My "NEW" Favorite Go-To Yarns

For the last year I have been trying to find a new yarn that can be used for most projects. My favorite used to be Bernat Premium, but it's not the same quality any more. There are too many differences in the weights/thicknesses between all the colors. I need a yarn that is consistently the same thickness. Let me tell you! It has been quite the journey trying to find what I'm looking for.

What was I looking for? Well, a large choice in solid colors, consistent weights, easy to order, affordable, either free shipping or at least low cost shipping (I have to order everything online). That's not too much to ask is it? lol

It's amazing how much yarn you have to buy to figure out what you like..... I have learned over the past year that I do like self striping yarns, all the fun colors, but they are harder to design with. The design needs to usually be quite simple to show off the yarn, and as a rule the yarn doesn't show stitch definition as well as a solid color.

A few years ago I ordered some Bernat Super Value. Didn't mind it at all, and it does come in lots of colors. So I ordered a few colors from Mary Maxim. It's a nice yarn for the price. All the colors seem to basically be the same thickness, so I'm able to make striped designs. You do have to watch for splitting a bit with this yarn. It's a bit thinner than I would like for a worsted weight yarn, but I think all the yarn is getting thinner. Usually I use a 5mm hook with this yarn. You could definitely use this yarn for any project. If you like worsted weight for shawls, this is a good one.

Next on my list was Premier Basix Worsted. Had used this in the past as well, wasn't a fan then, but thought I would try it again. I quite like it, can even use different colors in the same project. Most of the colors seem to be the same thicknesses. It's more of a worsted weight than the Bernat Super Value, a bit thicker. The yarn is soft, doesn't split and unravels well. You could use it for almost any project. Usually I use a 5mm hook with this yarn but you could use a 5.5mm as well. I have used this for blankets and beanies. Wouldn't use it for a shawl unless you want a shawl that feels like a blanket lol.

Mary Maxim Value Yarn is one of my go-to yarns for blankets. It can usually be purchased online on sale and comes in a lot of colors. It's definitely a thinner worsted weight, leaning towards aran weight. It's a nice soft yarn, no splitting and easy to unravel when I make a mistake. Usually I use a 5mm hook with this yarn. This is great yarn for a light weight beanie, a nice blanket or even a shawl. You could use it for almost any project.

Caron One Pound has been one of my favorite blanket making yarns. It's a nice thick worsted weight yarn. Unfortunately it has limited colors. Would be nice if they had 50 color choices :) Usually I use a 5.5mm hook with this yarn. If you want a warm blanket this is the perfect yarn. It's a bit thick for beanies, I wouldn't use it for a shawl.

So how do I decide which yarn to use for which project? Sometimes it will come down to price. Blankets are the most expensive pattern to design. I need anywhere from 3000 yds to 4500 yds depending on how big I want the blanket.

So let's pick an adult size blanket that will be at least 48" wide and at least 65" long. So that usually uses at least 4500 yards. I can order all these brands from Mary Maxim which is what I usually do. So the prices are in Canadian :) But you still get the idea.

Bernat Super Value: 440 yds per 7oz skein. $8.99/skein x 10.2 (4500yds) = $91.70

Premier Basix Worsted: 359 yds per 7 oz skein. $7.99/skein x 12.5 (4500yds) = $99.80

Mary Maxim Value: 474 yds per 8 oz skein. $8.99/skein x 9.5 (4500yds) = $85.40

Caron One Pound: 812 yds per 16 oz skein. $15.99/skein x 5.5 (4500yds) = $88.00

Oh My Gosh! No wonder I try to buy yarn on sale!!!! Yarnspirations had a crazy sale on a few colors of Caron One Pound and also Red Heart Comfort. I purchased enough to make 6 solid color blankets. Each blanket will cost under $40. I'm good with that. Already have a sample made that will use 2 colors, so will have to see if I have 2 colors that work together. Since I donate everything I make.... need to try to keep some of the costs down :)

Do you have a favorite "go-to" yarn? Shoot me an email with your list. I love to try new yarns!

Thank you for reading my post :)

Happy Crocheting My Friends!

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