Most people think of acrylic when yarn is brought up.  Walk into any store that has an aisle or two of yarn and you will find mostly acrylic yarn.  This is because it is a versatile yarn and comes in virtually any color you could want. It is a great yarn for the beginner and can be easy on the budget.

Acrylic is a man-made product. It comes from petroleum products that are formed into long thin fibers. These are then spun together, sometimes with natural fibers.  They are brushed and cut to create a large variety of yarn types.  Acrylic yarns come in a variety of textures and strengths.

Advantages of acrylic yarn

• low cost
• easy to find
• comes in a rainbow of colors
• versatile
• durable
• can have good stitch definition (you can see where your stitches should go)
• hypoallergenic (though in rare cases, there can be an allergic reaction to acrylic. I have a friend that is allergic to it!)

Disadvantages of acrylic yarn

• hard on the environment (not biodegradable or recyclable)
• tends to be rough and scratchy in texture (especially in the lower price range)
• not a good fit for all projects (extreme heat uses as in pot holders which can melt it)
• tends to hold on to odors (better to use for indoor clothing or for temperate climes)
• holds water, so not good for protection from wet weather