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My Favourite Yarn and Hooks

2021-01-19 | 10:00:00

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Every so often, I share a post on social media asking what you would like to see on the blog. Absolutely, hands down, the most popular question you ask me is, “What are your favourite yarn and hooks?” This is a tricky question to answer, because as every crafter knows, your favourite yarn is just, ALL THE YARN. Always. If there’s one thing I can’t get enough of, it’s the squishy stuff. However, I do have some longterm faves. I think of them as my comfort yarns. I know I can always turn to them and they will bring me joy and help me to create to my best ability. And when it comes to crochet hooks, I definitely have built up preferences over the years. Everyone has their own opinion about the best crochet hooks, so I recommend reading this as advice and testing to find your own preference!

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YARN

Let’s start with the best bit – the yarn. I don’t know about you, but when I’m feeling a bit down I usually find that spending a bit of time squishing my stash, or yarn shopping can perk up my spirits. There’s something very cathartic about squeezing something squishy, warm and soft.

Whether it’s a budget-friendly acrylic mix, or a luxurious wool or cotton, most crafters just can’t get enough of yarn. There’s a reason the acronym SABLE exists (Stash Acquired Beyond Life Expectancy). So, let me share some of my forever faves with you. And if they join your SABLE? I’m not to be blamed! 😂

Photo from Stylecraft

Let’s start with the basics – almost every crafter I know absolutely adores Stylecraft Special DK. I’m no exception. This awesomely affordable yarn has an impressive range of shades and hooks up like a dream. If you’re looking for a low-cost, hardwearing yarn for a blanket, baby accessories or…well anything really! This is a great starting point.

Four balls of yarn are sat on a white backdrop with hooks faintly visible in the background.
Photo by Bunny and Blossom Photography

It’s no secret that Paintbox is my go-to yarn. I absolutely love the softness, texture and colour palette of these yarns. Whether you prefer DK, Aran or chunky, there’s plenty of choice. I also love the versatility of Paintbox, from acrylic to cotton and wool mixes. I’m particularly fond of the pastel shades – surprise, surprise. I know. But it’s quite rare to find such a wide range of soft shades.

If you’d like to know my favourites? Just take a peek at my Circle of Hope – they’re all in that!

A Circle of Hope granny square sits on a white background, made from white, purple, aqua, yellow and orange yarn.

If you’re looking for something soft, then Rico Baby Classic is ideal. I could stroke this yarn for hours. It’s as soft as butter and comes in equally dreamy shades. If I’m making a baby blanket – this is often the first yarn I reach for. I also absolutely love that you can throw blankets made from this yarn in the wash and they stay just as soft.

I’m absolutely head over heels for MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran at the moment. It’s soft and smooth to work with and creates crisp stitches that show off your work perfectly. Plus, it’s exceptionally squishable. Think of it like a soft, woolly stress ball that you can hook up into a blanket when you’re done with it!

I can’t WAIT to try out the Super Chunky MillaMia – just look at that squish.

If you’re looking for a special treat…there are a few indie yarn dyers I have bookmarked for a special treat every now and then.

Woolly Mama Yarns creates the most beautiful colour combinations and speckled yarn. Not only that, how fun are the colour names? The picture above is Mutant Mermaid and there’s other crackers like Hi Ho Silver and YOLO.

If you’re looking for something fun, you can’t beat this terrifically textured yarn from In The Crochet Corner. Isn’t it lush?

Ready to move on to the best crochet hooks?

HOOKS

A pair of crochet hooks with sparkly handles sit on a white background alongside three small balls of yarn in shades of pink.
Photo by Bunny and Blossom Photography

My number one favourite hook design at the moment are the crochet hooks from Crochet Society. I know, I know. Of course I think that they are the best crochet hooks. But, I hope you’ll agree too. Let me tell you why I love them so much. Firstly, just look at those beautiful handles. To say the hooks are aesthetically pleasing is an understatement. Even better? Those handles keep the hook soft on hands, easy to grip and mean you can crochet for HOURS without pain.

I’m also pretty keen on the BCMRUN Crochet Hook set as a budget and finger friendly set for beginners. If you’re looking for a gift for a hooker in your life, you can’t go wrong with this set!

I’m finishing up this post with a little luxury. Furls. While their crochet hooks are on the more pricey side, they’re definitely worth the investment. I love how they handle and they’re extremely comfortable to hold. And oh my gosh, they are beautiful.

What are you favourite crochet tools? Let me know in the comments below!

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9 Comments

  • Claire Smith
    January 19, 2021 at 3:52 pm

    I love your hooks too! I like the round handle as I can roll them in my fingers to manipulate the hook as I need to. Would you consider selling the hooks as stand alones, without the box (I couldn’t afford to keep up subscription 🙁 )
    Thanks!

    Reply
    • BellaCocoTeam
      January 21, 2021 at 1:37 pm

      Hi Claire Unfortunately they are only available in the subscription boxes at the moment 🙂

      Reply
  • Claire
    January 20, 2021 at 8:52 am

    What you suggest for a wearable item not for a baby? Loved reading this blog!

    Reply
    • BellaCocoTeam
      January 25, 2021 at 2:23 pm

      This really depends on your skill level, if you go to my blog and search underneath wearables you can have a look through to see if any of these are suitable for you 🙂

      Reply
  • Tatia LaVoo
    January 29, 2021 at 2:14 am

    Hi !
    My favorite yarn is the same as yours……..all of them!!! I am in the U.S. so some of my favorite brands are Lion Brand, Premier, and Hobby Lobby’s brands “I Love This Yarn!” and “Yarn Bee”. My favorite hooks are much the same, I love them all, but I have two favorites: my Boye aluminum hooks that I have had since a young teenager. I can crochet fast with them , but not for very long as I have some arthritis in my hands. I saved up and splurged and purchased a Furls hook about a year ago and love them for their shape and yes, their beauty. I have established quite a collection of Odyssey and Streamline Swirl hooks from them. I also have some other inexpensive ergonomic hooks and some Clovers, but my Boyes and Furls are my go-tos

    Reply
  • am010c1066
    January 29, 2021 at 9:33 am

    Hi Bella, I have just started learning to crochet since Christmas 2020 and absolutely love your tutorials (not sure I’m confident enough to use just a pattern at the moment). I am going to take your advice and follow a pattern whilst watching your tutorials at the same time, so fingers crossed.

    I have my first baby granddaughter (born during lockdown and 6 weeks premature) and my daughter would like some giraffe curtain tiebacks. Do you have any patterns/tutorials for this or can you recommend an easy to follow (for beginners) pattern I can use?

    Thank you so much.

    Margaret

    Reply
    • BellaCocoTeam
      February 3, 2021 at 9:05 pm

      Thank you so much and congratulations on your Granddaughter. Sorry I don’t have a pattern or tutorial for this 🙂

      Reply
  • Patricia Tadman
    September 25, 2021 at 4:02 pm

    Hi Bella
    I have been doing crochet baby items for some years now but just to say you were one of the first person I followed when I was learning your Bobble Blanket anspd I still use you very often to learn new stitches. I have never used Paintbox yarn and will try it one of these days.
    Thank you for your excellent tutorials.
    Pat Tadman

    Reply
    • BellaCocoTeam
      September 27, 2021 at 7:24 pm

      Hi Pat thank you very much 🙂

      Reply

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