Ask an amigurumi enthusiast about her favorite yarn and chances are the answer is YarnArt Jeans. This yarn has become the worldwide standard for crocheting plushies and figures. But what makes it so special? In this article, we delve into the properties of YarnArt Jeans and provide practical tips for the best results.
What is YarnArt Jeans?
YarnArt Jeans is a yarn made of 55% cotton and 45% polyacrylic. Each ball weighs 50 grams and contains 160 meters of yarn. That combination of cotton and acrylic is precisely why the yarn is so popular: the cotton provides firmness and beautiful stitch definition, while the acrylic makes the yarn soft, light, and supple.
The result is a yarn that doesn't split while crocheting, maintains its shape, and is available in more than ninety colors — from soft pastels to vibrant hues. For amigurumi, where you often use many colors in one project, this wide color palette is invaluable.
Why is YarnArt Jeans so suitable for amigurumi?
For amigurumi, you crochet in single crochet stitches with a relatively small hook, so that the stuffing is not visible through the stitches. YarnArt Jeans is perfect for this, for several reasons.
The tight twist of the yarn prevents splitting, even if you have to insert your hook into the same stitch multiple times. The stitch definition is excellent: each single crochet stitch is clearly visible, which makes counting rounds much easier. The yarn is also sturdy enough to stuff tightly without your plushie becoming floppy, and soft enough to make safe children's toys from it.
Which crochet hook do you use with YarnArt Jeans?
The label states needle size 3.5–4.5 mm, but for amigurumi, you crochet intentionally tighter. Most crocheters use a 2.5 or 3 mm crochet hook. This creates a dense fabric that prevents stuffing from peeking through.
An ergonomic crochet hook is not an unnecessary luxury for amigurumi: after all, you crochet tightly and often for hours. Check out our individual crochet hooks and crochet hook sets with soft grip.
Tips for the best result
Always crochet amigurumi in a spiral instead of closed rounds, unless the pattern states otherwise; use a stitch marker to mark the beginning of each round. Stuff your plushie firmly but evenly with fiberfill and use a safety eye size that matches your hook size.
Weave in your ends in the correct color order: weave in threads directly per color block, so you don't have dozens of loose ends to secure at the end.
Washing and care
A YarnArt Jeans plushie can be washed in the washing machine at 30 degrees, preferably in a laundry bag. Let it dry flat so the stuffing doesn't shift. This is precisely why this yarn is so popular for baby toys: it stays beautiful, even after many washes.
Buying YarnArt Jeans in the Netherlands
At Woolina, you can order YarnArt Jeans directly from Dutch stock, in dozens of colors. Fast delivery and free shipping from €50. Also check out our collection of amigurumi & plushies for yarn, safety eyes, and accessories for your next project.
New to amigurumi? Also read our beginner's guide to crocheting and our 7 tips for tight amigurumi stitches.
