Can You Make Dishcloths With Acrylic Yarn?

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Yes, you can make dishcloths with acrylic yarn, BUT! And there is a BIGGG BUT here: there are a few things to consider when deciding if it’s the best choice of yarn for making a dishcloth.

Absorbency: Acrylic yarn is not as absorbent as natural fibers like cotton yarn.A dishcloth made from acrylic yarn does not soak up water and spills as effectively as one made from more absorbent yarns, such as cotton or a cotton/polyester mix.

Durability: Acrylic yarn is durable and can withstand washing and drying. This can be a plus, as dishcloths need to be washed frequently.

Heat resistance: Acrylic yarn is not as heat resistant as natural fibers. When exposed to high heat, it can melt or become damaged. So if you do decide to make one from acrylic yarn, do not ever use it as a hot pad.

Eco-friendliness: Acrylic yarn is a synthetic material, it’s basically plastic. If you’re looking for an eco-friendly option when it comes to using yarn for your crochet projects, consider using natural fibers such as cotton or linen. But many cotton yarns are blended with polyester, which is also synthetic, so it can narrow down your choices of yarn for a dishcloth if you are trying to stay 100% natural.

Sensory Issues: If you are like me, the feeling of some things can make your skin crawl. And wet acrylic yarn is one of those things. Dry acrylic can be scratchy enough, add water and it is exponentially magnified. If I had a dishcloth made from acrylic yarn, there is no way personally I could touch the dishcloth after it got wet. And I’m sure there are other’s out there who would have the same issue.

Colorfastness: Dishcloths are exposed to water and cleaning solutions, so it’s essential to choose a yarn that is colorfast and resistant to fading and bleeding dye. Look for yarns that have been treated for colorfastness. One thing I have found is that with many cotton yarns, the darker the color the higher the likelihood that it will bleed its color. So if you don’t want to use light-colored yarn due to staining from cleaning, try not to use something that is very dark either.

So, while it is possible to make dishcloths with acrylic yarn, they are not going to perform as well as those made from a natural fiber yarn. Cotton yarn, particularly, is a popular choice for dishcloths due to its absorbency, durability, and heat resistance. And cotton yarn is my #1 choice when it comes to making my own crochet dishcloths.

What Kind of Yarn Do You Use for Dishcloths?

I always use a cotton based yarn for my crochet dishcloths, washcloths, and dishtowels. This gives me the best absorbency and ability to scrub dishes and other things that need cleaning with them.

Bamboo blends are also another option that can be used, but cotton is my go-to yarn for making dishcloths.

Best Brand of Cotton Yarn for Crochet Dishcloths

My favorite top 3 brands of cotton yarn to use when I make my own crochet dishcloths are:

Lily’s Sugar & Cream
Loops & Threads Capri Eco Cotton
Premier Home Cotton

I like these three cotton yarns the best due to the quality and cost. The Eco Cotton and Premier Home are the cheapest of the 3, and Lily’s Sugar & Cream is just a tad bit higher in price.

If I need something that is stiffer and more abrasive and that needs to be 100% cotton, then I’ll pick the Lily’s Sugar & Cream yarn, otherwise, I’ll pick one of the other two brands. The Loops & Thread Capri Eco Cotton and the Premier Home Cotton are both 85% Recycled Cotton and 15% Polyester, this makes both of these brands much softer to the touch.

There are some other brands that are also good, but the price point on them keeps me from using them too often. One is Lion Brand’s Pima Cotton. If I pick this one it is because I need it to match something that I’m already using that yarn for.

What Weight Yarn Should You Use for Dishcloths?

Medium-weight worsted yarn is the best yarn weight to use for dishcloths. And it is the most common weight of yarn that you will find cotton yarns in. While DK weight is available in cotton, the dishcloth would wind up being very thin and delicate. So worsted weight is best for the thickness and durability of a dishcloth.