When it comes to making adorable plushies, the yarn you choose can make all the difference. From texture and stitch clarity to the final feel of your finished toy, your yarn choice sets the foundation for a successful project. 

In this week's edition of Scarli Says, we'll walk you through everything you need to know about how to choose the right yarn for amigurumi, especially if you're a beginner or want a soft, plush finish. 

1. Consider the yarn texture

Yarn texture is key in defining the overall look and feel of your plushie.

• Smooth cotton or acrylic yarns: these give a clean, defined stitch look. They're popular for detailed or smaller amigurumi.
• Plush chenille yarn (such as Scarli Teddy Bakery): Ultra-soft, fluffy, and thick. It hides imperfections and make cuddly, super soft plushies. 

Scarli Says: If you want something soft enough to cuddle but still easy to work with, plush chenille yarn is ideal for beginners and experienced makers alike. 

2. Yarn weight (thickness)

The thickness of your yarn affects the size and firmness of your plushie.

• DK or worsted weight yarn: Common choices for traditional amigurumi 
• Chunky yarn (like Teddy Bakery): creates larger plushies quickly and gives that trendy, squishy look.

Check the yarn label for the recommended hook size. We recommend a 4.5mm-5.5mm hook for plush yarn. 

3. Fibre content

Here's a quick breakdown:

• Acrylic: Affordable, durable, and machine washable
• Cotton: Natural and crisp, good for structure
• Polyester microfibre (like Teddy Bakery): Soft, velvety, and perfect for plush toys 

For amigurumi plushies, polyester chenille yarn is a fam favourite because it's gentle on hands and creates the perfect squish factor.

4. Colour choice

When choosing yarn colours, go for high-contrast or pastel tones depending on the vibe you're after.

• Light colours show stitches better (great for beginners)
• Dark colours can hide mistakes, but are harder to see while crocheting 
• At Scarli, we curate a soft, modern colour palette that makes mixing and matching easy for plushies and character kits

5. Is it beginner friendly?

Some yarns can be slippery, split easily, or make it hard to see stitches. For your first projects, choose a yarn that:

• Doesn't split
• Feels soft in your hands
• Has a gentle stretch
• Is thick enough to see your work

Our Scarli Teddy Bakery yarn was designed to tick all these boxes so your first plushie turns out beautifully.

Final thoughts: Pick what feels good to you

There's no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to yarn, but if you're looking for soft, easy-to-use yarn that makes adorable plushies, plush chenille yarn is a winner. 

Start with a yarn that makes you excited to crochet. And if you're still not sure where to begin, check out our Scarli beginner crochet kits that will be launching in August. They include the perfect yarn, hook, stuffing, accessories, and pattern to take the guesswork out of getting started.