Acrylic Yarn

Can I purchase acrylic yarn at Spotlight?

Yes, we have a wide selection of acrylic and other yarns available here at Spotlight, for all your knitting, crochet and other craft needs. Yarns are available in a huge range of colours and thicknesses, and in balls of different weights, so you can buy as much or as little as you need for your project.

What do the various thicknesses of yarns mean?

Wool, acrylic and cotton yarns are often categorised with the definition ply. Generally, the higher the ply, the thicker the yarn. Therefore, 8ply is thicker than 5 ply, which in turn is thicker than 2 ply. Confusingly, the terminology is not always the same across the world and US and British terms for yarns can differ from those used in Australia. In this way, 8 ply yarn is referred to in Britain as Double Knit or DK, while in the US it may be called light worsted. Luckily, most yarn labels will provide useful information as to the size of knitting needle or crochet hooks required to work a particular yarn.

At Spotlight, most of our yarns also carry a handy tension guide for knitters which tells you how many stitches and rows make up a trial square of 10cm x 10cm. If yours comes out larger or smaller, you may need to adjust your tension or try different sized needles!

What are the benefits of using acrylic yarn?

Acrylics are a man-made fibre, but they have some benefits over natural products such as wool, cotton or silk.

• Range of colours. Because acrylics are man-made fibres, they will take just about every colour dye imaginable and are available in a vast range of colours.
• Value for money. Acrylic fibres are made in large quantities and are some of the cheapest yarns available on the market.
• Easy to clean. Unlike wool, acrylic yarns can be washed in the machine without too much worry about shrinking or pilling (low temperatures are advised).
• Durable. Acrylic fibres are very durable, so are perfect for items that are meant to last.
• Lightweight. Acrylic yarn is lightweight so if you are making a large item such as a blanket, it will keep you warm without weighing too much.
• Hypo-allergenic. Because acrylics are a man-made yarn, people who are allergic to wool can bear it next to their skin.

Of course, there are some drawbacks to using acrylic yarns too, because it is not as breathable as natural yarns, it holds on to water more than wool, and also it can melt more easily if exposed to hot temperatures or open flame.

What types of acrylic yarn are available in the range?

Choose from pretty pastels, vibrant colours, variegated yarns and speciality yarns including frizzy, furry and with pompoms. There are also some yarns that are a mixture of different fibres, such as for instance a wool, acrylic and viscose blend. See individual product descriptions for details and prices.