Cotton Yarn for Crochet: Types, Best Uses and How to Care for It
Mercerised or matte, 100% cotton or a blend — what each cotton yarn is best for (dishcloths, amigurumi, bags, summer tops) and how to work with it without sore hands.
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Cotton is the summer yarn, the dishcloth yarn and the amigurumi yarn — and it's rising fast in searches as crochet tops, bags and sets take over. But "cotton" covers several very different yarns. Choosing the right one makes the difference between a top that drapes and one that sags.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
The main types of cotton yarn
| Type | Looks and feels | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Unmercerised ("kitchen") cotton | Matte, soft, absorbent, a little fuzzy | Dishcloths, washcloths, market bags |
| Mercerised cotton | Smooth, slightly shiny, strong, crisp stitches | Amigurumi, tops, bags, thread work |
| Cotton-acrylic blend | Softer, lighter, a little stretch | Baby items, blankets, garments |
| Cotton-linen / cotton-bamboo | Drapey, cool, sometimes slubby | Summer tops, dresses, shawls |
| Recycled / T-shirt cotton | Chunky, stretchy fabric strips | Baskets, rugs, bags |
Mercerisation is a treatment that makes cotton fibres smoother, stronger, shinier and better at taking dye. It's why mercerised cotton is the top choice for amigurumi: the stitches are crisp and the colours bright.
Why crocheters love cotton
- Stitch definition: every stitch shows — great for textured stitches like the waffle.
- Breathable: cool in summer.
- Absorbent and washable: perfect for dishcloths.
- Holds its shape in bags and baskets.
The downsides (and how to deal with them)
- No stretch — hard on hands: use an ergonomic hook, relax your grip and take breaks.
- Heavy: large cotton garments can grow in length when worn. Swatch, hang the swatch for a day, and measure again.
- Splitting: some cottons split; an inline hook with a rounded tip helps.
- Shrinkage: unmercerised cotton can shrink in a hot wash. Wash your swatch the way you'll wash the item.
Best cotton for each project
- Dishcloths: worsted unmercerised cotton.
- Amigurumi: mercerised cotton in DK or sport weight with a small hook.
- Tops and dresses: DK cotton blends — see our crochet top.
- Bags: worsted mercerised cotton or cotton cord — see our tote bag.
- Lace and doilies: mercerised crochet thread — see crochet thread.
Caring for cotton crochet
Most cotton can be machine washed warm and tumble dried low, but lay garments flat to dry to stop them stretching. Check the label: blends with acrylic or bamboo usually need gentler care.
Common questions
Is cotton yarn good for beginners?
Yes for small projects — the stitches are very easy to see. It's less forgiving of uneven tension than acrylic, and harder on the hands for long sessions.
Does cotton yarn shrink?
Unmercerised cotton can shrink a little in hot water and the dryer; mercerised cotton and blends shrink less. Always wash a swatch first for garments.
What is the difference between cotton and mercerised cotton?
Mercerised cotton has been treated to be smoother, shinier and stronger, with brighter colours and crisper stitches. Plain cotton is softer, matte and more absorbent.
What's your favourite cotton project? 🌱
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