If you've ever picked up a super soft crochet plushie and wondered "how did they achieve this look and texture?" the answer is often plush chenille yarn. Whether you're making a snuggly teddy bear, a chubby bunny, or a giant pillow-style plushie, plush yarn is the secret to creating toys that are both irresistibly soft and visually adorable.

In this week's edition of Scarli Says, we'll explore why plush yarn is a favourite amongst crocheters, what makes it different from other types of yarn, and tips for getting the best results with it.

What is plush yarn?

Plush yarn (often called chenille or velvet chenille yarn) is a thick, fluffy yarn make with a soft, velvety texture. It has a short, fuzzy pile that makes stitches blend seamlessly, giving crochet projects a smooth, cuddly finish.

At Scarli, our plush yarn range Teddy Bakery was designed with amigurumi crocheters in mind. It's perfect for toys that need extra softness, squish, and charm.

1. It makes toys extra soft and huggable

When you're making a toy for markets, gifts, or even yourself, texture and sensory experience matters. Plush yarn creates a buttery-soft surface that's gentle on the skin and perfect for cuddling.

Unlike regular acrylic or cotton yarns, plush yarn has a padded, velvety touch that feels luxurious. This is why it's often chosen for baby toys, pillows, and blankets too.

2. Stitches blend for a professional look.

One of the best things about plush yarn is that its fuzzy texture hides stitches and small imperfections, making your work look super neat.

Even if you're a beginner, plush yarn can give your crochet toys that store bought look without requiring lots of experience.

3. It works up quickly

Plush yarn is usually thicker than standard yarn, which means your projects grow faster. Bigger stitches = less time between starting and snuggling your finished plushie!

This makes it ideal for last-minute gifts or quick market makes.

4. Perfect for big or cuddly plushies

If you love oversized toys or want that chubby, squeezable look, plush yarn is your best friend. Its bulkiness naturally gives your amigurumi more structure and squish which is perfect for statement pieces that stand out at markets or online shops. 

5. It photographs beautifully for social media

Let's be honest. Half the fun of making crochet toys is showing off what you've made! Plush yarn reflects light in a soft, velvety way that makes your creations look extra appealing in photos.

If you're selling your plushies online, this can help your products stand out in Etsy listings, Instagram feeds, and Pinterest boards.

Tips for crocheting with plush yarn

While plush yarn is amazing, it can be a little trickier to work with because the fuzzy texture hides stitches. Here are a few tips:

• Use a larger hook than you would for the same thickness in smooth yarn. I like to use 4-6mm hooks, often reaching for 5mm when making amigurumi.
• Feel for the stitches instead of relying on sight when using darker colours. Darker colours tend to hide stitches more than lighter colours. 
• Keep your tension even to avoid gaps between stitched
• Use stitch markers to track rounds in amigurumi projects

Try plush yarn in your next project

If you're ready to make the softest, most huggable toys ever, plush yarn is worth adding to your stash. At Scarli, our Teddy Bakery yarn is designed specifically for amigurumi, with:

• A soft, velvet-like texture that's gentle and smooth
• The perfect thickness for plushies that hold their shape
• A variety of adorable colours to suit every toy design

Shop Scarli Teddy Bakery and start your next cuddle-worthy crochet project today.

Final thoughts:

Plush yarn isn't just a material, it's the difference between a toy that is cute and a toy that is irresistible. Whether you're making gifts, stocking your market stall, or creating something special for yourself, this yarn will take your crochet toys to the next level.