Which Yarn Fiber is Best for Crochet Hats?

It’s my favorite time of year, because crochet hat weather is finally here! Cables and colorwork, alpaca and acrylic, there are so many choices. Which hat should I make first? One of the most important choices when making a hat is choosing your yarn. Yarn comes in a wide variety of fibers and combinations, and many are great for hats while a few are better left for crochet tops. So how do you choose the right yarn?

Each fiber, from wool to silk to acrylic, has benefits and drawbacks, and many yarns use a combination of fibers to create a yarn that takes advantage of these benefits. Yarns with a high amount of cotton or linen are great options for a crochet top, but don’t have the warmth or elasticity needed to make a good winter hat.

Let’s take a look at the benefits of some of my favorite fibers perfect for crochet hats.

Wool Crochet Hats

Wool has a number of benefits for hat making. This natural fiber is warm even when it gets wet, making it perfect for snowy days. The crimp found in wool creates little pockets of warmth to help capture and hold your own body heat. Plus, you can find the perfect skein for your pattern. Wool yarn comes in thousands of colors and every weight from fingering to bulky. If you want a hat that’s easy to wash, pick up a skein of superwash wool. The Grimm Hat, Whispering Pines Hat, and Urbane Hat are great options for whipping up a warm wool crochet hat.

Acrylic Crochet Hats

Need an affordable hat? Making crochet hats for gifts or a charity and want a yarn that will not require any special care? Acrylic yarn is very forgiving and easy to care for. And if you are hesitant because of a  bad experience with scratchy, plastic-y feeling yarn, don’t worry; there are beautiful and soft acrylic options that will result in a much treasured hat. While acrylic may be less expensive, it can look just as amazing as more expensive yarns. Check out the Pebermynte Hat, Flutter By Hat, and School Colors Hat for beautiful crochet hats designed in acrylic or acrylic blend yarns.

Silk Crochet Hats

Silk may not be your first choice for a crochet hat, but don’t miss out on this surprisingly warm and luxurious fiber. My grandfather always wore a silk neckerchief in the winter to help keep him warm, and I love my silk long johns when the temperatures dip below zero. Silk has great insulating characteristics but is also moderately breathable, making it great for all season wear. Keep silk in mind next time you want to make a hat that you can wear regardless of temperature. And while you are thinking, check out the Atomic Hat or the Corded Spiral Slouch.

Alpaca and Llama Crochet Hats

Need a really warm crochet hat? Alpaca and llama are actually even warmer than wool! Alpaca and llama fibers are hollow, allowing them to hold more heat than wool fibers. Plus, have you ever felt alpaca? It’s heavenly soft! If you want a really warm and luxurious hat, head for the alpaca section of your local yarn store. The Hibernation Hat and Pineapple Upside Down Hat are designed with alpaca and llama combination yarns.

Whether you choose a luscious silk, a warm llama, or a tried and tested wool, one of these crochet hats will be the perfect way to stay stylish and warm. Which hat are you making first?

Happy crocheting,

Toni

Find your perfect hat!