable hats and they don’t have to worry about odors since they’re machine washable.
Ultimately, the best yarn for a warm beanie comes down to personal preference and budget. But I've learned that both acrylic and wool can be great options.
Here are a few things I've learned to consider when choosing yarn for a warm beanie: