The Best Yarn for Scarves

byKrista Updated:

Crochet scarves are great if you’d like to make a quick project, they also make a great last-minute gift since they are easy to make and most are perfect for beginner crocheters.

If you are searching for some ideas on what yarn to buy for your next crochet scarf, this post will help! There are many yarns available, and most all of them are great for making scarves.

Below, you’ll find that I picked a few of my favorite yarns for scarves that I thought you may enjoy.

Best yarn for scarves in crocheting

Things to Keep in Mind When Picking Yarn for Scarves

When you are picking out yarn for scarves, you will want to look at yarn weight and the crochet stitches you want to use in your design. Learn more about each of these below.

Yarn Weight

Yarns are available in different weights. Yarn weight is important to take into consideration when choosing yarn, so when you will want to keep that in mind when picking a new yarn for your scarf.

If you are crocheting a heavy scarf for winter, you will want to use a bulky or super bulky weight yarn for a warm scarf. On the other hand, if you are making a lightweight scarf for spring you would want to use a lighter yarn such as a three weight cotton yarn, so it is not overly warm.

For example, as a crochet designer who lives in Pennsylvania, I tend to make most of my winter scarves with a wool or wool blend super six bulky yarns since we have freezing winters here.

I suggest keeping the location of the person who will be wearing the scarf in mind. You wouldn’t use the same weight of yarn and fiber for someone who lives in Texas vs. someone who lives in Pennsylvania.

When you live in a warmer climate, you will more than likely only need to use lighter yarns, such as three weights or four weight yarn.

Crochet Stitches

When you pick a yarn for a scarf, you will want to work up a gauge swatch or small sample of the scarf with the crochet stitches in the scarf design to see what it would look like worked up.

Different yarns can change what a stitch pattern will look like. Some of the most common crochet stitches used in scarves are basic ones that most learn as beginner crocheters. Take a peek at a few of them below.

It is important to keep in mind the yarn weight, yarn fiber content and crochet hook size used when choosing the scarf pattern (& stitches) you want to make, so you make the best choice.

Best Yarns for Crochet Scarves

You can learn more about the different types of yarn available, so you can pick the right yarn for your next crochet project before purchasing yarn. When you have a particular pattern in mind, it always a good idea to make sure you make the perfect choice when looking for scarf yarn for that crochet pattern.

Extra: If you have other yarn recommendations that I may have missed, please let me know in the comments or email me. Enjoy!

Acrylic Yarn for Scarves

Acrylic yarns are a perfect choice for crocheting scarves since they are durable, inexpensive, and easy to find in most local craft stores. Take a look at a few of the best acrylic yarns broken down by yarn weight that are all acrylic fibers.

Three Weight Yarns (lightweight)

  • Mandala Yarn: Mandala yarn from Lion Brand is a 100% acrylic yarn that is available in different varieties such as Mandala ombre, Mandala baby and more! It works up into a beautiful lightweight scarf or cowl. Learn more about Lion Brand Mandala Yarn.

Four Weight Yarns (medium / worsted)

  • Vanna’s Choice: Vanna’s choice yarn by Lion Brand Yarn is the perfect yarn for a scarf pattern since it is easy to find online and in most craft stores, is available in many colors (solid colors & heathered) and machine washable. It is 100% acrylic and is comes in a 171 yard skein size. Learn more about Vanna’s Choice Yarn.
  • Brava Worsted: We Crochet’s Brava worsted is a 100% acrylic yarn that is inexpensive and available in a variety of colors, so you’ll always be able to find the perfect yarn color for your crocheted scarf design. Learn more about Brava Worsted by We Crochet.
  • Loops & Threads Impeccable: Impeccable by Loops and Threads is a yarn brand by Michaels craft stores. This one of the most popular yarns to make projects with since it easy to find and not expensive for how much yarn you get in a ball of yarn. Learn more about Impeccable yarn.
  • Red Heart Soft: This soft acrylic yarn is one of the most comfortable yarns to crochet with, since it works over crochet hooks smoothly and has a beautiful drape to it when worked up in a crochet pattern. This type of yarn is easy to find and looks great in all types of crochet projects as well as scarves. Learn more about Red Heart Soft yarn.

Wool & Wool Blend Yarn for Scarves

These type of fibers are warm yarns that are a blend of wool and acrylic that are perfect for cold weather and making warm scarves!

Four Weight Yarns (medium/worsted)

  • Wool-Ease: Wool-Ease by Lion Brand yarn is an 86% acrylic, 10% wool and 4% viscose blend yarn. It is a versatile worsted weight yarn that is a great choice for scarves since it is a wool blend acrylic material and makes for a warm scarf. Learn more about Lion Brand Wool-Ease yarn.

Five Weight Yarns (bulky)

Six Weight Yarns (super bulky):

  • Wool-Ease Thick & Quick: Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick is one of the thicker yarns available, which means it works up fast and is the best choice for scarves in the cold winter. This yarn is a blend of 80% acrylic and 20% wool and comes in 106 yard skeins sizes. Learn more about Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn.

Natural Fibers & Cotton Yarn for Scarves

Three Weight Yarns (lightweight)

Four Weight Yarns (medium/worsted)

Free Crochet Scarf Patterns

Now that you have learned about the types of yarns to use in scarves, it is time to crochet one!

Below are a few of my favorite scarf patterns you can crochet that are all free here on easy crochet! Be sure to also check out my scarf size chart, so you can make a pattern in any size you’d prefer.

I love crocheting, every dog I've ever seen, and working at home in comfy yoga pants. Grab a cup of coffee and lets get to work on your next project together!