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Soft and Sturdy: Choosing Yarn for Knitted Plush Toys

March 11, 2025

Who doesn’t love a good plush toy? Whether it’s a cuddly teddy bear, a whimsical amigurumi character, or a cute animal friend, knitted toys bring joy to kids and adults alike. But let’s be honest—choosing the right yarn for plush toys can be tricky. You want something soft enough for hugs but sturdy enough to handle all the love (and potential messes) they’ll endure.

 

In this post, we’ll explore the best fibers and yarns for knitted toys, ensuring your creations are adorable, durable, and oh-so-huggable. Let’s get started!

 

Quick Note: In case you are brand new here, this blog post is part of our ''Choosing the Best Fiber Type for Your Project'' series! In this series, I am breaking down everything you need to know about yarn fibers and choosing the best yarn fibers for your projects. To see the previous post in this series, check out blog post 5 called ‘’Top It Off: Choosing the best Yarn for Hats and Accessories’’!

What Makes a Great Yarn for Plush Toys?

Knitting plush toys comes with its own set of challenges. Here are the key characteristics to look for in yarn:

1:

Softness: Plush toys are meant for snuggling, so you’ll want yarn that feels gentle against the skin, especially for babies and young children

2:

Durability: Toys take a beating—think endless hugs, tugs, and the occasional trip through the washing machine. Your yarn needs to hold up under pressure.

3:

Stitch Definition: For detailed patterns and intricate shapes, a yarn that shows off your stitches will make your toy stand out.

4:

Washability: Let’s face it—plush toys will get dirty. Machine-washable yarn is a huge plus, especially for kid-friendly creations.

The Best Fibers for Knitted Plush Toys

Now that we know what to look for, let’s dive into the best yarns for toys:

1. Cotton

Cotton is a go-to for toy knitting because of its durability and smooth texture. It holds its shape well, making it ideal for structured toys like amigurumi. Plus, it’s machine-washable!

 

Pros: Sturdy, easy to care for, and great for crisp stitch definition.

 

Cons: Lacks elasticity, so stuffing might show through if the fabric stretches too much.

 

Best for: Amigurumi, dolls, and toys with lots of shaping.

2. Acrylic

Acrylic is a budget-friendly, versatile option that’s soft, lightweight, and easy to wash. It’s also hypoallergenic, which makes it a great choice for toys meant for little ones.

 

Pros: Affordable, machine-washable, and widely available.

 

Cons: Can feel less breathable than natural fibers.

 

Best for: Cuddly toys, large stuffed animals, and beginner projects.

3. Wool

Wool offers excellent stitch definition and a bit of natural elasticity, which makes it great for creating toys with flexible shapes. However, it’s not as easy to care for unless it’s a superwash variety.

 

Pros: Elastic, warm, and holds shapes beautifully.

 

Cons: Non-superwash wool requires gentle handwashing and may felt over time.

 

Best for: Toys with cables, intricate textures, or heirloom-quality projects.

4. Blends (Cotton/Acrylic, Wool/Nylon)

Blended yarns combine the best properties of multiple fibers. For example, a cotton-acrylic blend adds softness to cotton’s structure, while a wool-nylon blend improves durability.

 

Pros: Balanced properties, like softness, strength, and easy care.

 

Cons: May vary in feel depending on the blend ratio.
 

Best for: Versatile toys that need to be both sturdy and soft.

Yarn Weight for Plush Toys

The weight of your yarn will determine the size and texture of your toy. Here’s a quick guide to choosing the right weight:

Fingering Weight: Perfect for small, detailed toys like tiny animals or keychain-sized amigurumi.

DK or Sport Weight: A versatile choice for medium-sized toys, offering a nice balance between detail and cuddly softness.

Worsted Weight: Ideal for larger, snuggly plushies that kids will love to hug.

Bulky or Super Bulky Weight: Great for oversized toys or quick projects with a bold, chunky look.

Pro Tip: Adjust your needle size for tighter stitches to prevent stuffing from peeking through.

Textures and Color Choices for Toys

Let’s talk about texture and color—two elements that can really bring your plush toys to life!

Textures

Smooth Yarns: Show off intricate patterns and stitch details.

Fuzzy Yarns: Create soft, cuddly textures, perfect for animals like bunnies and bears. Look for brushed or mohair-blend yarns for a gentle halo effect.

Bouclé Yarns: Add a fun, textured look that mimics fur or fleece.

Colors

Bright, vibrant colors are great for playful toys.

Pastel shades are perfect for baby toys and soft, soothing designs.

Variegated or speckled yarns add visual interest without extra effort.

Choosing the Right Yarn for Different Types of Toys

1. Amigurumi

Amigurumi, with its intricate shapes and small details, needs yarn that holds its structure well. Cotton or a cotton-acrylic blend is your best bet here.

 

Recommended Yarn: DK or sport-weight cotton, like Scheepjes Catona or Paintbox Cotton DK.

2. Cuddly Stuffed Animals

For plush toys meant for cuddling, prioritize softness and washability. Acrylic or a wool-acrylic blend works perfectly.
 

Recommended Yarn: Worsted-weight acrylic, like Red Heart Soft or Stylecraft Special DK.

3. Baby Toys

Baby toys require hypoallergenic, machine-washable yarns. Cotton or acrylic blends are ideal for these projects.

 

Recommended Yarn: Organic cotton or soft acrylic, like Lion Brand Baby Soft or Knit Picks Comfy.

Tips for Knitting Perfect Plush Toys

1:

Tight Stitches Are Key: Use smaller needles than recommended for your yarn to create a tight fabric that holds stuffing securely.

2:

Stuff Wisely: Use high-quality polyester fiberfill for a smooth, even shape. For weighted toys, add plastic pellets in a secure pouch.

3:

Secure Your Seams: Double-check that all seams are tight and sturdy to withstand playtime adventures.

4:

Use Safety Eyes with Care: For toys meant for small children, consider embroidered eyes instead of safety eyes to avoid choking hazards.

Caring for Knitted Plush Toys

Toys need to be durable and easy to clean, especially if they’re destined for kids. Here’s how to keep them looking their best:

Machine-Washable Yarns: Toss them in a mesh bag and wash on a gentle cycle. Air-dry to prevent stretching.

Handwash-Only Yarns: Soak in lukewarm water with a gentle detergent, then reshape and let dry flat.

Spot Cleaning: For minor stains, a damp cloth and mild soap usually do the trick.

Conclusion: Bring Your Toys to Life with the Right Yarn

Knitting plush toys is all about bringing joy to the people (or pets!) you love. With the right yarn, your creations will be as soft, sturdy, and snuggle-worthy as you imagined. Whether you’re crafting a colorful amigurumi or a classic teddy bear, choosing the perfect fiber will take your project to the next level.

 

Now, grab your needles, pick out some adorable yarn, and let your imagination run wild. Your next toy masterpiece is just a few stitches away!

 

You don't want to miss our next post in our ''Choosing the Best Fiber Type for Your Project'' series! To stay up to date on this series and all the fun things happening at Southern Skeins, make sure you follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube! 

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Hi, I'm Jenna!

I am owner and dyer behind Southern Skeins and a lifelong creative with a passion for helping others bring their visions to life. Through every endeavor, my goal is to make the creative process easier, more enjoyable, more productive, and more successful for everyone!
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